Muriel P. Lee - Border Terrier

Physical Characteristics of the Border Terrier

(from the American Kennel Club breed standard)

Head: Similar to that of an otter.

Eyes: Dark hazel and full of fire and intelligence.

Muzzle: A dark muzzle is characteristic and desirable.

Nose: Black, and of a good size.

Teeth: Strong, with a scissors bite.

Body: Should be capable of being spanned by a mans hands behind the shoulders.

Forequarters: Shoulders well laid back and of good length. Forelegs straight and not too heavy in bone.

Skull: Plenty of width between the eyes and between the ears.

Ears: Small, V-shaped and of moderate thickness, dark preferred.

Neck: Clean, muscular and only long enough to give a well-balanced appearance.

Back: Strong but laterally supple.

Loin: Strong.

Tail: Moderately short, thick at the base, then tapering.

Hindquarters: Muscular and racy, with thighs long and nicely molded. Stifles well bent and hocks well let down.

Coat: A short and dense undercoat covered with a very wiry and somewhat broken topcoat which should lie closely.

Color: Red, grizzle and tan, blue and tan, or wheaten.

Weight: Dogs, 1315.5 pounds, bitches, 11.514 pounds.

Feet: Small and compact. Toes should point forward and be moderately arched with thick pads.

Contents

Unearth the origins of the little working terriers from the Border Counties of northern England and southern Scotland. Learn about the development of the Border Terrier and intended purpose of these game hunters. Cross over borders as the breed gains popularity and acceptance around the world.

Find out what makes this game and active terrier so unique and endearing. Are you the right owner for this independent, determined and thinking canine companion? Learn about the breeds positive attributes as well as its daily needs, potential health concerns and a few frustrating habits.

Learn the requirements of a well-bred Border Terrier by studying the description of the breed set forth in the American Kennel Club standard. Both show dogs and pets must possess key characteristics as outlined in the breed standard.

Find out about how to locate a well-bred Border Terrier puppy. Discover which questions to ask the breeder and what to expect when visiting the litter. Prepare for your puppy-accessory shopping spree. Also discussed are home safety, the first trip to the vet, socialization and acclimating pup to his new home.

Cover the specifics of taking care of your Border Terrier every day: feeding for the puppy, adult and senior dog; grooming, including coat care, ears, eyes and nails; and exercise needs for your dog. Also discussed are the essentials of dog identification.

Begin with the basics of training the puppy and adult dog. Learn the principles of house-training the Border Terrier , including the use of crates and basic scent instincts. Get started by introducing the pup to his collar and leash and progress to the basic commands. Find out about obedience classes and other activities.

By Lowell Ackerman DVM, DACVD

Become your dogs healthcare advocate and a well-educated canine keeper. Select a skilled and able veterinarian. Discuss pet insurance, vaccinations and infectious diseases, the neuter/spay decision and a sensible, effective plan for parasite control, including fleas, ticks and worms.

Know when to consider your Border Terrier a senior and what special needs he will have. Learn to recognize the signs of aging in terms of physical and behavioral traits and what your vet can do to optimize your dogs golden years. Consider some advice about saying goodbye to your beloved pet.

Step into the center ring and find out about the world of showing pure-bred dogs. Heres how to get started in AKC shows, how they are organized and whats required for your dog to become a champion. Take a leap into the realms of obedience trials, agility, earthdog events and tracking tests.

Analyze the canine mind to understand what makes your Border Terrier tick. Among the potential problems addressed are various types of aggression, separation anxiety, sexually related issues, digging, barking and food-related problems.

K ENNEL C LUB B OOKS B ORDER T ERRIER

ISBN 13: 978-1-59378-223-8

eISBN 13: 978-1-59378-700-4

Copyright 2005 Kennel Club Books A Division of BowTie, Inc.

40 Broad Street, Freehold, NJ 07728 USA

Cover Design Patented: US 6,435,559 B2 Printed in South Korea

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by photostat, scanner, microfilm, xerography or any other means, or incorporated into any information retrieval system, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright owner.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Photography by Carol Ann Johnson

with additional photographs by

Paulette Braun, T.J. Calhoun, Liza Clancy, Juliette Cunliffe, Isabelle Franais, Bill Jonas, Antonio Phillipe, Steven Surfman and Alice van Kempen.

Illustrations by Rene Low and Patricia Peters.

The publisher wishes to thank all of the owners whose dogs are featured in this book.

The spirited and plucky Border Terrier is a family dog, compact enough to fit in well with either country or city living.