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Terrier breeds: Border Terrier
Origin
In 1880, the first written record of this breed appeared. It described the terriers of Northumberland and Westmorland. The Border Terrier was commonly known as both the Reedwater Terrier and the Coquetdale Terrier. These dogs were created to fill the need of dogs who could keep up with horses but were still small enough to go to ground after a fox.
General description
Height: 11-15 inches
Weight: males, 13-15.5 pounds; females, 11.5-14 pounds. However, many border terriers weigh more than the standard.
Color: Red, grizzle and tan, blue and tan, or wheaten.
Grooming requirements
This dog has a coarse coat, and if maintained weekly, the coat will not become matted. Most find it easier to have these dogs professionally groomed every 6-8 weeks, rather than giving them the haircut they require at home. This breed is hand-stripped if it is to be shown to maintain the coarseness of the coat. If you intend to strip your Border Terrier, this should be done daily. The stripping of a dog requires that the hair be pulled out with the stripping knife. If this is done all at once the skin will become inflamed and irritated. If the dog is not to be shown, clippers can also provide the same look for the dog.
Health considerations
This breed occasionally has fibrous tumors and eye problems, and about 10 percent reportedly have problems with seizures or skin disorders (usually allergy-related).
Breed characteristics and personality
This dog has lots of energy and needs a lot of exercise. If you can give this little dog the exercise he needs, he will be a loyal, perky, lovable companion. This dog can be trained to perform tricks due to his intelligence and love for working.
Uses
They have been used in fox, badger, rabbit, and otter hunting, but now they make excellent companion dogs.
Web links
AKC Border Terrier page
Border Terrier Homepage
Finding the right Border Terrier
Border Terriers
Midland Border Terrier Club UK.
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