Border Terriers...

I'm interested in the breed. How are they in home life? Sporting? Dog interactions? How hard are they to groom? Noisy?

I've not dealt with the breed a lot so I'm just curious, they're adorable little dogs.

I have known a few, nice dogs. Seen the same issues as a lot of dogs (reactively etc) but when raised and trained by educated people or folks willing to invest in them, they can be really nice dogs.
A friend of mine imported some working BT's from Ireland (made two trips over to go hunting and came home both times with dogs/pups). Not as edgy as the jrts and nice working dogs, but these working bred BT's did not look like what we see over here. They were a smaller, tidier, smaller chested dog. Been out hunting a few times with them, really didn't see much difference than the Jrts in working style or drives.

We have one at work, he's from a breeder who does earth dog, hunting, general farm ratting, and confo with her dogs. I LOVE him, his name is Finch and he rules. He took my basic OB class and comes to daycare. He's very enthusiastic and food driven, and his owner said he'll play ball for hours.

He's young but so far very dog social. Tends to play very rough and likes to grip and shake. All terrier, lol.

I'd take one of him in a heartbeat.

Thank you both!

Ado, do you by chance have photos at all of the imports? I am interested in the build difference. I am also interested in the bit less edgy side, jacks do play back and forth for me a lot but I'm just never sure I'll find the right one for my goals.

I'd love to know where that pup is from, Emily, he sounds fantastically well rounded.

I'm toying with the ideal for the future. I really miss having a small dog around, it's been about 5 years since I left my rat terrier with my parents, and while I have toyed with the idea of another deckers I am also intrigued by a few others, particularly with the smaller and scruffier looks in mind but the temperament must match.

I am heavily debating on adding a BT as my next dog. I've spoken to a few breeders, and really like what I hear and see. I have one in particular I really like. I like the looks of her dogs, and from what she has described their temperament. I've seen on her FB page photos of all the siblings that get together once a year and there will be like 20-30 BT's all in one place having a blast and getting along. They were bred to work with other dogs, so for the most part, from my research, DA isn't as big of a possibility. From my understanding, they are a lot less "terrier" than a lot of terriers, but still have the qualities that make them terrier enough if that makes sense. They are still often used as working dogs over in Europe. They are pretty attentive to their people and most I see have been capable of being off leash and working around other dogs. You don't seem to see the dog aggression issues like in other terriers. I have yet to have a breeder advise me of not getting a male (while having another male) like much of the other terrier breeds did.

What I love about them is their structurally a bit different than most other terriers. Much leggier and seem to excel in agility and sports. Also have heard they're not quite as 'on' in terms of prey drive as, say, a JRT. But pretty easy dogs to work with and train. Also, known as better "family" dogs with children and such.

I love this dog, doing some agility, rocking it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLutBPSH8Qo&list=FLiY0ZN2J9nJy0e5dC5PD9qA&index=2&feature=plpp_video

And my favorite youtube dogs, Mira and Rut:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irG2FNcRvXo

I am still learning a lot. But this is what I have gathered so far.

My favorites are the blue & tans colorwise, and I also have a kind of 'face' that I prefer. I've found they seem to be minimally different. But as an example, I loooovee the looks of these dogs:







And, like here, aesthically speaking I like the looks of the far one on the left, and the 3rd one in,

Their little faces are to die for. I really want a dog that has a lesser DA propensity, which sounds like it fits..

This is great intel, thanks guys!

I'll ask for you, he comes to daycare all the time. I seriously love him more than is healthy. He gives the funniest kisses and will nibble on your ears - it feels like making out with a guy with a beard. LOL

I know two.

Both are dog and people (and cat) friendly. One is a bit older, and fairly mellow, not "drivey" at all, but still energetic...could definitely be a dog sport dog but is also definitely not going to be any big champion.

The other is a very, very, very intelligent, very energetic, very drivey little dog without being over the top. She'll rest calmly inside if she's gotten enough exercise. She's VERY biddable, very trainable, quick, and to be honest, I'm WAY jealous of her owner. She is, IMO - the perfect dog.

She also might be slightly mixed, she was a rescue, and is a tad bit smaller/finer boned than most Borders I see, plus has sort of wonky ears (and a snaggle-tooth and a scrappy little mohawk on her head). Because of her personality/build I believe she has some JRT in her, but who knows.

There's one that comes to the obed. drop in nights I go to, and I love him. He seems like an enthusiastic worker, and he's cuter than should be allowed.

I keep telling my boyfriend he needs to look into them.

My "Airedale" friend has one. I think he used to think he was an Airedale, until she got a little mixed breed rescue. Now those two little dogs spend all day crittering in the wood pile for mice. Her dogs are strictly pets. The only training they get is enough to get them into the vet's office on a leash. But the BT puppy came from a local breeder who does the earth tunnel stuff with his dogs. I always get on her case for never stripping the dogs coat. Nice little dog. I heard it was highly recommended as a family pet.

Gah, this isn't helping... or it is... lol

Their faces are too die for and they sound like they may be a great fit for what I am looking for which is basically a fantastic little pet with low DA and high cuddle-ability and ease of travel who can but doesn't have to dapple in sports to offset the fast and the furious here.

The people I know who have them really love them. We see a lot of them in agility. I know a good breeder, if you decide you want one (she'd know where to look, even if she doesn't have a breeding herself, which I'm not sure about)

I know a Belgian person who has them. It's a small breed that I'd definitely consider. Super cute, smart, trainable and from everything I've heard not as prone to serious dog to dog issues as many other terriers. And sturdy enough to live with wild big dogs! Had a pet one in class awhile back and OMG was she cute!

They are sooo cute! Sounds like you need one! Or a whippet!

LOL I was on the list for a whippet before the move. I still love them but I'm not positive they're what I am seeking right now, they fit in closely but I think something a bit smaller, sturdier, and scruffier may be better suited.

Maybe down the road but they're on the back burner for now.

My experience with BTs pretty much fits everything that's been said here. There's a breeder near me who does agility and conformation and her dogs (both ones she owns and ones she places locally) seem to be nice, stable, drivey little things. And so freaking cute. I see a Border and I just d'awwwww...can't help it...so much cuteness...

Even James Herriot loved their scruffy little selves

You should so get a BT! I'm hoping that within a year, I'll be able. It would be neat to have two BT's on chaz. I am pretty sure we don't have any?

And that is a tragedy.

Sorry, I use to have a couple of pic from a few years ago out hunting but they were lost in a computer crash along with some nice pics of one of my girls working beside them. I can ask if he will share a pic, don't know if he will or not.

I researched Border Terriers as well. I'm pretty much decided that if I get a small dog, it will be a BT. I've met four throughout my dog jobs (so I got to know them well), and three at dog parks. I've loved every one I've met. They always seem to be quite dog social, and even if there is reactivity; it's not the same as it is for other terriers. They're biddable, fun to train, smart, active (but not hyper)... there's little not to love really. Plus they're utterly adorable.

Maybe after my next lab, but maybe my next dog. I strongly urge you (and JacksonsMom) to get one asap.