Origin

Before the mid-19th century, the working terriers in the north of England were so intermingled that it is impossible to trace a particular breed further back. The birthplace of the Border Terrier is believed to be the Northumberland valley of Coquetdale and at one time the breed was known as the Coquetdale Terrier. With livestock being subjected to the attacks of hill foxes, farmers and shepherds needed a game terrier that could follow a horse yet be small enough to go to ground after the fox. Selective breeding for the necessary qualities led to the development of the Border Terrier, which worked with packs of Border Foxhounds in the hunt and may have taken its name from this association. The hallmark of the breed is the head and expression that bears a strong resemblance to an otter.

Temperament

The Border Terrier is good-tempered, affectionate, obedient and easily trained, and is at home with his family. In the field, he’s game, hard as nails and driving in attack on vermin.

Activity Level

The breed is noted for being active and agile. His body posture is ‘at the alert’ and he displays determination and fearlessness. While the Border Terrier can adapt well to city or country living, he needs a daily walk to keep him physically and mentally strong.

Height/Weight

Appropriate weights for the Border Terrier range from 11.5-15.5 lb (5-7 kg).

Coat

The breed sports a very wiry and somewhat broken outer coat that lies close to the body. Beneath that is a short and dense undercoat.

Colour

Border Terriers may be red, grizzle-and-tan, blue-and-tan or wheaten in colour.

Grooming

Although it is sometimes possible to keep a Border Terrier’s coat tidy with frequent raking and combing, it is far more common for them to be stripped at least twice a year and new owners should be prepared for this.

Stripping is the removal of the long dead hairs either with finger and thumb or by use of a stripping knife (never clipping).

This is not painful for the dog as only the dead hairs are removed. These would have been shed naturally hunting in the brush and rocks of his homeland but today’s Border needs a little help to achieve the same rugged but distinctive appearance.

A dog being exhibited in conformation may require more detailed grooming.

Canadian Kennel Club Breed Standard