Border Terrier

The Border Terrier has a double coat composed of a short and dense undercoat and a wiry topcoat. His coat fits closely to the body, like a jacket, and comes in a few colors, including red, grizzle and tan, blue and tan, and wheaten.

To keep his coat healthy, simply brush or comb him weekly. Even in the show ring, he only needs a little tidying of his head, neck, and feet, although most breeders “strip” the coat — pluck out dead hair by hand — for a less scruffy look.

The rest is routine care: Trim his nails every few weeks, and brush his teeth for good overall health and fresh breath.

Borders are active dogs and need plenty of exercises daily. A brisk half-hour walk or play session with his owner and a ball or flying disc should be enough to keep a Border healthy and happy.

Because of their instinct to chase small animals, a Border Terrier must always be walked on a leash, and play sessions must take place inside a fenced-in yard or another secure area. Terriers are diggers, so ideally any backyard fencing will extend underground for at least 18 inches.

BTs enjoy participating intracking,lure coursing,agility, as well as canine sports such as flyball.

Border Terriers can eat a raw/homemade diet or high-quality dog food. Make sure that whatever food you go with, it contains high-quality ingredients such as meat, rice and vegetables, as well as vitamin and mineral supplements.

The Border Terrier is generally a healthy breed, and aresponsible breederwill screen breeding stock for health conditions such aship dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, juvenile cataracts, seizures, heart problems, and allergies.

Some Borders seem less tolerant of hot weather, so outdoor exercise should be kept to a minimum when the temperature gets above 85 degrees F.

Earlysocializationand puppy training classes are a must for Border Terriers.

A Border was bred to think for himself, which can be both his most endearing and most frustrating quality. Told to stay, he will oblige for what he considers enough time, then slip off about his own business.

Confronted, he will act sorry, since he really likes to please. Punish him harshly, and you will break his spirit. If you want a dog that is unfailingly obedient, don’t get a Border Terrier.

Remember that Borders cannot resist a chase and should only be off leash in securely fenced areas.