Border Terrier

by Amy Tokic

Published: February 11th, 2013

About Border Terrier

Weight

12-16 lb

Lifespan

13-15 years

Group

AKC Terrier

Best Suited For

Families with children, singles, seniors, apartments, houses with/without yards

Temperament

Calm, friendly, curious, independent

Comparable Breeds

Irish Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier

Height

13-16 inches

Border Terrier Basics

Cute and scruffy, the Border Terrier has made its way from the fields and farms into the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. This energetic breed is easy going, making it a great family pet. The smallest of the long-legged terriers, the Border Terrier is calm and friendly around the house but is also curious, independent and loves to dig. Some famous Border Terriers include Puffy from “There’s Something About Mary” and Baxter in “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.”

Always looking like it is interested in or up to something, the Border Terrier’s small black nose and intelligent looking eyes can sometimes get it into trouble. But for the most part, these dogs are simply too cute for its own good. Read on to find out more about this breed.

The smallest of the long-legged terriers, the Border Terrier is calm and friendly around the house but is also curious, independent and loves to dig.

Origin

In 18th century England and Scotland, the Border Terrier was bred to catch mice and rats in farmers’ barns. It didn’t take long to discover that these feisty little dogs could also flush out foxes and the breed could keep up with a running horse. As well, the Border Terrier had to often catch its own food in order to survive, which made it even more tenacious.

Pedigree

Border Terriers share ancestry with Dandie Dinmont Terriers and Bedlington Terriers.

The Border Terrier was recognized by the AKC in 1930.

Food / Diet

Border Terriers can eat a raw/homemade diet or a high-quality dog food. Make sure that whatever food you go with, it contains high-quality ingredients such as meat, rice and vegetables, as well as vitamin and mineral supplements.

This energetic breed is easy going, making it a great family pet.

Training

You’ll find that it is fairly easy to train the smart and able Border Terrier. An important note to remember is not to inadvertently teach this dog an unacceptable behavior, as Border Terriers have long memories. Once it is taught something is okay to do, it’s challenging to try to reverse the behavior. But on the positive side, if a Border Terrier is given love and attention for performing a command correctly, it will do it again and again.

One of these reasons you see a lot of Border Terriers on TV and in the movies is because of its willingness to learn. This breed seems to really take to obedience training. This also means that the Border Terrier can be trained to work with disabled people.

The Border Terrier likes to chew, reducing even the toughest of toys to piles of fluff with no effort. When training, set boundaries as to what is acceptable for chewing and what is not. It is a good idea to invest in chew toys that are geared toward safe, heavy duty chewing.

Thanks to the irresistible combination of lovable, affectionate, and easygoing, the Border Terrier fits into just about any family or living environment. With the right training, you’ll be able to mold a perfect, well-behaved dog.

Weight

Male Border Terriers weigh 13 to 16 pounds, while females weigh 12 to 15 pounds.

Temperament / Behavior

This dog may be small is size, but the Border Terrier’s personality is quite large. Boasting a high intellect and good disposition, the Border Terrier gets along with everyone, including other dogs and animals. In fact, many people choose to get more than one Border Terrier so that they can entertain each other. If you have smaller animals in the house, you must introduce your Border Terrier into the mix early so its hunting instincts don’t take over.

Children and Border Terriers get along great. Because there’s not an aggressive bone in this dog’s body, the Border Terrier will happily play with and entertain kids for hours. This dog could be the ideal babysitter! And even though it is lively, the Border Terrier is anything but overbearing.

When the day is done and it’s time to relax, your Border Terrier will be content to relax with you on the couch or floor. This breed is motivated by the love and attention of its family.

Common Health Problems

The Border Terrier is quite resilient. It can suffer from a few conditions, such as progressive retinal atrophy (an eye condition that will eventually lead to blindness) and hip dysplasia. But even if your dog suffers from these aliments, a Border Terrier will continue to live comfortably and happily.

On the more serious side, the Border Terrier can suffer from heart defects and canine epileptoid cramping syndrome (a disease that targets neurological and muscular systems and results in seizure like activity).

Be on the lookout for any health conditions, as Border Terriers have a high tolerance for discomfort and often don’t show symptoms until the condition progresses.

Life Expectancy

Border Terriers have a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years.

Exercise Requirements

Even a small dog like the Border Terrier needs exercise. An active breed, the Border Terrier likes to run, play fetch, and spend time with other dogs or its owners. To help cut down on chewing and digging, give your dog lots of toys to play with on its own, especially if you are leaving it for extended periods of time.

The park or yard gives your Border Terrier ample opportunity and pace to get its much-needed exercise. A daily walk is recommended, but not essential.

This dog may be small is size, but the Border Terrier’s personality is quite large.

AKC

The American Kennel Club says this about the breed: “Alert, active and agile, the Border Terrier is willing to squeeze through narrow holes and sprint across any terrain to capture his quarry: the fox. This persistence made him an excellent working terrier back in England, and allows him to succeed in Earthdog, Obedience and Agility trials today. Known for his “otter” head and game attitude, the Border is medium-sized with a wiry coat that may be red, grizzle and tan, blue and tan, or wheaten with a dark muzzle.”

Coat

The Border Terrier’s unique coat is varied – some dogs have two coats while others only have single ones. The dogs with double coats have a soft underside with the classic wiry, slightly uneven hair on top. Border Terriers with a single coat have wiry, rough hair. Usually, the hair is smooth across the dog’s body.

Border Terriers are great for people who may have allergies as it sheds little. Whether your dog has one coat or two, you should brush your dog’s coat twice a week.

Puppies

As puppies, Border Terriers will start out active with a mellowness that develops with time and maturity. As well, be sure to socialize your puppy or else it may become timid in public.

Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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Spring is finally upon us! For dog owners, spring is always a welcoming sight as it signals the start of longer walks in the park and more time in the garden. The backyard is usually a fun place for you and your pooch to play and run around. However, certain types of plants are dangerous to dogs and can make your backyard a safety hazard. Experts advise that some spring plants and flowers, both indoors and outdoors, can be harmful to your pooch and should be avoided at all costs. Some of these plants are known to cause upset stomachs, itching, vomiting, and, in severe cases, even cardiac arrest in dogs. Craig Wilson, co-founder, director, and gardening expert at Gardeners Dream, has listed the toxic flowers and plants you should keep from the home and garden if you have a dog. DaffodilsDid you know that daffodils, one of the most popular heralds of spring, are poisonous to both cats and dogs? These trumpet-shaped flowers contain a toxic compound called lycorine which causes stomach pain and diarrhea when ingested. Bulbs are the most toxic part of the daffodil plant, but dogs can also get sick after consuming the flowers. Even drinking the water from a vase that contains daffodils can cause toxicity in dogs.Tulips All parts of the tulip plant - bulbs, stems, leaves, and flowers - are toxic to both cats and dogs. The bulb stores the highest concentration of toxins, making it the most toxic part of the plant. Most dogs will experience drooling, diarrhea, and vomiting after consuming tulips. In severe cases, dogs can experience heart problems and difficulty breathing.IrisesColorful and hardy irises are a popular flower in many household gardens. Unfortunately, irises are toxic to dogs and can make your pooch sick if ingested or touched. Irises contain irisin, a toxic compound that triggers tissue irritation when swallowed or touched. The bulbs and rhizomes hold the highest concentration of irisin, making this plant particularly hazardous to dogs who like to dig.Hyacinths Many people like planting hyacinths in their gardens, but these tall and vibrant plants are harmful to dogs. Hyacinths belong to the same family as tulips and contain calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals are present in all areas of the plant and are shaped like needles. When ingested, these crystals can pierce a dog’s soft tissues, causing severe pain.Symptoms of hyacinth poisoning also include diarrhea, vomiting, abnormal breathing, increased heart rate, and convulsions. If you suspect your pooch has ingested any part of the hyacinth plant, take them to the vet as soon as possible. BluebellsAll parts of the bluebell plant contain a toxic compound called glycosides. Not only are bluebells harmful to cats and dogs, but this plant is also toxic to horses and cattle. If any part of the bluebell plant is consumed, it can cause stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. When eaten in large quantities, bluebells can be fatal.Hydrangeas Many gardeners love the look of hydrangeas in the spring and fall, but dog owners beware - hydrangeas are toxic to dogs. Dogs can become poisoned from eating any part of the hydrangea plant, as they all contain cyanogenic glycoside.Chewing plants with this toxic compound releases cyanide and can result in loss of appetite, vomiting, depression, and increased heart rate. Munching on the flowers, buds, leaves, or bark of the hydrangea plant can make dogs sick, so keep a close eye on your pooch whenever they are sniffing around a hydrangea plant.These are just some of the most common plants that can make your dog sick, but there are more! If your pooch likes to munch on plants, it’s best not to leave them unsupervised in the garden.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Should I Be Worried if My Cat's Nose is Dry?

We often refer to our cat’s noses as adorable and irresistible, but have you ever stopped to consider what else they can tell us? Those cute “boopable” snouts are complex organs with many vital functions, including breathing, smelling, and regulating body temperature. They can also serve as a barometer of their overall health, warning us when something’s wrong. A persistently dry nose can sometimes indicate an underlying health problem. Understanding the potential causes and when to seek veterinary help is crucial for ensuring your cat is happy and healthy. This guide will explore the common reasons for a dry nose in cats and how to determine if it’s a cause for concern (as not all dry noses are). We’ll also discuss additional factors related to your cat’s nasal health and how to keep your feline friend feeling their best. Why Are Cat Noses Wet? Whether you’re a first-time cat parent or have had cats for years, you’re likely familiar with the wetness that most cats have on their noses. But why exactly are their noses wet?When you touch a healthy cat’s nose, they often feel slightly wet and cool. This wetness could result from several factors, including sweat, licking their noses, drinking water, drainage from their tear ducts, or outside environmental factors (like rain and snow). Their noses are obviously used to breathe and smell things, just like humans. However, there is one significant difference: A wet nose can help keep your cat cool on a hot day. Our kitties don’t sweat all over like we do. Instead, they sweat solely through their noses and paw pads. Luckily for your cat, that wet nose can improve their sense of smell. When scent particles come in contact with the damp surface of their nose, they stick. This allows your cat to get an even better whiff of whatever smell they have encountered. Causes of Dry Nose in Cats Your cat’s nose may be a little dry or even cracked for several reasons, ranging from everyday experiences to potentially life-threatening health complications. To identify whether your cat’s dry nose is an issue, you’ll need to watch for other symptoms of trouble. Here are a few of the most common causes of dry nose in cats and what to look out for: It’s Your Cat’s “Normal” I will list a wide variety of reasons to consider here, but first, let’s get this one out of the way. Some cats will have a dryer nose naturally, even when they are completely healthy. You know your cat best. If you have kept up with your cat’s annual vet visits, been given the all-clear, and your cat still has a dry nose, it may be the way it is. Dry Air Conditions One of the most common causes of a dry nose is the air conditions in your home. Whether you are running the central heating system excessively during the cold of winter or relying heavily on the air conditioning unit during the summer, you can unintentionally create dry air conditions in the home. While dry air doesn’t require an emergency vet visit, it is something that you should address. Dry air can cause many problems for both you and your cat, including dry skin and respiratory issues. One of the easiest ways to correct the problem is to purchase a warm or cool mist air humidifier. Close Proximity to a Heat Source Do you have a cat who enjoys sleeping on the air vents or in front of your fireplace? Your cat’s dry nose may simply be the result of the moisture drying up while basking in the heat. Given a bit of time, the moisture will return on its own. If you suspect this is the case, keep an eye on your cat to ensure everything returns to normal and no other underlying causes are at play. Dehydration Cats are notoriously bad for not drinking enough water, resulting in many living in various states of dehydration. If your cat isn’t taking in as much water as they need, they may not have the moisture to sweat as much, resulting in a dry nose. Unaddressed, this could lead to severe consequences, including organ failure, heat stroke, cardiac problems, or neurological damage. Additional signs of dehydration to watch out for include: Sticky, pale gums Sunken eyesLoss of appetiteDark colored urine ConstipationLethargy Weakness or collapseThere are many potential causes of dehydration, including health conditions that require veterinary treatment. Call your vet and share your concerns. To prevent dehydration, consider feeding canned food or a mix of canned food and kibble to include more fluids in their diet. Try different water bowls, water bowl locations, or water fountains to find your cat's preferred arrangement. Our cats use the Catit Flower Fountain, which has significantly increased their water intake!Sunburned Nose Think back to the last time you suffered a sunburn. You can probably recall how dry the damaged skin felt. We often overlook the risks of the sun’s UV rays because our cats are protected by their fur. However, some body parts are still left exposed – including the nose. Other signs your cat has suffered a sunburn include swelling, redness, irritation, or skin flaking. Even if your cat doesn’t enjoy spending time outdoors in the sun, they may still be exposed to sun damage while basking in the hat indoors. You can reduce the risk of sunburn by closing the blinds to keep the sun out, installing a UV protective window film, or using a pet-friendly sunscreen on your cat’s nose.

Can Parrots Overheat? Keeping Your Pet Bird Cool in the Summer

With the summer temperatures steadily soaring, all pet owners need to be extra attentive about the weather and always make sure their little friends are not overheating. Parrots, like all birds, are sensitive to changes in temperature. While they are naturally adapted to warm climates, excessive heat can pose serious health risks. Understanding how to keep your pet parrot cool during the hot summer months is crucial for their well-being.How To Keep Your Pet Bird Cool in the SummerIt is important to know that parrots regulate their body temperature through their respiratory system. They do not sweat like humans; instead, they pant to release heat. Overheating, or hyperthermia, occurs when a parrot's body temperature rises above the normal range, which can lead to serious health issues such as heatstroke. Signs of overheating in parrots include rapid panting, holding their wings away from their body, lethargy, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness.Ensuring that your parrot’s living environment is cool and comfortable is the first step in preventing overheating. Here are some tips to achieve this without much effort:Place the parrot’s cage in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Avoid areas that can get excessively warm, such as near windows or kitchens.Use fans or air conditioning to maintain a cool temperature. However, make sure the airflow is indirect to avoid creating a draft, which can be harmful to parrots. Always provide fresh cool water for your parrot. Consider adding ice cubes to the water bowl to keep it cooler for longer periods.

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