Border Terrier

Coat & Grooming: The Border Terrier's double coat consists of a wiry outer layer and a fluffy undercoat, which sheds seasonally and requires a quick brushing every week or two to keep the coat in good shape. During shedding season, however, daily attention is required to avoid excessive shedding.

Coat length: Short

Grooming: Occasional

Shedding: Most of the time, the Border Terrier can get by with a weekly brushing, but during shedding season it's best to provide this breed with a daily brushing to remove excess hair.

Training: Most Border Terriers do very well when they are trained and socialized at an early age. However, they do tend to be a bit selfish at times, which can get in the way when it comes to training. "The breed is trainable and eager to please, but is an independent thinker, which can make training difficult at times," says DiNardo. "Border Terriers can't resist a good chase, so training sessions and exercise should always be done on a leash or in a secure area."

Barking: Understanding your dog: The Border Terrier isn't a particularly loud or yappy dog, although as with most breeds, if left to their own devices for too long or if not properly exercised, they can become bored and destructive.

Temperament & Behavior: This high-energy terrier requires plenty of play and exercise, and they relish spending time with their owners. The Border Terrier gets along well with other dogs, too, says DiNardo, but introductions should be closely supervised. Smaller animals may appear as prey to Borders and they may be tempted to chase them, so bringing a Border Terrier into a home with cats should be approached with extreme caution. Border Terriers are considered to be hard-working, affectionate and happy, although they should be constantly watched when around young children since they can be rough and tumble with their play.

Behavior with kids: Sociable by nature, Border Terriers tend to get along well with kids, although their high energy and tendency toward rough play means they should be constantly supervised around small children.

Protection: Friendly by nature, the Border Terrier isn't a natural guard dog.

Life Span: On average, Border Terriers live between 12 and 15 years.

Inherited health issues: Despite being a generally healthy breed, certain health conditions can occur at an increased frequency within the breed or can have a genetic association. Responsible breeders generally perform a number of screening and genetic tests in an attempt to decrease the incidence of health problems within the breed. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following: Leukodystrophy.

Preventive care: Like all dogs, Border Terriers should be examined by a veterinarian once or twice per year. These preventative visits can aid in detecting new or subtle changes before they become more significant problems. Discuss the use of regular preventative flea and tick medications, as well as heartworm prevention with a veterinarian.

Nutrition: With a high energy level, Border Terriers are less likely to become overweight than some other breeds of dogs. However, if overfed or under exercised, Borders can still become overweight. Feed portion-controlled meals of a high quality balanced diet and avoid offering table scraps or too many treats.

Daily Consumption: Average daily consumption for an adult Border is 1/2 - 3/4 cups

Energy Level: Frisky, energetic breed that is always ready for action

Exercise: The Border Terrier is a highly-energetic breed that requires daily stimulation. "Border Terriers have plenty of energy and stamina and like to work," says DiNardo. Because they have a strong instinct to chase and hunt prey, Border Terriers should always be kept on a leash or in an enclosed area for play.

Climate: A smaller breed with a short, weather-resistant coat, the Border Terrier can tolerate both cold and warm weather, but caution should be taken in either extreme.

Living space: The small and easily-adaptable Border Terrier tends to be happy in any size home as long as it has plenty of exercise and companionship.