| By :
Brent McCoy
The Border Terrier (also known simply as the "Border") is a terrier that features an otter-like face with a wiry coat in colors such as red, grizzle and tan, blue and tan or wheaten and is among the most popular of all breeds in the United Kingdom. The breed first appeared in the 1700s, and they were originally used for the core function of hunting foxes. Some of their more distinctive qualities are often described as their well-mannered temperament, playfulness with children and non-shedding coat - which assist in making the Border Terrier a fitting breed of dog for families, apartment dwellers and allergy sufferers. The Border Terrier is known to have originated in the border between Scotland and England during the 1700s and was bred by farmers for the intention of hunting nuisance foxes by digging underground or chasing after horses. They share common ancestry with the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Bedlington Terrier. Border Terriers are classified as a small-sized breed of dog. The recommended standard size for the Border Terrier male is 12-15.5 inches tall from paw to shoulder and a weight of 12-20 pounds, while the recommended size for female Border Terriers is 11.5-14 inches high from paw to shoulder with a weight of 12-16 pounds. The Border Terrier is recognized for their good-tempered, curious and independent character. They are usually friendly with guests, which along with their size often means they are unsuitable as a guard dog. The Border Terrier is also demonstrated to be quite intelligent - placing 30th compared to other dogs based on their capability to be trained obedience directives. They are also renowned to be good with children - which means they are fairly suitable as a family pet. The Border Terrier is quite well-matched with other dogs and cats that they're raised with but due to their hunting instinct will not get along with smaller animals such as hamsters, rabbits, rodents or birds. The Border Terrier can be kept happy with a small yard that is well-fenced to counteract their natural digging instinct, but they are very suitable for life in an apartment provided they are exercised enough. The Border Terrier enjoys pastimes which include chasing after balls, playing with toys or taking part in agility and obstacle courses. They have a fairly high amount of energy and have a need for exercise every day in the form of long walks to prevent excessive barking and other destructive behavior problems. The Border Terrier could make the perfect breed of dog for active families or owners, apartment dwellers and allergy sufferers. They are suitable for anyone that is eager to perform a small amount of grooming and allocate time to provide them with early socialization and ongoing mental challenges as well as take them on long walks each day and present a good sum of companionship and devotion. Though they may be fairly unsuitable as a guard dog or with other non-canine animals, if you are capable of meeting their needs for exercise and a well-fenced yard then the Border Terrier may well make the ideal dog for you.
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