Border Terrier
The Border Terrier is very agile, alert, strong and endurable. Since the purpose of the breed is to hunt foxes, otters and bangers, these dogs are able to get into narrow apertures when following the prey. Border Terriers are quick enough to follow a horse on any kind of terrain. These dogs are naturally obedient, friendly, and easy to train. Their gait is characterized as free, straight, and rhythmical, with a good stride.
The standard weight of the Border Terrier is 13-15½ pounds in males and 11½ -14 pounds in females. The wither height can vary significantly, but the proportion of the height to the body length should be the same, with the height greater than the body length by 1-1½ inches. The proportions and overall balance are more important in these dogs than any measurement taken separately. The purebred Border Terrier should be strongly put together and be narrow in shoulders and body. Overweight Border Terriers are not able to perform their original task. The neck of the Border Terrier is long enough to create a well-balanced appearance. The tail is moderately short and tapering, set rather low and carried gaily when alert. The legs of the Border Terrier are straight and well-muscled, with small, compact feet.
The head of the Border Terrier is similar to an otter head. It’s moderately broad and flat, with a curve at the stop and full cheeks. The muzzle is short, with a few short whiskers. The muzzle in this breed should be darker than the rest of the body. The eyes are hazel, moderate in size, with an intelligent expression. The ears are small and pointed, set on the side of the head and dropping close to cheeks. The nose is large and black. The teeth should meet in a scissor bite.
The coat in this breed is made of a dense undercoat and wiry broken topcoat that lies closely. For shows, purebred Border Terriers need no trimming except tidying up of the neck, head, and excessive hair on feet. The common coat colors of the Border Terrier are red, wheaten, blue and tan, and grizzle and tan.
