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Please tell me about your Border Terriers

31 replies

QuarkBlisterbum · 20/09/2023 23:11

we are thinking of getting a Border Terrier as after a lot of research we think that this would be the perfect breed for our family. Would love to hear first hand from owners of what your Border Terrier is like? Also is there any difference between dogs and bitches within the breed, ie is one likely to be an easier temperament than the other? TIA

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ADiT · 24/09/2023 16:14

My border is 4 now. He was slow to house train, much slower than our old dog who was a cockapoo (we got him 2007, so one of the earlier ones).

but he has an absolutely brilliant temperament. He’s so in tune with me it’s ridiculous. I’m just starting to train him as my assistance dog. One of his litter mates is and assistance and therapy dog. And another is in training to be a therapy dog. He Has never shown any aggression to other dogs. He lives with two cats happily, one came when he was 1 and other when he was 2. He is very happy to just lie about, and also very happy to go for a walk and will happily run along side a bike. He loves paddling and but if swimming in calm water and while he loves the beach he hates sea water. Honestly last time we went to the beach I left him on the beach with a family member and went in the sea swimming, and he was a bit anxious as he thought I was in trouble, so I had to come out. So can have a brilliant temperament.

But also on the other, recall is not the most reliable in borders. My dog has no recall currently, he had reasonable recall when he was a puppy but lost it over Covid as we didn’t let him off, and I haven’t quite got round to reteaching him, until now. Hopefully we’ll get recall back, but probably still won’t let him off.

While two siblings are therapy dogs and he is assistance dog in training, a couple of his siblings are a bit reactive and his mother has major issues with other dogs, not humans though.

he was very bitey as a puppy, they are affectionately known as land sharks. Not aggressive biting just mouthing and puppy excitedness, very common in puppies.

he’s the perfect dog for me though.

i would have 10 if I could.

i paid 800-900£ in 2019. So I imagine if it’s a responsible breeder who hasn’t inflated the prices 900-1200£ now.

I found mine on the kennel club website. They luckily had a puppy left, after circumstances left the other people not able to take one. So super lucky.

CurlewKate · 24/09/2023 16:29

One minor thing. Borders are inclined to scrabble! I wanted mine to visit people in a retirement home-her temperament was absolutely perfect. But she was turned down for the job because she did scrabble with her front paws when she was happy, and it was too risky around frail delicate skin. 😢

wildwestpioneer · 24/09/2023 16:33

I have a BT and adore her. I've had a fair few dogs and she's the happiest dog I be ever had.

She's a typical BT, stoic and sensitive. She'll walk up mountains, up and down dales for miles and miles, but is equally happy with a quick once round the block and a sofa to lie on.

She loves all ages of humans and we socialised her early in so she's good with other dogs.

Anything small and furry is fair game tho, and I no longer let her off the lead unless I know it's in an enclosed space (we use dog paddocks to give her a good run around). She has good recall but if she sees a rabbit or pheasant she's off and there's no amount of dog biscuits that will get her back. She once saw a deer and set off chasing it, and saw her cross several fields (thank god there were no roads), she went missing for over 20 mins. She's also shot down a fox or badger hole which was terrifying.

But that said she is the most loving and loyal dog. A proper terrier.

They are driven by their stomach so can get overweight, I now weigh out her food. They have a high pain threshold so regular check ups with the vet are worth while too.

HorribleHisTories15 · 27/09/2023 22:08

The best dogs ever for small active children and families. We bought ours from a pedigree breeder up near to Berlin. He was inseparable from the children, but very stubborn towards DH. I would get another one without second thoughts....but DH has grown stubborn in his old age

grannycake · 28/09/2023 10:56

Our border is 3 yrs old and she is an absolute joy ( now the puppy stage is over). Loves people, children and other dogs.

We are retired and she has been all around France, Belgium, Netherlands and this year Denmark in the motorhome. She's a brilliant traveller and very adaptable

Obligatory pic of her in her cargo bike

TheSandgroper · 30/09/2023 15:52

Fabulous dog. Couldn’t walk her off lead , though.

Please tell me about your Border Terriers
Please tell me about your Border Terriers
Please tell me about your Border Terriers
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