Border Terriers - TOP 10 Interesting Facts

1) Origin

It is believe, that Border Terriers are related to Dandie Dinmont and Bedlington Terriers. They were developed in the Cheviot Hills in Great Britain. Those hills form natural border between the England and Scotland. We are sure, that they were around at least since the 18th century.

2) Purpose

Border Terriers are hunters by heart. The farmers and shepherds back in the days needed a dog, that will be athletic enough to follow a horse, but also small enough to follow foxes under the ground. Border Terriers are extremely good for the fox hound in hard terrain. They are strong, tough, they have weather resistant coat and they are extremely hard working dogs.

3) Movie stars

Border Terriers are not only known as amazing hunters, but also as movie stars. If you want to watch some movies with the Border Terriers in it, you should try some of these: There’s Something About Mary, Anchorman, Return to Oz or It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

4) Owney

One Border Terrier, named Owney, became a mascot of US postal service. It was from the year 1888 until 1897. He loved to sleep on the mailbags and he traveled all over the country with them. Owney was featured on a commemorative stamp in 2011.

5) Independent and energetic

Border Terriers have tons of energy and mind of their own. That is why you should exercise them everyday, longer walks are ideal, but it is not recomended to let them offleash. They have strong prey drive and it might be very hard for them to not chase some smaller animals. The independent nature is similar to other terriers and hunting dogs and it is always a reason why they are not pushovers to train, even though, they are very intelligent dogs.

6) Escape artists

Because of their high energy and prey drive, Border Terriers have tendencies to run away, especially if they are left alone on a yard for long periods of time. They are known for digging under or climbing over the fence. That is why you should have good fence which is burried several inches bellow the ground, but more importantly, you should pay enough attention to your dog so he is not bored and so he does not have the tendencies to run away.

7) Chewing and digging

All the puppies love to chew, but most of them eventually grow up from this stage. Well, Border Terriers love to chew all their life. That is why you should always have prepared enough durable dog toys. But honestly, there is no such thing as border terrier proof toys. And then we have the digging. Well, you should not be surprised by that, because as you know, Border Terriers were bred to follow foxes under the ground, so its only natural for them to love digging.

8) Gentle companions

When the Border Terriers are around their family, they are happy natured, gentle and affectionate companions. They are also good dog friends for children, because they are pretty patient and gentle towards them either. They are great choice for active families.

9) Earthdog trials

Border Terriers are amazing in dog sports. You can try agility or flyball with them, but if you want your Border Terrier to experience the real thrill of hunt, than the Earthdog trials are the best dog sport to try. The Earthdog trials involve man-made tunnels that the dogs must navigate, while scenting a rat. And guess what? It is the Border Terrier who earned the most AKC Earthdog titles of all breeds.

10) Appearance

Border Terriers are not the largest dogs, but you can see on the first sight, that they are pretty strong and muscular. They are sometimes called as otter terriers, because of their distant similarity to otters. They have alert and determined expression in their eyes. You can find Border Terriers in wheaten, red, grizzle and tan or blue and tan color.