The Border Terrier was developed in the hills between the north of England and the south of Scotland. The breed's character and shape evolved from its use with Foxhound packs and by the shepherds to guard the sheep and lambs against foxes. It was important that the hunt terrier got on well with the hounds and other terriers and had enough sense to keep out of trouble with the pack and the horses.

Contrary to popular belief, Border Terriers did not run with the hounds, but followed the horses and had to be prepared to go to ground and keep the fox at bay for as long as was necessary.

These courageous dogs usually live up 14 years, but with good care and attention and a sound diet Border Terriers can live up to 16 years of age.

BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS & TEMPERAMENT

There is nothing small about the Border Terrier except its physical size – it is essentially a big dog in a little dog's frame. By nature these dogs are well behaved and reasonably prepared to do the right thing. However, they do not have the instant response to command like a gundog or Border Collie, preferring to do things in their own time!

They are sensitive and companionable by nature but not overly demonstrative, liking to keep near their owner or at least keep a close eye on what is going on. Most Border Terriers are good with children, but, as with all dogs, children must be taught to respect their pet, particularly when it is sleeping or eating.

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS

Border Terriers are generally good with other breeds of dog, but need to be brought up with cats and other pets.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

Border Terriers have a rough double coat that needs to be stripped free of dead hair about twice a year. Most pet owners can easily do this. Brushing with a good stiff brush is recommended, along with bathing as required.

Please take note:
Although Border Terriers will rarely start a fight, they will not back off in a confrontation.

IDEAL OWNERS

Families with older children and active older people.

IN CONCLUSION

If you have decided the Border Terrier is the dog for you and you don’t mind owning a dog that will do things in "its own good time", then contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

Breeder Name	Kennel	State
Chris and Jan Clinton	Witby	VIC	Contact
Peter, Anne, Chevaun & Mathew Smith	Chanpema	SA	Contact
Dee Patterson	Stormvale	SA	Contact
Marion Dibbs	Spennymoor	WA	Contact
Kellie Elevato	sweetrij	VIC	Contact
Lisa McGinn	Lisgar	TAS	Contact
Sandy Taylor	Buguya	WA	Contact
Gaela Tolley	Bohunt	VIC	Contact
ron & mary williams	willbeauette	NSW	Contact
Ian & Brenda Saint	Hilbren	SA	Contact
Louise Beverley	Fernbrook	VIC	Contact

* We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them. We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.rnswcc.org.au (Details current as of 1/08/04)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tca.freeservers.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)