Thinking of getting a border terrier... What do you reckon?

[Ingles2]

So we fancy getting a new dog and think a border terrier might fit the bill. Please shout with opinions yay or nay.
We live in the country, can Walk a long way every day
We,ve got a very soft and friendly cocker spaniel who is getting on now, at 10
We've got a cat and 2 older children 10/12.
Living on a farm we,ve got plenty of rabbits and rats that I'd like to keep under control.
That,s it I think would a border terrier suit us?

Border terriers are gorgeous, look at my profile if you need proof. lively and fun, need lots of excercise, very clever (but a bit tricky to train) a lot of them can be a bit feisty with other dogs, fantastic lap dogs and love playing with kids. cherry would love to be allowed to chase rats and rabbits all day.

Thanks Dita Cherry is gorgeous!
I think it might be good breed for us... and the fiesty with other dogs is not a problem either as we're really rural and there are no other dogs
Are they escape artists do you know? we've got a big garden that has pig wire separating it from the fields..would I constantly be hunting for the dog do you reckon?
Also do you have any opinion on sex? I've got an elderly entire bitch... another bitch or a dog?
Sorry for all the questions

cherry has never really escaped or tried to, they are quite small though, pils garden is massive and fil did put some chicken wire round the bottom so cherry couldnt get out. No opinion pn gender really although we wanted one of each. they really are great little dogs, like proper doogs in a mini dogs body.

I have one, and he's lovely. Definitely a real dog (I grew up with labradors and always felt a bit sniffy about small dogs) but more manageable size.

He's great with children, loves all people and nearly all dogs. Up for lots of exercise, but once he's had one decent walk a day (an hour or so) he's happy to spend most of the rest of the day lounging around, though is also very happy when he gets more walks. And if we don't have time to go for a long walk, he will chase and fetch tennis balls for hours. He thinks he is a lap dog and is very good at keeping my feet warm when I'm on the sofa or at the computer.

He is not particularly an escape artist, though if there is a terrier-sized hole in a fence with interesting smells the other side, he would probably investigate. He chases squirrels when we are out, but is now fine with cattle, horses etc, and does (eventually) come back if he spots a deer and chases it through the woods.

Thanks both... your dogs sound great
Dh is convinced I think, it was his idea after all... I'm still worried about escaping, as on one side of our land we've got a road, which is quiet, but fast. Once the snow goes, I do a decent recce of the hedge/wire I think.
I'll let you know

My dog's mother lives in the countryside but near a main road (about 300m from the house), and she (and his sister) is let free to wander from the garden through the surrounding fields etc. She seems to stay away from the road and not actually stray that far. But if you have a large garden and fields you can feasibly fence, then that is obviously safer.

oh ok... Thanks exexpat that makes me feel a bit better... Dh thinks there might be one corner where the rabbits have pulled up the fence, so we'll sort that, then start looking for a dog

We have a border t called Jim. He's a little git in the best way possible. Love him to bits and he loves my 13 week old DS

Hello Ingles. We got a border in July and love her to bits. She's a bit bonkesr, utterly gorgeous, hilarious, fab with kids, loves other dogs, always up for a walk or a tummy tickle. Definitely a terrier, with cloth ears when she wants. Crap recall, good at sitting or lying down for treats. We don't let her off her lead that much unless she's with her bestest friend in the whole world, a GIANT lab who she'd follow to the ends of the earth (and who is better at coming back than she is!). As a pup, she was a biting horror for about three weeks until about 11 weeks, then settled down and is a sweetie and so affectionate, wanting cuddles every night. Get one! I adore ours (and want another!). HTH!