Border Terriers?

sillysally

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#1
I'd love to know more about these little guys. A girl who frequents the training center Jack swims at has a pair of them and I am completely smitten.

Anyone have any experience with them/opinions of them?
 

Shai

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#2
There are a couple around me. They vary a lot...from pretty low key, minimal drive, not human-oriented all the way to enthusiastic speedsters with tons of toy and food drive.

What do you want to know?

They are also one of the cutest breeds on the face of the earth. Just saying.
 

Dekka

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#3
The breeder who breed Seren also has bt. They are super cute (cutest dog ever was a JRT bt cross that he had. It was an intended cross for hunting) but as has been said there is a lot of variation in the breed.

They tend to be a 'colder' terrier than a jack. But just as scrappy once turned on.
 

Aleron

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#4
They seem to be a pretty popular choice for people who want a terrier for sports (not that there are a ton of them but they certainly have their following with sports minded people). They have a good reputation for being very trainable for a terrier and yeah, not as "extreme" in the terrier traits. I've known a few and they have seemed pretty in line with that reputation.
 

Dekka

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#5
Though if you do want a working BT it is possible. There are VERY few though, which is likely why they are less extreme in general. They are one of the few terrier breeds where people seem to still work them (other than JRTs)
 

JacksonsMom

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#6
I looked into BT's and still have them as a potential future breed. I just loooveee them. I've only actually met, like, two in real life but still - I LOVE the scruffyness. <3

This is the kind of BT I would like:


From most of what I've read - they seem to be a bit less "terrier" than other terriers in general. Maybe less intense, not so much prone to DA. Laid back in the house but very active outside of it. Typically pretty good with children and not terribly wary of strangers.

Keep in mind, this is mostly what I've read, but it's why I've peaked an interest at them for sure.

I loooveee these BT's on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irG2FNcRvXo
 

Dekka

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#7
They shouldn't be 'less' terrier than a yorkie, westie, silky etc. They should still be a working dog. So think less than a JRT but more than your typical non working terrier.

That said the vast majority of BT I meet are in no way working dogs (just show lines, little instinct left, which is a shame).

For those who want the cute and size of terriers but want little in the way of 'bad' terrierness I would suggest Norfolk or Norwich terriers.

look at the cute!!


the ones with the prick ears are the Norwich


I have met quite a few of them having 'worked' their breed days. Super cute, spunky but with pretty much no DA at all. Also quite low key as a group.
 
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ravennr

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#8
I've always enjoyed every Border I've met. I also love the Norwich and Norfolk Terriers.

Both have always been on my 'potentials' list.
 

Aleron

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#9
FWIW There are pretty wide spread respiratory issues in Norwich Terriers. Most that I have personally known have had to have surgery due to this. i think at least one of the dogs ended up having to have multiple surgeries. I don't know enough about the breed to tell you more specifics about it, just that I've been told by someone very involved in the breed that it is very common in them. Not a reaosn not to get one but a head's up, that even well bred puppies may need to have a fairly pricey surgery to deal with respiratory issues.

"Many of us are very concerned about the number of Norwich Terriers with abnormalities involving the upper airway. Although only a portion of Norwich Terriers have clinical signs of noisy breathing, many show signs of difficulty breathing or reduced stamina during activities such as agility, and a study in Switzerland showed that the vast majority of Norwich tested by upper airway scoping were affected to some extent. A variety of changes were seen including everted laryngeal saccules, elongated soft palates and other alterations to airway structure and integrity. " http://norwichterrierclub.org/health/larynx-study

It sounds like it's a concern for Norfolks too:

"Unfortunately, a large number of Norwich Terriers seem to be affected by some kind of respiratory problem. Breeders claim it is impossible to exclude all compromised dogs from breeding, or the Norwich Terrier could become extinct. It has become so common and such a concern that both the Norwich and Norfolk Terrier Clubs have assembled a committee to find out more about the condition and its causes and hopefully find a cure." http://jjackson.wrytestuff.com/swa524104.htm
 

sillysally

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#10
I was just kind of hoping to get a feel for the breed and what it was like. The two that I know compete in freestyle and agility--they seem drivey but the owner says they can be stubborn as well.

I would be interested in a drivey, fun, sturdy little dog with some terrier spunk but not too serious and DA. It would be a pet primarily that I could be active with, that could dabble in agility, rally, possibly freestyle.

I have read that it is a dog not to be trusted with small animals and I have birds, but honestly I don't trust any dog with a bird....
 

JacksonsMom

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#11
the ones with the prick ears are the Norwich
LOVE that Norwich!! Cuteness!

I would be interested in a drivey, fun, sturdy little dog with some terrier spunk but not too serious and DA. It would be a pet primarily that I could be active with, that could dabble in agility, rally, possibly freestyle.
Sounds like Jackson ;) No, it defintiely sounds like a BT would suit your needs.

Jackson has definitely got some terrier spunk, but he doesn't necessarily have that full out... attitude (I guess, is the right word?) that a lot of terriers may have. Silky's could be potentially something to look into as well, but then you are dealing with more grooming so not sure if you'd be interested in that. I know BT's need to be hand stripped though, but I don't think as often as a Silky needs groomed. I will say since I keep Jackson short, he's super easy maintenance. I don't really even ever brush him, LOL. Not hat I officially know if he's a Silky or a Yorkie, but he fits almost every description I've read of them for the most part (no DA, though). I've been in touch with a few Silky breeders who feel he is, and I've really fallen in love with the breed.

The Silky Terrier, or "Silky," is an energetic, curious, happy, busy, self-assured and loving dog who bonds every strongly with his owner and family. He loves attention and craves your companionship, and he wants to go everywhere and do everything with you. He is not a dog you can leave alone, either inside or outside the house. When bored or ignored he becomes mischievous, and especially loves to dig up your yard! He is a spunky, high-energy dog who is affectionate but doesn't necessarily like to cuddle or be fussed over. He prefers to romp and play with you, and loves ball games and chances to run and play outdoors. He has a great deal of stamina, and needs brisk, daily walks. When outside, he should always be leashed or in a safely fenced area, as he has very strong chase instincts and will run away after small animals. He makes an excellent watchdog because he is alert, suspicious, and intensely protective of his family and territory, and has a very keen sense of hearing. He will warn you with loud, high-pitched barks when he hears or sees something unusual. He can bark too much--in fact he loves to bark!--and must be trained not to do this. He will be barky and standoffish with strangers at first, then after a short while grow comfortable with them. He loves to go out into the world and makes a very good traveling companion. He is easy to train and a quick learner, although he may occasionally be obstinate, and doesn't always obey you. He can be difficult to housebreak. He needs firm and patient training with lots of love, praise and rewards. He is not good with small pets; he is much better at catching rodents than living with them! He can live with a cat if he is raised with it as a puppy. He gets along well with older, well-behaved children, but may not do well with those who are too young and rough with him. He basically doesn't shed, and so would be a good pet if you are a clean-freak.
http://www.silkyterrierclubofamerica.org/performance.htm

Here's a BT description I found too:
The Border Terrier is fearless, lively, affectionate, good-tempered and obedient. He's active without constantly demanding your attention. He can be laid back in the house, then wonderfully energetic outside. He's cheerful and friendly and loves to play. He's very sociable with strangers, and excellent with children as long as they are respectful to him. He doesn't mind being left alone, but he also needs plenty of hugs and cuddles from his family. He is a strong dog with a lot of energy and stamina. He loves vigorous, outdoor activities like hiking and biking. He should be kept firmly on his leash when outdoors, because he likes to chase small animals. He doesn't do well with small pets in the house, although he should be fine with a cat if he's raised with it, and he gets along well with friendly dogs. While generally not yappy, he is very alert and makes a good watchdog. He's sensitive to new sights and sounds: he will bark to let you know whenever something new is happening outside the house. If you have a yard, you might need a fence with a reinforced bottom, because he likes to dig holes! He can be independent and strong-willed, but he is also easy to train, adaptable to your needs, and eager to please. He is a very low shedder, and would make a good pet if you like your home on the neat-and-tidy side.
 

Dekka

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#12
Don't go too much on breed descriptions though. They are far too vauge. I know plenty of DR BTs. Its like judging good GSDs by meeting all the show line ones. Most BTs are show lines.

If you go show line JRT you also get very little DA. Its part and parcel of working drive (though BTs are less edgy, but from what I hear they go for the kill, with the prey. Where as a JRT is supposed to be a bay dog a BT is supposed to also do the kill)
 

HayleyMarie

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#13
I would maybe suggest speaking to some show breeders about their dogs and some working breeders than maybe you will get a feel for both lines of dogs. Gives you a better idea of what you would be getting into.

They are super cute, I love their little square heads. And the scruff <3
 

CaliTerp07

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#14
For those who want the cute and size of terriers but want little in the way of 'bad' terrierness I would suggest Norfolk or Norwich terriers.
I do agility with a pair of norfolks. Yappy scrappy little dogs--but oh my gosh, so cute and bunny like when they run!
 

Pops2

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#15
Don't go too much on breed descriptions though. They are far too vauge. I know plenty of DR BTs. Its like judging good GSDs by meeting all the show line ones. Most BTs are show lines.

If you go show line JRT you also get very little DA. Its part and parcel of working drive (though BTs are less edgy, but from what I hear they go for the kill, with the prey. Where as a JRT is supposed to be a bay dog a BT is supposed to also do the kill)
according to some Limey diggers i talk w/ all colored terriers are bred to be killers & all white terriers are bred to be bolters. obviuosly this is a generalization about breeds so there are plenty of JRTs that are killers.
 

Pops2

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#16
I would maybe suggest speaking to some show breeders about their dogs and some working breeders than maybe you will get a feel for both lines of dogs. Gives you a better idea of what you would be getting into.

They are super cute, I love their little square heads. And the scruff <3
as far as i know, in the USA, there is only one genuine working border breeder. he uses them on coon mostly & also breeds pat/fells. he is in TN. his stock is not AKC registered.
 

showpug

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#17
I haven't been back to this forum in ages!! But, I was lurking (due to boredom) and thought I would comment.

I own a 2 year old BT. Have been obsessed with the breed for years prior and reluctant to move forward due to not really wanting a super active, drivey terrier in the house. After much research and talking/meeting with breeders, we finally decided to take the plunge. Boy am I glad we did!!

Our BT is from a show breeder. Sire was a top, nationally ranked champion and the number 1 BT in the USA while being campaigned. She is also linebred. The reason I say this is to let you know that this breed ranges in temperament and activity level. Your best bet is to look at the temperament and activity level of the PARENTS rather than focusing on if the dog comes from show or working lines. My girl is from show lines. She can sleep the day away with the best of dogs, is super gentle with my children, kind and affectionate to the point of being a velcro dog and beyond easy to live with in the house. But, I will make it known that she has superb DRIVE and INSTINCT when on the chase. She is loud (only on the chase) and fast and has more endurance than any other dog I have ever seen. Don't be fooled to think show lines mean a "dumb" dog with no more instict left. This dog knows what she's doing the second she starts and is efficient in covering ground. In the house she collects dust. This makes her the ideal terrier in my book. She is not dog aggressive/reactive and has never met a lap she doesn't want to be on.

In my opinion, this is one of the best breeds there is and it's rather undiscovered which is also a huge plus IMO.
 

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