The Border Terrier

The Border terrier has a double coat that’s harsh and dense that keeps them warm and dry. It consists of a harsh top coat and a softer undercoat. While some people say that Border terriers do not shed, that actually isn’t true. In fact, they lose more hair during the shedding season and lose less when they are in a new coat. Brushing their hair regularly will help remove loose hair on the top and undercoat. However, note that will also shed between brushes.

Maintenance Dog Grooming Routine

Having a routine dog grooming for your Border at home is a wise idea. While this shouldn’t be a big task, it can be made enjoyable for you and your dog.

Regular Hair Brushing

Start a routine through regular brushing of your pet’s coat to remove loose hair and to keep it clean. While doing so, check other areas to determine whether your Border needs extra dog cleaning. Clean the bottom area using baby wipes or damp clean cloth for hygienic purposes. Also check teeth, eyes, and ears for cleanliness. Some owners include tooth brushing in this routine. While brushing your Border’s hair, you should check her nails to see if they require trimming; clip them little and more often. You may also keep her nails short through filing. Keep the outline of your dog tidy by removing long hairs from chests, feet, legs, tails, and bellies. Doing so will help maintain your dog’s cleanliness.

Bathing your Border

In general, Borders don’t require a dog bath. Daily cleaning and regular brushing will keep your dog clean. Bathing your dog may remove the natural oils from her coat and may have an effect on the texture. But with their playfulness and curiosity, they tend to be covered with stuff and dirt that we don’t want to have inside our homes. Thus, if the offending stuff can’t be wiped or brushed off from her coat, it’s best to rinse the affected area with warm water. If rinsing doesn’t work, then you need to bathe your dog and use a canine shampoo that is formulated for wiry coats.

A Border Terrier’s Coat

The coat of a Border terrier is not like our hair and some other dog breeds as they don’t grow continuously. Their hair will only grow to a certain length and will then be stripped and pushed out by a new hair growing. That is why your Border would lose their hair eventually. You’ll begin to notice that the length of the coat will start to part and that you will remove more hair with your daily brushing. Loose hairs are easily removed if you pull a few of the harsh hairs at the top coat with your finger and thumb. After doing this, your Border is then ready for a full strip; which needs to be done a couple of times in a year.

Stripping Your Border Terrier’s Hair

Before you start stripping your Border’s hair with your thumb and fingers, you need to have the right tools at hand. You need a comb, a brush, and a scissor. While grooming tables are useful, they aren’t usually necessary. This procedure should be done in a place where you and your pet are comfortable; make sure it’s a non-slip surface.

Keep in mind that hand stripping takes time and practice. Make it a great experience for your Border by giving him treats and praises. Remember to take regular breaks; you don’t have to do a full strip in one go. Take as much time so your dog will be comfortable. There may be areas that are easier to do than others, so try not doing the harder areas together.

Start behind the head, and then move down to the head and back. Pull a few hairs gently in the direction of the coat using your hand. The hairs should come out easily without causing discomfort to the dog. Comb the hair while stripping so that it would be easier for you to take hold of it. Use stripping aids like stripping combs, stones, and knives. These tools will help improve your grip on your pet’s hair. Use them carefully as they are sharp.

Stripping the Waist

For easier removal of the hair from this area, hold the loose skin with one hand while pulling the hair with the other. This helps prevent the skin from being pulled as your remove long hairs (which is actually painful for a dog).

Stripping the Bottom

Note that the bottom is the dog’s least favorite part to be stripped. So take your time and stretch your patience with your dog. Remove only a few hairs at a time. Also remove long hairs to keep the area neat and tidy.

Stripping Under the Body

You may use scissors on the scant hair that is found on the tender areas of the tummy. But do not use them on the harsher coat on the chest that can be stripped. It is also easier to use scissors when stripping around the genitals.

Stripping the Legs

Strip down from the thighs towards the feet. Strip hair from both front and back of the legs.

Stripping the feet

Use scissors for removing the hair around the pads of the feet and the nails. Place the scissor flat against the pads and don’t point into the foot. Also, don’t cut the coat that is found on the top of the feet.

Stripping the Tail

Be very careful in stripping the tail of your Border. You don’t need to completely strip the tail, but you have to remove dead hairs to keep it tidy.

Stripping the Head

Stripping the hairs on your dog’s head is much like giving dog haircuts. Thus, take your time so you’ll get the result that you want. Bear in mind that the coat around the muzzle takes longer to re-grown compared to the rest.

Stripping the Ears

Hair inside the ears of your Border should also be removed along with the hairs on the top side of the ear.

If you aren’t comfortable with grooming your Border on your own, you may seek the services of mobile groomers. Make sure that you find only the best in your area for your furry friend.

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Per history, terriers were originally bred for hunting vermin beneath the ground. Today, however, they are commonly found in homes as pets. But they still pay homage to their ancestors as they love digging and they are brave and persistent as well.

Terriers can become very loyal and obedient pets if you have patience in training them properly. Training them can turn out to be very challenging because of their stubbornness and sharp hunting instincts. To properly train them, you should make the sessions short and dynamic to stimulate their minds and to keep them excited.

But of course, there are a lot of terrier breeds out there that has unique needs and personalities. Here are some of the most popular breeds you can find.

Airedale Terrier

Airedale terriers are descendants of the “king of terriers”; they are the largest of the terrier breeds. They are confident, friendly and smart dogs. They are known for being loyal and protective, which makes them excellent pets. They tend to be gentle, but will never think twice of protecting themselves when they are threatened.

Compared to other breeds, Airedale terriers require high level of dog grooming because they shed hair heavily. They are a result of a cross breeding between a terrier and an Otterhound. It was believed that the old Black & Tan terrier and the Broken Coated terrier were used during cross breeding.

Like most dog breeds of that time, Airedales were bred for hunting purposes. With their strength, size, and agility, they are much suitable for hunting small- and medium-sized animals like the rabbits, foxes, and rats.

Although terrier breeds are known for their independence and stubbornness, they are very trainable. You can train them to be obedient with consistent reward-based training sessions at a young age. Airedale terriers are popular family dogs because of their good nature and gentleness with children. While they like to please their owners, they tend to chase smaller animals rather than obey commands when they’re distracted.

Border Terrier

The Border terrier is a small, fearless dog that has a love for hunting and digging. This very energetic dog is intelligent and loyal. Unlike other terrier breeds, the Border terrier is bred to run in a pack. They are friendly with other animals, except for rodents.

Borders have a short but dense undercoat and a wiry top coat. They shed hair minimally, thus they don’t need much dog grooming at home and they are actually suitable for dog-lovers with dog allergies. Some people say that Borders look a lot like junk yard dogs because of their scrappy coat.

This dog breed comes in various colors which include red, tan, blue, and wheaten. Borers have loose skin that can be lifted from their body. They have a water-repelling coat that is designed to keep them warm in a cold weather. Their thick, loose skin protects them from bites and is very useful for hunting.

Bull Terrier

The Bull terrier is long and strong in built. They are mischievous and imaginative and require a lot of mental and physical exercise. They are also very loyal and independent. They were bred from the extinct Old English Bulldog and Manchester terrier in the mid-1800s for hunting vermin and other small animals.

While they were intended to be a fighting dog, may Bull terriers today have become a companion animal. They are best handled by an experienced owner. Regardless of having a violent history, this breed isn’t dangerous at all.

It would be best to have a Bull terrier for a pet in a family if you have older children. Their independence and strength may be problem with younger children. They are also aggressive towards other dogs; but this can be prevented by socializing them early and enforcing good and consistent discipline.

Bull terriers enjoy the indoors and they don’t yearn for attention that much. Because they are prone to skin allergies, it is recommended that you give them a dog wash at least once a week if you put them outdoors.

Jack Russell Terrier

Like other terrier breeds, the Jack Russell terrier is bred for hunting foxes. They are energetic and willful domesticated dogs. A small dog with a big attitude, Jack Russells are stubborn and tenacious. Because training them can be very difficult, they work better with experienced owners.

This terrier breed comes in two types: the smooth coat type and broken coat type; both of which have a fur that is coarse in texture. The broken coat type, however, has a shaggy eyebrows and beard.

Because they are very energetic, they require a certain amount of exercise. Thus, if you can’t exercise them at least once or twice a day, this may not be the breed for you. You actually need to provide them with opportunities for physical and mental stimulation, as well as human interaction to keep them healthy and happy. You’d know when you’re not stimulating them enough when they start displaying bad behavior.

Jack Russell terriers are aggressive towards other dogs, especially those of the same sex. Because of their hunting background, they have a strong urge to pursue prey. When you take them out for walks, they’d usually bolt and chase anything that is running; birds, rabbits, joggers, cyclists, and even cars. But the good thing is, this behavior can be prevented with training and early socialization.

Welsh Terrier

Welsh terriers, or Welshie, are joyful and enthusiastic dogs. They are great pets for families that have children. Like most dog breeds that were originally bred to be working dogs, the Welsh terrier is an active dog that requires daily exercise through dog walks and lots of playtime.

The Welshie has a double coat. They have a dense and wiry topcoat that repels water, and a short, soft undercoat. While they were originally solid black, they eventually became tan and black colored. They require minimal pet grooming at home since they do not shed and only require brushing for at least once a week to prevent matting and remove dead hair.

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Puppies can get started with grooming right away. Many people think that it is wrong to bathe or brush dogs under six months. They thought that bathing will dry the puppy’s coat or that brushing may be too rough for its age but the truth is it is the complete opposite. Many puppies come from breeders or animal shelters with dirty or smelly coat. A dog bath is needed and it will not harm them in any way. There are numerous shampoos on the market made for sensitive skin. Puppies benefit from these gentle cleansers. It does not harm the skin and as well as the coat. So when the puppy gets dirty, it’s okay to bath them.

Bathing

The generally accepted idea was that frequent bathing of your pet would damage its coat but that is all in the past. Although, may it be past or present that idea hides no truth. It was not until recently that dog’s hair coats were understood more clearly. A normal puppy’s skin and hair is similar to that of humans. Both are comprised of protein that has oil as lubricant. The average puppy needs a bath at least once a week. This helps maintain its hygiene by removing dirt, bacteria, and excessive dander. This also helps in preventing skin-related infections. Specially made shampoos are designed to cater the needs of puppies.

Begin by brushing or combing the coat to remove dirt, dead hair, mats and burrs. Next, apply a sterile eye ointment that serves as a protective film. Use warm water to wet the hair coat all the way to the skin. Then, apply shampoo and lather as everyone normally would. Let the shampoo sit for five minutes, then rinse thoroughly. A thorough rinsing is important for not enough rinsing causes the coat to appear dry. Dry the coat with a towel, allowing the coat to dry at room temperature. If a hair dryer is used make sure it set to cool settings. Dry shampoos are also available for puppies that do not like water. Though the result is not effective as the wet bath.

Brushing

Puppies love when their coats are brushed. It helps in removing dirt, mat, loose hair and stimulates oil glands to produce oil. Brushes that are perfect for puppies are brushes that contain metal pins on one side and soft bristles on the other. The puppy will see brushing as a form of petting. When it gets older, it will not make too much fuss when they are brushed or provided with a pet bath.

Nail Trimming

Nail trimming should be done as early as possible. This is to make them get used to nail trimming when they get older. Puppies have usually active lifestyle so after an initial nail trimming the next you will trim the nails again would be another six weeks.

These tips will help you take more care of your puppy. Keep them healthy as they grow beautifully into adults. Grooming your dog should not be traumatizing. Make it fun and safe.

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Certain dog breeds may be eager to learn new tricks than others. In fact, if you own some of them, you might want to come up with something new to keep them entertained. If lead an active lifestyle and you’re willing to devote some time to teach your pet, then you’re probably better off with the most trainable dog breeds. But if you’re too busy, then you should think twice. Generally, these trainable dog breeds have high energy levels and intelligent; so, you shouldn’t expect them to sleep on the couch all day.

Here’s a list of the most trainable dog breeds there is.

Border Collie

The Border Collie tops the list of the most trainable dogs out there. They are intelligent dogs that like to learn and do new things whenever possible. In fact, they need to do something to keep them happy. The Border Collie is herding dog and it is recently used as a sporting dog as well. This dog breed is popular for its agility, obedience, and speed. It also learns new tricks quickly and it loves working alongside their humans. They are great at dog sport competitions; they are often seen competing in disc games and fly ball.

Poodle

While poodles look cute and adorable, their intelligence and trainability is quite striking; don’t let their curly, fluffy coat tell you otherwise. They are quick to learn new tricks and behavior; from dog grooming to crate training to jumping through a hoop. You may never have known this, but poodles are used for hunting and rescues; and they’re actually water dogs. While they come in different sizes, toy poodles can be used for bird hunting. This dog breed loves to be surrounded by people and is very protective in nature.

Golden Retriever

Often confused with Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers are famous for being friendly and having brains. While they may not be as smart as the Border Collie, their good nature and “eager to please” attitude makes them a fun furry companion and a perfect family pet. Over the years, these dogs have been a companion to hunters. This dog breed can be easily trained to find and retrieve a game that has been shot. With its soft mouth, it can retrieve the game to its owner unharmed. Apart from being a hunting dog, they are also used as rescue dogs, guide dogs, as well as sniffing dogs. A golden retriever’s patience makes them easy to train.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador retriever, popularly called as “Lab”, is a versatile dog. It can be used for companionship, shows, hunting, sports, guide, service, sniffer, therapy, search and rescue, and many more. This dog breed originated from Newfoundland and was trained to hunt a waterfowl. Over the years, they were trained to do more jobs. Most of these dogs are used by police authorities for bomb and drug sniffing; a dog that can be trained to do those jobs is undeniably smart. Being a guide dog, they are trained to help those with disabilities, especially the blind. Labs can also be trained to lead the blind around while ignoring any distraction. It is a loving, patient, and obedient dog that can easily be trained to do just about anything.

German Shepherd

While German Shepherds look all tough and mean on the outside, they are actually among the most lovable dog breeds there is. Today, these dogs are used as police dogs, rescue dogs, and even military dogs. These dogs are very intelligent that the Army and Marines used them in their overseas activities. Aside from being smart, they’re obedient and protective as well. History has it that German Shepherds were used as herd dogs; but today, they are used for other purposes.

Doberman Pinscher

Although Doberman Pinschers were known to be attack dogs, they are actually a friendly and stable companion when properly trained and socialized. These dogs were trained to be watch dogs, guard dogs, and police dogs. They are loving and loyal, but also tough and ferocious. Even though this is the case, many of them are gentle. In fact, some are used in hospitals for therapy.

Rottweiler

Rottweiler, also called the “Rottie”, originated from Germany but used in the Roman Empire. It can be trained to be mean and vicious dogs. They are often used as police dogs because of their strong teeth and jaw. Because Rotties are very strong dogs, they can easily take down a human. In the old days, they were used to carry wood and heavy goods from markets to houses (vice versa). If you want to train a dog that will protect you and your home, then you should definitely consider a Rottweiler.

Border Terrier

While terrier breeds are known for being difficult to train, the intelligent Border terrier will tell you otherwise. They are quick to learn tricks and behavior, and they easily respond to obedience training. They are energetic breeds that need to be kept engaged. They are really good with children and they are pretty laid-back compared to other terrier breeds. They easily adapt to various living situations and are usually easy to train. They often excel in many dog sports and they can be trained for therapy work as well.

Although these dogs are highly trainable, keep in mind that each dog is unique. Thus, your training experience with each of them will vary depending on certain factors like temperament, health, and even your own expertise. So while the dog you brought at home belongs to one of the breeds on this list, it is never a guarantee that they will take learning new tricks and behavior at ease. So take your time and give your furry friends the patience they need from you.

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With dog allergies so common nowadays, hypoallergenic dogs have become a thing recently. They either shed too little or not at all, making them less likely to cause any reaction to its owners. Keep in mind, however, that a completely hypoallergenic dog doesn’t exist because either their saliva or skin can stimulate an allergic reaction to hypersensitive individuals. Thus, we recommend that you discuss your options with your doctors before choosing a pet.

If a family member is allergic to dogs, it may be necessary to perform a dog bath regularly to remove any allergens like dander and other irritants. Note that larger dogs are likely to produce more dander than smaller breeds, and a dog that barks frequently releases more saliva and dander to the air. Keeping the dog hygienic at all times is important to keep allergies to a minimum.

Thankfully, there are many types of hypoallergenic dogs to choose from; and they come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re looking for a small or large dog, a companion for your kids, or a dog to accompany you while you exercise, a hypoallergenic dog will definitely suit you. So here’s a list of hypoallergenic dogs you might want to consider.

Tibetan Terrier

The first thing that comes to our minds when we hear “hypoallergenic dog” is that it has short hair. Well, that isn’t entirely true. Tibetan terriers are proof that long-haired dogs can be hypoallergenic. While they shed minimally, they would still require regular visits to the groomer.

Maltese Terrier

Maltese terriers were believed to be related to Tibetan terriers; however, their exact origin isn’t known. History tells us that this breed is a Roman Ladies’ Dog and were said to be used to catch rodents in ancient times. Maltese terriers are popularly known for their gorgeous white silky coats. The good thing about this breed is that you won’t find them shedding on your clothes or furniture. This playful dog is also a very loving companion.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu is Chinese for lion dog. This old dog was bred to look like lions as depicted in ancient oriental art. This breed is loyal and friendly, as well as hypoallergenic. Like Maltese terriers, they do not shed. Their hair only falls out when broken or brushed.

Poodle (Miniature, Standard, and Toy)

Poodles are among the most popular dogs worldwide. They come in three different sizes: miniature, standard, and toy. These intelligent and responsive dogs are also considered to be hypoallergenic because they don’t shed very much. They are also known to be odorless.

Bichon Frise

The term “Bichon Frise” means Curly Lap Dog in French. This social and independent dog is among the breads that are easy to train. They have hypoallergenic coat that is usually trimmed for easy maintenance. Because of their love for water, Bichon Frise was known to be a sailor’s companion.

Havanese

Havanese dogs were bred fir Cuban aristocrats. They are branded as “velcro dogs” primarily because of their clinginess to their owners. They are spirited and friendly, making them an excellent pet for families that have children. They very social and are known for being lively.

Scottish Terrier

The Scottish terrier is a popular dog breed that you often see on TV and board games. One of their most iconic appearances is that of a Monopoly token. This loyal companion is independent and is known to be territorial. Their low-shed, hypoallergenic coat only requires minimal pet grooming.

Cairn Terrier

Cairn terriers are a happy breed that originated in Scotland. Their coats change in color over the years. They are originally used to hunt vermin in stone piles. Today, they are popular companion pets. Their wire coat, although dense, is hypoallergenic and is known to repel water.

Border Terrier

Border terriers are known to have strong instincts to hunt anything that run. Thus, if you own guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, and other rodents as pets, you might want to consider buying another breed. While they are originally bred to hunt rodents and foxes, this smart dog is great pet for the family. Its hypoallergenic coat sheds a little and they only require brushing at least once a week.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire terrier are said to be bred by North Englishmen to hunt rats in clothing and wood mills. These spunky and adventurous pets often don’t consider themselves small and they can be quite willful. They are also considered to be hypoallergenic because they shed minimally. Yorkies make for a loyal and devoted companion pets.

Bouvier Des Flandres

Bouvier des Flandres is another term for “cow-herder of Flandres”. It is said to be bred from three different dog breeds, and was bred for herding and other general farming duties. They have taken on many roles over the years; guard dog, police dog, and a family pet. Bouviers are hardworking, gentle, and loyal. While they are known to be hypoallergenic dogs, its coat is actually high maintenance.

Chinese Crested

Chinese crested (although “Chinese”) actually originated in Africa. They were named as such after Chinese traders let the dogs board their ship to hunt vermin. It comes with two varieties, hairless and Powder puff – both of which are hypoallergenic.

West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier is originally a crossbreed between the Cairn and Scottish terriers. Also known as Westie, this dog breed is friendly and active and it comes with a double coat. Being loyal to their owners, they make for a great watch dog. While they shed some hair from time to time, they are actually considered as hypoallergenic.

Schnauzer (Standard or Miniature)

Schnauzers are fun and smart dogs, no matter what their size is. They are excellent watch dogs, guard dogs, as well as vermin hunters. They are very popular because of their loyalty and hypoallergenic coat.

These are just some of the dogs you can choose from if you or anyone in your family has fog allergies. There are still a lot out there. While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, these dogs listed above are known to be better for those who have allergies.

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Border Terriers are known to be happy furry creatures that have a long lifespan of 10 to 14 years. They are among the healthier breeds because they don’t frequently visit the vet compared to other pure breeds.

If you’re planning to buy a puppy, look for a breeder that will show your health clearances for both the parents of the puppy. These health clearances serve as proof that the dog has been tested for and cleared from certain health conditions.

But since health problems don’t appear until the dog has fully matured, health clearances aren’t issued to dogs that are below two years old. So, it would be wise if you look for a breeder who doesn’t breed dogs until they’re two or three years old.

Here’s a list of common health problems that may occur in Border Terriers.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a health condition common in Border Terriers wherein the femur doesn’t fit snugly to the pelvic socket of the hip joint. This condition can happen with or without signs and symptoms; you wouldn’t even notice it when you’re grooming your dog. Some dogs, however, may feel pain on one or both rear legs.

As time passes by, your dog may develop arthritis. You can have your dog screened for hip dysplasia at the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP). It is important to note that dogs who suffer from hip dysplasia should never be bred. Talk to your vet and ask whether medication or surgery is needed.

Malocclusions

Malocclusion happens when the dog’s jaw don’t properly fit together, which is commonly found in Border Terriers. It has three different types:

• Overshoot bite – this happens when the upper jaw extends past the lower jaw. This causes grasping difficulties. Severe cases of overshoot bites may cause serious injuries to the roof of the mouth.
• Undershoot bite – this happens when the lower jaw extends past the upper jaw. While this is normal in some breeds, it may cause problems with Border Terriers. This may need to be corrected through surgery.
• Wry mouth – this happens when there’s a twisting of the mouth because one side grows faster than the other. While some puppies can outgrow this condition, there are others that need surgical correction (especially when they’re still not normal at 10 months of age).

If this condition is present with your Borders, it is best that you wait until the puppy has become fully grown and matured. Corrective surgeries may include crown height reductions, tooth extraction, or usage of spacers. Dogs with this condition shouldn’t be bred.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism happens when your dog can’t maintain adequate levels of thyroid hormones. Its signs include dry skin, decreased heart rate, thinning coat, cold sensitivity, and weight gain. Have your dog checked the moment he shows at least one of those signs.

Note that hypothyroidism is a manageable condition with a lifetime medication that is administered daily. Because this is a disease for the middle-aged dog, you need to ask the breeder regarding the thyroid status of your dog’s grandparents. This will give you idea whether or not his condition is hereditary.

Cryptorchidism

Cryptorchidism happens when one or both testicles of your dog fail to descend. If this happens, the testicle will become non-functional and can put your pet at risk for cancer when not removed. When your dog undergoes neutering, your vet will make a small incision to remove the undescended testicle; the normal one will be removed in a regular manner.

Seizures

Seizures have many causes and may happen anytime. Noticeable signs include sudden urination, staring, sudden trembling, slight muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness. Although this condition has no cure, it can be managed with proper medication.

Heart Defects

Heart defects of any kind may affect Border Terriers. The most common of which is pulmonic stenosis, wherein the valve that separates the right chamber of the heart from the lungs is narrowing. A heart murmur on your Border terrier may indicate that his condition needs to be monitored and treated.

Heart murmurs are often caused by a disturbance in the blood flow through the heart chambers. They are graded according to their loudness; with one being faint and six being extremely loud. This is diagnosed through echocardiograms and x-rays. If evident, your dog may need to have a special diet, reduction of exercise, and medication.

Before you buy a dog, it would be best if you ask the breeder whether he has used dogs with heart defects during the breeding process.

Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation, also referred to as slipped stifles, is commonly found in small dogs. This occurs when the patella is not properly lined up. The patella consists of three parts: femur, knee cap, and tibia. When there’s patellar luxation, your dog may experience abnormal gait or lameness in the leg.

Although the actual misalignment doesn’t always occur until your dog has completely grown or matured, patellar luxation is a condition that is commonly seen at birth. Patellar luxation is graded in four scores; with grade 1 causing temporary joint lameness and grade 4 causing severe turning of the tibia wherein the patella can’t be manually realigned. Severe patellar luxation may require surgical treatment.

Colitis

Compared to other breeds, Border Terriers are more likely to suffer from colitis. Colitis is a painful disorder that causes ulcer formation in the large intestine. This results in serious bouts of diarrhea with bloody stools due to internal bleeding ulcers.

The Border Terrier is considered to be among the healthiest dogs. However, they may develop disorders that can be contracted or hereditary. The sooner your dog is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome. While those mentioned above are some of the most common health conditions of Borders, not all dogs would suffer from any of those health issues in their entire lives. You need to remember that no matter how well your dog’s breed may be, there are bad genes that skip generations. So, it would be much better if you get to know your dog’s lineage.

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Border terriers were bred to help drive foxes out of their hiding places and out into the open. They have a powerful drive to hunt and dig. That is why they would require frequent dog cleaning, especially when they’re in and out of your house. Borders are wonderful pets that loves to play and loyal to their owners.

The Personality of a Border terrier

Terrier breeds are good-tempered, affectionate, and obedient. Because they are highly intelligent and fast learners, they are pretty easy to train. While they are affectionate to their humans, they aren’t that much with small animals. That’s primarily because they would think that they are preys. And when it comes to preys, they are fearless and relentless.

Like any dog, Borders need to be socialized at an early age; you need to expose them to different people and experiences. Socialization will help make sure that they will grow up to be a well-rounded pet.

There are border terriers that are more work-oriented than the others and some are mellower. But generally speaking, they are energetic and athletic pets. They like to play with interactive games and prefer vigorous exercises.

This dog breed is inquisitive in nature that they can end up crawling anywhere. Thus, you need to secure your yard, put them on a leash, or personally supervise them when they play outside.

Most Borders are extremely socialized that they happily greet and kiss strangers. Unlike most terriers, Borders are sociable with other dogs. He may even live peacefully with your pet cat.

In general, border terriers are very sensitive and they are eager to please their humans that they easily respond to motivational obedience training.

Border terrier is an excellent pet if you want a dog that is:

• Small, sturdy and tough
• Simple-looking
• Has a coat that can have easy pet grooming at home
• Has minimal shedding
• Loves to exercise or do sporty activities
• Sociable

But borders might not be right for you if you don’t want to deal with the following:

• Dynamic terrier temperament
• Stubborn
• Digging holes
• Barking
• Has a strong urge to chase running creatures
• Playing and exercising to keep them busy

What should you be concerned about when you’re considering Buying a Border terrier?

• Dynamic terrier temperament. Most terrier breeds have temperaments that make them what they are. They are quick to bark and chase. They are lively, feisty, clever, stubborn, impulsive, persistent, intense, and so on.
• Animal aggression. While they are sociable with other dogs, Border terriers are still a force to be reckoned with when they accept a challenge or initiate a fight. They have strong urge to chase and seize small running creatures, which may become a problem if you own another type of animal (e.g. cat or rabbit). You can’t trust them off-leash as they can easily run off (not minding your shouts) after anything that interests them.
• Providing enough exercise and stimulation. Borders are active dogs. Thus, you need to provide regular opportunities for them to release their energy and to use their minds on something interesting. It is important to note that terriers aren’t meant to be household pets. But if you strongly want this dog breed, you should enroll your pet to an obedience class, agility training, or dog clubs.

Barking

Terriers are very quick to bark when they see a new site or hear a sound. Thus, you have to be fast in stopping them. If you’re working all day and you have neighbors nearby, terriers aren’t exactly an excellent choice for a pet. For the same reason, you should never leave them outside your yard without any supervision. To make things worse, they have high-pitched barks that can disturb some people.

Grooming

Border terriers require regular dog grooming. You need to brush their hair regularly and trim them, as well as clip their nails.

Fence Security

Most terriers are great at escaping. They often go over or under the fences to go on a dog adventure. Thus, you may need to install fences that are higher than their size. You may also consider sinking a wire to the ground along your fences to prevent them from digging. It is also an excellent idea to put high quality locks on your gate to prevent them from escaping.

Own Mind

Border terriers have a mind of their own. They are eager to work with you than any other terrier breed. They excel at obedience and agility trainings. But their toughness may frustrate you when they decide to be stubborn. Thus, it is of utmost importance that you consistently show them that you mean what you say. Teach your Borders to listen to you through Respect Training.

Is Border tTerriers Excellent with Kids?

The Border terrier has been popular for being an excellent pet. They aren’t only good with the adults, but they are good with children as well. Compared to other breeds, they aren’t prone to being snappy. In fact when children give much attention to them, they would often seek them out for affection and hugs. As a fun-loving little pet that loves to play active games, they are often good playmates for children. They enjoy activities like dog walking, playing interactive games, as well as roughhousing. Generally, kids who love pets will create strong bonds with these dogs.

Although Borders are known to get along well with children, you should always make sure that your child won’t harass the dog. Teach your children to respect the dog and not to treat them as an alternative toy. Also, while Border terriers are child-friendly, you shouldn’t leave them with small babies without any supervision. When your Borders are still very young, you should put him in a place where he feels comfortable and safe to rest during bedtime.

The Border terrier is among the excellent pet choices for those who want to introduce their children to responsibilities and the many benefits of owning a dog. It is also a great pet for all types of families.

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