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The Border Terrier
has its origins dating back to the early 1800's to the region between
Scotland and England and was bred to work on both sides of the border.
One would assume the name Border Terrier was purely geographic.
No one knows for sure.
Records of the early breed were sparse to almost non-existent. As
a working terrier, the early Border Terrier's value was based on
its ability to go after and bolt fox and be a source of vermin control
for the farmers of the region. Working was the flavor of the day,
record keeping and breed history was more of an after thought to
the farmers making a living in this rugged country.
Most breed historians describe the Border Terrier to be a sturdy
longer legged terrier capable of covering great distances and possessing
the ability to follow behind the pack hounds. Bringing up the rear
on a fox hunt requires desirable social attributes of a dog able
to get along with others. The Border Terrier ran behind and in close
proximity to the horses and hounds while some of the other terriers
rode in the farmer's saddlebag. Once the Border Terrier arrived
at the scene of a grounded fox it would be asked to "go to ground".
The Border without hesitation would promptly get to work and head
into the fox den and dispatch the fox, meaning to send off or kill.
Often, the Border would not leave the fox and they would have to
be dug out of the ground, sometimes taking days. The Border Terrier's
bark is distinctive so that they can be heard underground.
The Border also has many other well equipped features that make
them such an outstanding working terrier. They have a double coat,
a velvet soft under coat and a hard straight outer wire jacket that
protects them from the elements. They do not have seasonal shedding,
but their coat does die year round and can break off. Border Terriers
should be groomed by hand stripping.
Border Terriers also have very flexible spines as to get turned
around in tight spaces. They also have large teeth for such a small
dog. Border Terriers are described as "plucky" and "game." They
are often referred to as being a large dog in a small dog body.
Despite their reported easy to live with temperament they are also
known for their intense desire to suddenly bolt after something
that may interest them. Unfortunately, the number one killer of
Border Terriers is the automobile.
In the US today, the Border Terrier remains relatively uncommon
and is often mistaken for a terrier mix. Thanks to a tremendous
commitment by Border Terrier owners and breeders, this breed is
truly cared for and protected. Border Terriers are generally considered
a very healthy breed, however, on occasion they do have health problems
ranging from hip dysplasia, luxating patella's, eye, heart,
and thyroid problems. Proper genetic screening and careful breeding
continues to keep this breed among one of the healthiest.
If you think you might like to add a Border Terrier to your family,
please take the time to talk with a reputable breeder, visit a home
with a Border Terrier, and learn all you can.
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