Faq
CAN THE BT BE TRAINED TO STAY IN MY YARD WITHOUT A FENCE AND TO WALK OFF LEASH?
A BT, as is true of any terrier, is an instinctive vermin hunter and, as such, cannot be trusted off leash or in an unfenced area, unless very well trained. A rabbit or possum is enough to send him chasing - so beware. A fully fenced garden is ideal and gives a Border enough room to run.
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DO BT'S SHED?
The BT has a double coat; a soft, downy undercoat and a hard, wiry top coat. Any double-coated dog sheds, but shedding can be minimized with proper grooming. (See grooming question)
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ARE THEY GOOD WITH CHILDREN?
The BT is a very sociable breed, and can make an excellent companion for a child. However, their high energy level and rather rough play requires supervision, especially when puppies are playing with younger children under 7 or 8. This is not only for the child's safety, but the puppy's since some young children may unintentionally harm a puppy. Never get a dog with the intention of teaching a child responsibility. Both children and puppies need an adult caretaker and parents need to accept this before getting a dog. They will take several years of maturity and training to develop into the steady, devoted family member you are hoping for. The greatest concern with children and dogs is that children tend to leave doors and gates open, and the dog may get out. Strict rules must be enforced to ensure that gates and doors are always kept closed to protect your dog.
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HOW LONG DO THEY LIVE?
12-15 years old is the average.
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ARE THEY EASY TO TRAIN?
The BT is a willing breed who wishes to please. This makes it easy to train basic house manners such as housebreaking, walking on a leash, leaving garbage alone, leaving clothes and kids' toys alone, not jumping on people or furniture, sitting and staying and coming when called, (barring the presence of a possum or rabbit). If your ambitions are to compete in obedience trials, training becomes more challenging, though very rewarding. It is imperative that you search for an instructor who understands terriers, and BTs in particular. Harsh training methods can destroy their will to please and make future training much more difficult. BTs respond best to positive motivational reinforcement methods using praise, treats and toys.
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TO BREED OR NOT TO BREED?
Those Border Terriers who do not have excellent conformation and temperament should NEVER be used for breeding. Breeding is an enormous responsibility, costly, and often heartbreaking. Good breeders make a life-time commitment to each and every puppy they breed. For most, it is best to leave breeding to others and simply enjoy the multitude of pleasures available with our dogs. It is strongly suggested that puppies or dogs that are not going to be shown be spayed or neutered. Spaying or neutering also makes them less prone to certain afflictions associated with their sexuality later in life; for example, mammary tumors or prostate disease.
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CAN I EXPECT A CONTRACT?
Our Border Terrier puppies are sold with a NZ Kennel Club approved contract. The contract states all the details of the puppy and any conditions/ endorsements to the Sale.
We provide the following to a new buyer at the time of sale:
- Kennel Club registration
- A three generation pedigree.
- A complete medical history, for pups or adults.
- Written instructions on feeding, health care, training and grooming.
We also include in the written agreement a clause that any time the owner cannot keep the dog, the dog is to be returned to the breeder.
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ARE BT'S A HEALTHY BREED?
As a breed, BTs are generally healthy. A good diet, proper weight control, plenty of exercise, regular grooming and routine veterinary care should keep a BT in good health. One of the reasons the BT is a fairly healthy breed is years of concerned, responsible breeding. We are conscientious and screen for hip dysplasia and eye and heart problems.
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WHAT IS THE BT'S ACTIVITY LEVEL?
Border Terriers are active dogs with a high energy level. This should be considered when thinking about a Border and children. Plenty of play and exercise is a necessity for BTs. A long walk or vigorous play within the yard for 20-30 minutes a day will keep your BT happy and fit. Borders also enjoy various activities such as flyball, agility,tracking and obedience classes. Above all else, your BT likes being with you.
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ARE BTS GOOD WITH OTHER PETS?
Generally, the BT should get along with other dogs. If you are making a Border your second dog, it is best to get the opposite sex to the dog you currently own. This will help avoid possible fighting which occurs more frequently between dogs of the same sex. In the case of cats, if introduced at a young age, they can live together harmoniously, but never trust them with neighborhood cats that wander into your yard. A BT will view gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, birds and other small, caged pets, as vermin to be hunted. Therefore, they really cannot be trusted around such creatures. Make certain that any critter's cages are well out of the reach of a BT. After all, a BT was bred to hunt, it is important to recognize and accept this characteristic if you wish to acquire a BT.
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DOES THE BORDER TERRIER BARK A LOT?
Although each puppy is different, most BTs are not yappy. They will keep an eye on things, and let you know if someone is at the door or walking by. Most dogs of any breed will bark if bored, left alone too much, or improperly exercised. Many can be taught not to bark.
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ARE BT'S EASY TO HOUSEBREAK?
As with any puppy, frequent trips outdoors are in order, and puppies should be crated or confined in a safe area when unattended. Consistency and a routine are extremely important in housebreaking. Your puppy should be taken out frequently especially after eating, drinking, playing and sleeping. Accompanying your dog outside will assure that he has done what you expected and hasn't gotten distracted by a leaf or some other object in the surroundings. Often, if a puppy is left out alone, he will be so anxious to come in again, that he will try to finish quickly and not completely empty his bladder causing an accident shortly after returning inside.
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SHOULD I CRATE TRAIN?
YES! Not only is a crate a useful housebreaking tool, but it gives your Border (both young and old) a place to call home and get away from it all. Young puppies often need a break from zealous young owners, and as long as you don't use the crate for punishment, crating your dog for brief periods gives you a break as well. Additionally, a crate provides a safe environment for a Border in the house, car, and hotel rooms. An open crate in the house gives the dog a safe den. Even very young children can learn to respect the dog's "bedroom".
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DOES THE BT REQUIRE A LOT OF GROOMING?
Borders are not a high maintenance breed, but they do need regular grooming. The Border is usually hand stripped twice a year, and should be brushed weekly. Hand stripping involves pulling out the dead outer coat out by hand, or with the help of a stripping tool. You may choose the natural look, doing nothing to the BT's coat except brushing it. With this "cocoa-mat" look the Border can be mistaken for a scruffy mixed breed, and the coat may shed more as it ages. A few pet owners opt to have their pets clipped. Clipping is not a recommended method of grooming since it does not remove the dead hair, but merely shortens it, softening the texture, fading the color, and encouraging noticeable shedding. There are booklets and videos available on properly grooming your Border Terrier.
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WHICH MAKES THE BEST PET...MALE OR FEMALE?
Any BT bought as a pet should be spayed or neutered when old enough. Males are just as sweet-natured as females and females just as determined as males. If you have one dog already, it is usually advisable to get the opposite sex as a companion.
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WHAT IS THE GREATEST DRAWBACK / NEGATIVE OF THE BT?
A BT is not for people who want a dog 'some of the time'. Borders who are not part of the family are not happy. Left unattended in the yard, they will bark and/or dig out usually getting hit by a car. BTs were bred to hunt vermin, therefore, do not go well with small, furry animals such as gerbils and guinea pigs.
Also, because they were bred to hunt, they should NEVER BE ALLOWED OFF LEAD IN UNSECURED AREAS. Many Borders have been killed by cars chasing after a possum or rabbit.