Border Terrier

Hypoallergenic: YesProne to Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome (CECS), also known as "Spike's Disease." This is a recently recognized canine health problem and hereditary canine disease in Border Terriers. It can sometimes get confused with canine epilepsy. It is also being considered to be a metabolic, neurological or muscle disorder.

Moderately Easy Training: The Border Terrier is a fairly quick learner and will excel in agility. However, the more you teach them, the more difficult it may become to teach new tricks. The Border Terrier is eager to please and will respond well to a loving but firm hand when training. It is necessary to exert yourself as a firm pack master from a young age to avoid Small Dog Syndrome.

The Border Terrier is of medium bone, slightly taller than long. Its long legs impart the speed, agility and endurance necessary to follow a horse over all sorts of terrain, whereas its fairly narrow body allows it to squeeze through narrow passages in pursuit of a fox. Its gait displays good length of stride. Its coat consists of a short, dense undercoat covered by a very wiry, straight, somewhat broken outer coat, which should conform to the body. Its hide is very thick and loose fitting, affording protection from the bites of its quarry. The border is known for its distinctive otter head, and its alert expression matches its alert demeanor.

One of the few terriers bred to run with the pack, the border is one of the most amiable and tractable of the group. It is inquisitive, busy, friendly and biddable. It does like to hunt and can be independent, ingredients that make for a dog that may tend to roam if given the chance. It is generally good with other dogs and cats, but not with rodents. It is very good with children and makes a good companion for people of all ages. It digs, and some bark. Some are talented escape artists.

It was in the Cheviot Hills near the border of England and Scotland that the Border Terrier was first bred. The breed is possibly one of the oldest types of terriers in Great Britain. The farmers had problems with foxes killing their stock and the Border Terrier worked alongside them to drive the fox out of their dens and kill them. They were small enough to follow a fox into the ground but big enough to keep up with the horses. The dogs were often not fed by the farmers in hopes it would make their prey drive even higher and they had to hunt to survive. Along with fox they hunted otters, marten, the fierce badger, mice and rats. Today while the Border Terrier is mostly a companion dog, he can still serve as a fine farm dog, helping to control vermin. The Border Terrier was recognized by the British Kennel Club in 1920 and by the American Kennel Club in 1930. Some of the Border Terrier's talents include: hunting, tracking, watchdog, agility, competitive obedience and performing tricks.