Border Terrier - The Verminator

This small, wiry coated terrier was bred to be a one top-notch fox hunter!

With it's all-weather rough coat, short whiskers and narrow body, this handsome little fella is every bit the burrower and hunter but unlike other terriers, the Border was specifically bred to run and hunt alongside fox hounds. With it's long legs it could easily keep up with both horses and hounds but it could also do what they couldn't, it was small enough to crawl down a fox's burrow and flush it out. In fact any creature that burrowed stood little chance against this determined dog.

Here's some insights into this hardy terrier ...

Image source

They originating from the Cheviot Hills that form part of the border between England and Scotland. These hilly areas were home to powerful hill foxes so farmers and shepherds needed a strong, tireless dog to help control their population. This plucky little dog could withstand the harsh weather and with a stamina second to none, could happily run up and down hills all day long.
At one point this resiliant little dog was a permanent fixture in almost every farmer's home in the border region and has been used as a hunt terrier since the 1800's. Check out grand hunt paintings, you'll find many a Border illustrated by the feet of their master.
Sharing an ancestry with both the Dandie Dinmont and the Bedlington Terrier, not only is this probably the oldest terrier in Britain but now has become one of our most popular dog breeds, 8th in popularity in the UK.
While most terriers prefer to hunt alone, the Border Terrier was selectively bred to be less aggressive and be able to hunt with packs. As a result this is an atypical terrier, more obedient, affectionate and easier to train than other terriers.
First recognised as a breed by the British Kennel Club in 1920 and soon followed by the American Kennel Club in 1930, it's popularity as a companion pet spread across the world.

Image source

They have won the American Kennel Club "Earthdog" trials more than any other terrier breed. These tests are artificial exercises in which terriers enter wide wooden tunnels buried underground with twists and turns in order to locate caged rats safely housed behind bars. Basically think underground agility courses developed to celebrate/develop the instinctive traits these dogs have been bred with. Their agility and determination is second to none that's why they always win so many titles.
This delightful chap is super friendly and a devoted family pet, great with children and happy to co-habit with other dogs. They can get along well with cats especially if introduced at puppy stage but definitely not small animals such as rabbits or hamsters - they'll always be seen as prey.
Although they can be strong willed and a little stubborn at times, they love to be part of a family and are eager to please and highly trainable while still retaining their ability to think independently.
Used in the past as a guard dog, this may not be a very vocal dog but will definitely notify you if someone's at the door and are fearless in protecting their owner.
Clever, inquisitive and friendly, not only does this charmer make a wonderful family pet but if trained from an early age, it'll excel as a therapy dog.

Image source

Perfect for first time dog owners and low maintenance. Although having a garden is ideal, as long as he gets two walks a day, he's happy and adaptable to living in a flat.
Their thick coat comes in several different colours such as red, wheaten, blue and tan or grizzly and tan. They shed seasonally, that said they will need a weekly brush through and it's recommended you have their coats hand-stripped twice a year to remove dead hair. A fresh coat appears again in just 8 weeks or so.
They require few baths and don't have much of a 'doggy' smell about them.

All in all this is a dream of a dog to own, friendly, curious and lots of fun and if you fancy learning more about this adorable breed, check out the link below which leads to the Border Terrier Welfare website. There you'll find more Border information and better still, you might be tempted to re-home one of the most versatile, easy-going dogs ever.

Here

February 13, 2022
Border Terrier - The Verminator
By Roma Koisar
Image source

This small, wiry coated terrier was bred to be a one top-notch fox hunter!

With it's all-weather rough coat, short whiskers and narrow body, this handsome little fella is every bit the burrower and hunter but unlike other terriers, the Border was specifically bred to run and hunt alongside fox hounds. With it's long legs it could easily keep up with both horses and hounds but it could also do what they couldn't, it was small enough to crawl down a fox's burrow and flush it out. In fact any creature that burrowed stood little chance against this determined dog.

Here's some insights into this hardy terrier ...

Image source
- They originating from the Cheviot Hills that form part of the border between England and Scotland. These hilly areas were home to powerful hill foxes so farmers and shepherds needed a strong, tireless dog to help control their population. This plucky little dog could withstand the harsh weather and with a stamina second to none, could happily run up and down hills all day long.
- At one point this resiliant little dog was a permanent fixture in almost every farmer's home in the border region and has been used as a hunt terrier since the 1800's. Check out grand hunt paintings, you'll find many a Border illustrated by the feet of their master.
- Sharing an ancestry with both the Dandie Dinmont and the Bedlington Terrier, not only is this probably the oldest terrier in Britain but now has become one of our most popular dog breeds, 8th in popularity in the UK.
- While most terriers prefer to hunt alone, the Border Terrier was selectively bred to be less aggressive and be able to hunt with packs. As a result this is an atypical terrier, more obedient, affectionate and easier to train than other terriers.
- First recognised as a breed by the British Kennel Club in 1920 and soon followed by the American Kennel Club in 1930, it's popularity as a companion pet spread across the world.
Image source
- They have won the American Kennel Club "Earthdog" trials more than any other terrier breed. These tests are artificial exercises in which terriers enter wide wooden tunnels buried underground with twists and turns in order to locate caged rats safely housed behind bars. Basically think underground agility courses developed to celebrate/develop the instinctive traits these dogs have been bred with. Their agility and determination is second to none that's why they always win so many titles.
- This delightful chap is super friendly and a devoted family pet, great with children and happy to co-habit with other dogs. They can get along well with cats especially if introduced at puppy stage but definitely not small animals such as rabbits or hamsters - they'll always be seen as prey.
- Although they can be strong willed and a little stubborn at times, they love to be part of a family and are eager to please and highly trainable while still retaining their ability to think independently.
- Used in the past as a guard dog, this may not be a very vocal dog but will definitely notify you if someone's at the door and are fearless in protecting their owner.
- Clever, inquisitive and friendly, not only does this charmer make a wonderful family pet but if trained from an early age, it'll excel as a therapy dog.
Image source
- Perfect for first time dog owners and low maintenance. Although having a garden is ideal, as long as he gets two walks a day, he's happy and adaptable to living in a flat.
- Their thick coat comes in several different colours such as red, wheaten, blue and tan or grizzly and tan. They shed seasonally, that said they will need a weekly brush through and it's recommended you have their coats hand-stripped twice a year to remove dead hair. A fresh coat appears again in just 8 weeks or so.
- They require few baths and don't have much of a 'doggy' smell about them.
All in all this is a dream of a dog to own, friendly, curious and lots of fun and if you fancy learning more about this adorable breed, check out the link below which leads to the Border Terrier Welfare website. There you'll find more Border information and better still, you might be tempted to re-home one of the most versatile, easy-going dogs ever.

Here

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Border Terrier - The Verminator

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