Border Terrier Characteristics: The plucky and responsive Border Terrier is a breed of small dog classified as a member of the Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1930). The Border Terrier, is characterized by its agile appearance with a otter-like head and keen expression. Other characteristics include dark, alert eyes; small, v-shaped ears; a narrow, deep, muscular body and a straight, rhythmical gait. The temperament of the Border Terrier can be described as Fearless, Affectionate, Obedient. The coat type of the Border Terrier is described as short, wiry coat in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Border Terrier demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog and Hunting Dog and is known by its nick name the "Head of an Otter". The origin of the Border Terrier dog breed was in United Kingdom where it was developed in the 18th Century. Fast Facts about the Border Terrier: The following facts provide fast information about the Border Terrier breed. Size: Small *** Breed Group: Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1930) *** Nick name: "Head of an Otter" *** Origin: United Kingdom *** Male Height: 13 - 16 inches (33 - 41 cm) *** Female Height: 11 - 14 inches (28 - 36 cm) *** Male Weight: 13 - 16 pounds (6 - 7 kg) *** Female Weight: 11 - 14 pounds (5 - 6 kg) *** Coat Type: short, wiry coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 2-8 puppies *** Health Problems: Patellar Luxation, Hip Dysplasia *** Lifespan: 12-15 years *** Hypoallergenic: Yes Other names for the Border Terrier: The Border Terrier is known by the nickname of the "Head of an Otter". Other names for this breed of dog include the Reedwater Terrier, Coquetdale Terrier and Fox hunter. Border Terrier Breed Group and Dog Type - Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1930): The Border Terrier is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1930). Origin of the name: The dog is named after the place it was originally bred in the border lands between Scotland and England. The origin of the word 'terrier' is derived from the Latin word 'terra' meaning "earth" as so many of the terrier breeds were originally bred and trained as hunting dogs to pursue their prey, such as the fox, rats and mice. Border Terrier History and Origin: The country of origin of the hardy Border Terrier breed was in United Kingdom during the 1700's. Its place of origin was in the rugged Cheviot Hills located on Anglo-Scottish border between Northumberland and the Scottish Borders. The Border Terrier is one of the oldest breeds of terriers and was used as a general farm dog and for hunting vermin and foxes. The Border Terrier breed is known for its distinctive otter-like head, its stamina and endurance. The Border Terrier was initially bred as multi-tasking farm dog but became widely used for hunting. The energetic Border Terrier was bred for speed as well as endurance and and the ability to keep up with horses during fox hunts. The versatile Border Terrier but small enough to squeeze into fox holes and the bolt holes used by rats. Border Terrier Modern History: The modern history of the Border Terrier moved on and the breed is now used as a as a therapy dog, provide comfort and affection to people suffering stress following disasters and in hospitals, hospices and retirement homes family pet and companion. The Border Terrier was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1930. The most famous Border Terriers are "May" and "Rusty" both owned by tennis player Andy Murray. These famous Border Terriers have their own Twitter accounts! Border Terrier Height: This breed is classified as a small sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 13 - 16 inches (33 - 41 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 11 - 14 inches (28 - 36 cm). Border Terrier Weight: The weight of this small sized dog, in a male dog is 13 - 16 pounds (6 - 7 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 11 - 14 pounds (5 - 6 kg). Border Terrier Coat Type - LOW shedding coat: The coat type is described as a short, wiry coat. The term "Wire" refers to coarse hair. Border Terrier Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of Red, Wheaten, Blue & Tan, Grizzle & Tan. N.B. The term "Red" refers to reddish shades of orange, brown, and tan colors. The term 'Wheaten' refers to the color of wheat, especially a pale yellow-brown color. The word 'Grizzle' refers to gray or partly gray colored hair. The word "Blue" is used to describe a cool-toned, metallic gray color. Border Terrier Grooming - MODERATE Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Border Terrier is not extensive and therefore categorized as Moderate in order to maintain a healthy coat, reducing the risk of skin infections. The modest grooming needs of the Border Terrier is considered to be mid-maintenance requiring weekly brushing and combing. Dog Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the teeth, eyes, nails and ears. Border Terrier Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 2-8 puppies. Border Terrier puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Border Terrier puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Border Terrier Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Plucky, Fearless, Affectionate, Obedient and Responsive. Border Terrier Exercise Requirements - LOW Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is low. The Border Terrier requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately 30 minutes to one hour every day. This small, active dog has a straight, rhythmical gait with small strides and only requires a fairly slow speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. Remember that it would take a lot of extra steps by your dog to keep up with your normal walking pace. Border Terrier Diet: Fully grown Border Terriers should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Border Terrier Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Border Terrier breed include Patellar Luxation, Hip Dysplasia . Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Border Terrier dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: Yes (Refer to Hypoallergenic Dogs). Border Terrier Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Border Terrier breed is 12-15 years. Border Terrier Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Border Terrier breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Border Terrier names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Jock *** Buddy *** Jake *** Doodle *** Shorty *** Chico *** Bonsai *** Pipsqueak *** Laptop *** Little Boy *** Midget *** Mite. Border Terrier Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female names for Border Terriers are Flora *** Lovedy *** Annie *** Babydoll *** Bambi *** Bonnie *** Misty *** Duchess *** Vicki *** Rina *** Kissy. Fast Facts about the Border Terrier: The following facts provide fast information about the Border Terriers breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Terriers Dog Group (AKC:1930) *** Size: Small *** Country of Origin: United Kingdom *** History / Date: 18th Century *** Male Border Terriers Height: 13 - 16 inches (33 - 41 cm) *** Male Border Terriers Weight: 13 - 16 pounds (6 - 7 kg) *** Coat Type: short, wiry coat *** Litter Size: 2-8 puppies *** Border Terriers Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Border Terriers Lifespan: 12-15 years *** | 