Border Terriers

[purdyandi]

A couple weeks ago I went to a dog show and had the wonderful opportunity to meet these adorable little guys. I've since done a little research on them and found that their devotees call them 'the little brown dogs' and they want to keep them natural and "unpretentious" (my word, not their's). I have to say they are very, very cute.

Alright, so here's my question: Not long ago, I discovered, surprisingly to me, a Border Terrier mix (but heavy on the Border Terrier) at Animal Control. She's 4 years old and way under-socialized. They were kind enough to let me meet her twice, the second time being yesterday. While in the get acquainted room, she ran along the perimeter of the room and back to the door and a big bank of windows where she would stand on her hind legs, looking for a familiar face. She would come to me if I clapped my hands and called her over, but only for a brief moment and then off she went again.

So, I talked to one of the people there (you're wondering where the question is, aren't you?) and when I described her behavior, he said, "Oh, yeah, she's searching and once they start that it's really hard to stop the behavior. She's going to take a lot of work." Having never had a real terrier before, that was a very thought-provoking comment.

Anybody have any information about this 'searching' and maybe some general info about these little terriers? Poor little girl. I hope she finds someone who can help her and soon!

[Stewie'sSlave]

I haven't met a border terrier, but I love them! I hope to get one, one of these days. I'm interested to see what other people post

[Deerie me]

My friend has one called Horace. I'm not a terrier fan but he is the sweetest, cutest, friendliest little dog and holds his own with the family's Ridgeback and Labrador.

[purdyandi]

They seem like such great little dogs. Like you, Deerie me, I haven't really been a terrier type. I've always been a little wary of their feisty natures--not sure I'd be up to it. The guy at Animal Control said that they aren't particularly rare around those parts, which is kind of a sad thing to hear, really.

And, Horace! What an adorable name!

[GirlyGirl4Life95]

Border Terrier's are a fierce little dog i know in aus they come under the dangerous dog breed in regristration. But They can be trained and be a fabulous guard dog. Pick your temperment well

[lynners]

Don't put too much faith in dangerous dog legislation....it's usually a load of crap, where irresponsible owners weren't supervising or handling properly which led to a bite.

[purdyandi]

they come under the dangerous dog breed in regristration

Border terriers??

[purdyandi]

Ok, so I checked out a web site from a Australian animal welfare site and here's what it says about restricted breeds;

RESTRICTED BREEDS
Under the legislation, a “restricted breed dog” is defined as a breed whose importation into Australia is prohibited under the Commonwealth Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956. The dogs that this affects are:
Pit Bull Terrier Breeds
Dogo Argentino (Argentinian fighting dog);
Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian fighting dog);
Japanese Tosa;
Perro de Presa Canario
http://www.melbourne-petminders.com.au/ ... breeds.htm

According to this and other sites I checked, 'dangerous dogs' are not the same as "restricted". Any dog may be labeled dangerous depending on it's behavior, so, a Golden Retriever could be labeled a dangerous dog if it engaged in any of the listed behaviors.

[princelover]

If I am not mistaken, a Border Terrier and a Pit Bull Terrier are two different breeds. Pit Bulls have a bad reputation just about everywhere because of having been trained and used illegally for dog fighting. In some states in the US, you can have your homeowners insurance cancelled or be billed astronomical rates for owning a Pit Bull. Unfair and stupid legislation, to be sure, since Pitties *properly trained) are one of the sweetest dogs one could ever want. But then, I don't know of many newspaper headlines that show a good well trained, well behaved Pit Bull. The ones who have been mishandled are the ones who make the headlines and thus the legislation.

While I don't know much about Border Terriers, being a terrier group, they are quite active, energetic dogs. Here again, the fierce goes with the training. I guess I could probably train my Chiahuahua/terrier (I think) mix to be a 12 pound monster. He has teeth that looks like an alligator when he opens his mouth, so he looks quite ferocious. He would probably lick somebody to death in a heartbeat!

[b2608]

I have a border terrier and they are amazing little dogs....they are very willful and independant but love being with people. That little one at the animal shelter may just be looking around, as they are very intelligent and curious....but once she finds her home she will be devoted to her owner. They do need to be trained as they can be aggressive but are little, so generally very easy to manage...but training is recommended with this breed and a firm hand is also required, by that I mean, you have to be the 'pack leader'.

[purdyandi]

Oh, b2608, I am so happy to hear from you. I checked your profile and your little Alex is indeed a real cutie. Thank you for your information about this breed. I am intrigued by them.

[SAS1209]

HI there! While I have accessed this web site daily to look at the pics of puppies (much to the amusement of my husband), but I was compelled to register this AM in order to post a reply to your topic!

My parents have been breeding Border Terriers since before I was born 34 years ago, and my sisters and I had the privilage of growing up with more than a hundred adults and puppies. We have breed them, whelped and weened them, travelled with them, shown them, lived and loved them all of our lives. Borders are clever, inquisitive, energetic, loving, loyal little characters. Border Terriers were breed for hunting foxes and other vermin and would keep up with a horse while still being able to bolt off in chase of its catch. Hopefully that one line will give you an idea of the amount of focus, attention and energy that can be contained in that little body. Nowadays they are a more versitile dog. Some of our pups have gone on to be working dogs on farms, a large portion have become a new member of families with children and a few are more than happy being papmered as lap dogs. The one thing they have all had in common is that they are clever and LOVE people. I can imagine your description of the the dog "searching", looking for a familiar face, and it saddens me. We have fostered and adopted Borders in the past with less-then-stellar prior residences, and with love, encouragement and exercise/stimulation (they are terriers!) they have made remarkable turn-arounds and have gone on to great homes.

While I don't claim to be an expert on this breed, rather someone with a lot of experience with them, I have not heard of a restriction or identification as a "Dangerous breed" being applied to the Border Terrier in Canada, US or the UK (where they originate). In saying that they are a terrier and I believe that any dog has the potential to get very stressed or have a really bad day and should be treated with respect due to this.

I hope that this helps and if you are looking for more info on the breed please look up the Border Terrier Canada, Border Terrier Club of America, Border Terrier Club of Great Britian websites (or anything written about them by James Harriot for a personal touch). I have no affiliation or membership in these clubs/associations, just know they are a great resourse.

Good luck to the little girl you met. I'm sure that she will make a fabulous companion for some one!

[Deerie me]

Thanks for taking the time to register and post SAS and welcome to the forum.

[purdyandi]

Yes, thank you for posting, SAS!

I do keep hearing about how much they love people. I've also heard--from the breeder at the dog show-- that they're a little more mellow than maybe the average terrier because they had to cooperate with the foxhounds and the horses, etc. etc.

We were All Creatures Great and Small fanatics when it came out. I forgot that he wrote about Border Terriers! I should dig out my copy!

I'm so happy to read your very informative post. Makes me want to run over and snatch her up!

[Deerie me]

Makes me want to run over and snatch her up!

What's stopping you?