Border Terrier breed guide

Borders are described as hard as nails when working, but at home they are good-tempered, affectionate and trainable. They love exploring outdoors and make fine childhood companions.

AKC quotes the breed's parent club: a Border was bred to think for himself, which may be both his most endearing and his most frustrating quality, since told to stay he will oblige for what he considers enough time and then slip away.

Border Terriers live 12 to 15 years. Breeders screen for hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, juvenile cataracts, seizures, heart problems and allergies.

Some Borders seem less tolerant of hot weather, so AKC says to keep outdoor exercise to a minimum above 85 degrees F.

The double coat has a hard wiry outer layer over a soft fluffy undercoat and sheds seasonally. A quick brushing every week or two keeps it in shape, but shedding season calls for about a half-hour a day.

Borders need plenty of daily exercise. AKC says a brisk half-hour walk or a play session with a ball or flying disc should keep one healthy and happy. The instinct to chase small animals means a leash on every walk and fenced play sessions.

Old-time farmers and shepherds in the hilly country near the Scottish-English border developed quick, agile terriers to help pursue the large, powerful hill fox, a clever sheep-stealing predator. The dogs needed legs long enough to run with foxhounds and horsemen and bodies small enough to dig into a fox's lair and force it out.

Their descendants are energetic, strong and tireless with a wiry weatherproof coat for the rain, mist and tough terrain of the borderland.