Dog Terrier curled up in long grass. The Border Terrier first appeared in the 18th century and has changed little since.
History The Border Terrier first appeared in the 18th century and has changed little since. They were used as working terriers in the Scottish Borders hunting foxes which preyed on livestock. Their ancestry is not really known. Their appearance was never of great concern to their owners but their ability to go to ground after a fox was, so they were bred to have strong jaws, to be well boned but not heavy and to have a chest with sufficient capacity but narrow enough to allow them to get back out of any earth they entered. Their extra length of leg enabled them to follow a horse so that they were there when they were needed. During their history they were known as the Reedwater Terriers and the Coquetdale Terriers but nowadays are referred to as Border Terriers. They are still working terriers in the countryside but in urban areas are mainly family companions. Intelligence The Border Terrier is very intelligent and trainable. They are independent dogs though so require firmness and patience in their training which should start early. Show Characteristics The head of the Border should be otter-like, moderately broad with a short, strong muzzle. The mouth should have a scissor bite. The nose should preferably be black but liver- or flesh-coloured ones are allowed. The eyes should be dark with a keen expression and the ears small, v-shaped and dropping forward, close to the cheek. The neck should be of moderate length and the body should be deep, narrow and fairly long. The legs are moderately long, not heavily-boned and feet are small with thick pads. The tail should be not too long, set high and carried gaily. The coat is harsh and dense with a close undercoat and the skin must be thick. The preferred colours for the show-ring are red, wheaten, grizzle and tan or blue and tan.
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Photo credit: © Steve Welsh / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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