Border Terrier Breeder

[Stewie'sSlave]

As you regulars already know, I'm interested in owning a Border Terrier in the future. I've been talking to a breeder that I may go to one day to get another baby Well we've been talking, and here's the conversation that we've been having so far.

ME

My name is Michelle Piper, And in a few years time I'm thinking of owning a Border Terrier as a companion and as a friend for my current dog. My dogs name is Stewie and he's a Chihuahua/Jack Russell Terrier mix. I'm located in Exeter, Ontario and I just want to learn more your Border Terriers.

Thanks,


Julie

Hi Michelle,

I currently have one male and one female Border. I am planning a litter this spring/summer, breeding my bitch, Spree, to a male in Florida. This will be my first litter and going forward I only have plans for about one litter a year. Spree is a Cdn/American Champion and she has passed all of the health clearances our Breed Club recommends (heart, eyes, hips and knees). Cody, my male, is neutered so I do not show him nor have I used him at stud. We've done agility and rally with him.

My husband and I treat our dogs very much as pets, they sleep in our bed and cuddle with us on the couch. I've been in the breed for 5 years and have owned 3 Borders in that time.

Can you tell me more about yourself - who lives in your house, what do you like about Borders and why do you want one? Are you familiar with their grooming requirements?

Julie


Me

Well I'm unemployed at the moment, but hoping to get a job shortly. I'm planning to save up for college, as I want to be a video editor. Then once I can (Hopefully in a few years) I'll have enough income to move out into a decent place with a fenced yard. Then once I'm stabled, I want to add another dog to my family. Currently I'm living with my parents, and I have a dog. His name is Stewie, almost a year old. and is a Chihuahua/Jack Russell Terrier mix. He loves other dogs, so I'm hoping to get him a friend in the future.

I want a Border Terrier because of their energy and temperament. I haven't met one in person, but I've done a lot of research, and they seem like great dogs! I love terriers because their just so amusing to watch. I have a niece (4) and 2 nephews (6) (5 months) and I see them a lot, and I've read that they get along great with children. I'm thinking of starting agility classes with Stewie once we move out to London where they have that available. or maybe fly ball. We're practicing Jumps right now. and if I get a border, he'll go to socialization classes, obedience, and maybe even agility.

With grooming you have to hand strip their coat due to the fact that they have a double coat. I think its about every 4-6 months you have to do it? And if you want a groomer to do it, you have to make sure their famillar with the breed. You can't use scissors because then that would ruin the coat.

I'd love to hear more about your borders! And what are your prices, pedigree... etc.


Julie

Hi Michelle,

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. It does sound like you've done a lot of research.

My puppy price is $1000. Spree was whelped in Michigan, out a bitch named Ristle Chewbarrka (Chewy) and a dog named Maustrappes Sunday Driver (Winston); I attached her pedigree. Her litter was a 'repeat breeding', because the first breeding produced such lovely pups, they decided to repeat it. Two of the dogs out of the first litter that they kept and showed, Morgan and Cubby, I thought were very lovely. So when I heard Spree, the pick bitch from the repeat litter was available, I jumped at the chance. It was a very good move for me, she has done very well in the show ring (winning our Border Terrier Club of Ontario Specialty last year) and has a nice temperament. She's passed all of her health tests with flying colours, scoring an "excellent" on her hip rating, the best you can get.

I think you will really like agility, we always enjoyed it a lot with Cody. We never competed in agility but we did do Rally, he got his Rally Novice title last year. It was actually pretty easy and in novice they're still on leash, so it's not as intimidating - no one wants to be chasing their loose dog through a crowded arena!

I also attached a pic for you, Cody is on the left, Spree is on the right.

Julie






This thread will grow while more developes

[RubyJeansMom]

Michelle, I'm getting so excited for you and Stewie. Even if it is a couple years down the road, you've done the research and will know where to go when you're ready for your new addition.
I just love those little faces...so cute!

[Stewie'sSlave]

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Michelle, it sounds like you have found a good breeder. She is very open and asks all the right questions. Her dogs are adorable. Obviously she was impressed with your research, and rightly so. You are very smart to plan ahead and make contacts, because even if you don't end up with one of Julie's pups, you have made a connection and she will certainly know other breeders she can recommend when the time is right.

[Stewie'sSlave]

I'm so excited lol. Even though its still a couple years away lol.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Michelle, I did exactly what you are doing right now when it came to finding a Cavalier. I spoke to several different breeders and even visited a kennel. I had no idea at the time that it would be 5 more years before everything was in place for me to have Oliver.

The work I put in ahead of time moved me to the "front of the line" with some breeders when the time was right, so I'm very pleased you are doing this now. Anything worth having is worth waiting for, as they say. Thank goodness you have Stewie, as I had Sally, to cuddle until the time is right for a new loved one.

[Stewie'sSlave]

[Stewie'sSlave]

Hi,

What are the qualifications for owning one of your pups? And how long do you typically keep the pups until their ready to leave?

Michelle,



Hi Michelle - I don't really have a set of qualifications per say, I just talk to people and get a feel for their lifestyle and what they expect out of a dog. Some people have the best intentions but a terrier won't fit with their lifestyle or what they're looking for.

I keep the puppies until they're 8-10 weeks old. They absolutely cannot go before 8 weeks, they learn far too much from their mother and siblings that they would be robbed of if they were to go early.

Julie

[lynners]

I find it interesting that she doesn't do a veterinary reference check...

[Stewie'sSlave]

I didn't notice that till now. hm

[Phyrie]

She hasn't asked Michelle to fill out an application yet. Perhaps those types of questions would be on the application?

They are still in the feeling out stage. The next step will be about size of yard, members of the family, vet care, breeding contracts, etc., I would think.

I don't know how I missed this thread! I know NOTHING about Border Terriers, but I know well-bred dogs when I see them, and I see them here.

[Deerie me]

Michelle, we now have a border terrier living in our village. The couple who live next door to our village hall have got a 6 month old (I think) puppy called Bonny. She is adorable. We were having a committee meeting in the village hall last week and Bonny came running in. She was so excited to see so many people to greet and went rushing from one person to the next until her owner came rushing in apologising profusely. It was a nice distraction from the meeting.

[Stewie'sSlave]

Michelle, we now have a border terrier living in our village. The couple who live next door to our village hall have got a 6 month old (I think) puppy called Bonny. She is adorable. We were having a committee meeting in the village hall last week and Bonny came running in. She was so excited to see so many people to greet and went rushing from one person to the next until her owner came rushing in apologising profusely. It was a nice distraction from the meeting.

lol thats funny tracy!

[Stewie'sSlave]

Makes sense. I understand why they have to stay with their mom and sibling for 8-10 weeks. All puppies should.

Is there anyway I could be on your list for a future litter a couple years from now?

Michelle,


Hi Michelle - Yes I can put you on my list but I would like to meet you before placing a puppy, and your home would need to have a fenced yard, when you get to that point. At some point when you're in the Windsor area can you stop in for a visit?

One of the other things I usually go over with potential puppy owners is that borders are not hypoallergenic. There are a lot of rumours on the internet saying such but it just is not true.

Julie

[Steveymarie]

We have 2 Border Terriers, we got them from a breeder in AZ. They really are great dogs. We first got our girl, Toomuch, and then when she was about a year and a half we got our boy, Steve McQueen. Toomuch is very much more reserved, almost catlike. She does love people and other animals, just wants more alone time than Steve. Steve needs NO alone time, LOL. He's in constant motion, but when he's not, he's the most snuggly, cuddly guy you could imagine.

Our two get a long walk every day, at least two miles, and we also have a large, fenced yard.

My husband hand strips Stevey, but he did end up using clippers on Toomuch. She absolutely won't tolerate hand stripping, and her hair is naturally silkier and harder to strip, so... she is definitely still a Border in appearance, though. Since we don't do any showing, etc with our two we can be more casual with their grooming, a good thing for us, LOL

You will love your Border.