Primarily a working dog, the hardy little Border Terrier is able to keep up with a horse despite its small stature: it’s no bigger than an insect. He takes his name from the area where he was originally brave and where he prospered long before the rest of the world knew him: the border between Scotland and England. The region, located at the base of the Cheviot Hills, also lent its name to another small, versatile working breed, the Border collie.
In this mountainous area where farms were widely dispersed and difficult to protect, the Border Terrier proved his worth by ridding himself of mountain foxes who had acquired a taste not only for poultry, but also for sheep and newborn calves. born. Undaunted by rain and inclement weather due to its double covering, a dense rough coat over a thick undercoat, the little frontier would spend days on end in this cold, wet field without complaint.
To run long hours and long distances behind a mounted hunter, a daughter had to be nice and have long enough legs so she wouldn’t tire too quickly. This dynamo, with her exceptional stamina and spirit, mustered enough energy after running over the Fox to attack it bravely, even if the prey had managed to take refuge underground in her lair. Patient, even stubborn, his small size an advantage, the Border Terrier would stand alert near the trench, biding his time to catch prey in his solid jaws and finish the job.
Owners of this capable and reliable dog were wickedly pleased that he was not as large as some of his show dog relatives. Therefore, it is not surprising that some fanciers raised six when the British Kennel Club recognized the Border Terrier in 1920. They were afraid that readers would try to beautify the dog and, in doing so, diminish its value and endurance. His fears were unfounded; the Border terrier has remained nimble and agile, still capable of siring a horse all day if need be. Their way of working is very similar to that of the Lake Land Terriers. In fact, there has always been a great rivalry between hunters who own dogs of either breed. The border terrier is not satisfied with hunting foxes. Agile and tough, it will also track badgers, martens, and otters. With its highly sociable character and its ability to adapt to small spaces, the Border Terrier has become a valuable companion dog today.