THE BORDER TERRIER

 

The Border Terrier originated in the Northumberland area on the border between England and Scotland in the late 1800's.  It was first bred by farmers to help contain the fox population, which preyed on their sheep.

 

Foxhunt Kennels also used the Border Terrier to bolt foxes when they went to ground.

 

The Kennel Club recognized the breed and the breed standard in 1920.

 

They can still do the work they were bred for and also make excellent pets.

 

Breeders are encouraged to breed true to the standard and not to spoil the breed in any way. 

The breed standard starts with the Border Terrier is essentially a working terrier, capable of following a horse and combining activity with gameness and temperament is essential. 

Breeders must breed to the standard, they have the future of the breed in their hands and must preserve it for future generations.

          GENERAL APPEARANCE:  Essentially a working terrier.

          CHARACTERISTICS:  Capable of following a horse, combining activity with gameness.

          TEMPERAMENT:  Active and game as previously stated.

          HEAD AND SKULL:  Head like that of an otter.    Moderately broad in skull, with short strong muzzle.    Black nose preferable, but liver or flesh coloured on not a serious fault. 

          EYES:  Dark with keen expression.

          EARS:  Small, v-shaped, of moderate thickness and dropping forward close to the cheek.

          MOUTH:  Scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely over-lapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.    Level bite acceptable. Undershot or overshot a major fault and highly undesirable.
          NECK:  Of moderate length.

          FOREQUARTERS:  Forelegs straight, not too heavy in bone.

          BODY:  Deep, narrow, fairly long. Ribs carried well back, but not over sprung, as a terrier should be capable of being spanned by both hands behind the shoulder. Loins strong.

          HINDQUARTERS:  Racy.

          FEET:  Small with thick pads.

          TAIL:  Moderately short, fairly thick at base, then tapering.    Set high, carried gaily, but not curled over back.

          GAIT:  Has the soundness to follow a horse.

          COAT:  Harsh and dense, with close undercoat.    Skin must be thick.

          COLOUR:  Red, Wheaten, Grizzle and Tan or Blue and Tan.

          SIZE:  Dogs 5.9 - 7.1 kg ( 13 - 15½ lb ) Bitches 5.1 - 6.4 kg ( 11½ - 14 lb) 

          FAULTS:  Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportions to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and its effect on the terriers ability to work.

         NOTE:  Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

                                                                                                                                                       

Reproduced by kind permission of The Kennel Club