Expert: Beth Adams - 4/19/2009

Question
I am due to collect my border terrier puppy from a breeder in a few weeks. I have owned dogs before but never any kind of terrier. Could you please tell me the general temperament of terriers and wether they can be aggressive towards small animals? I would also like to know if they require lots of grooming.

Answer
Lola -

This sounds kind of rude, but these are exactly the questions you should have asked before choosing a puppy.

Aggression towards small animals, often including cats, is very very common. Remember that these dogs have been bred for centuries to do just that - hunt and kill small animals.

Here's a great article on grooming requirements:

http://www.btcoa.org/research/groomguide.html

and some excellent descriptions of the breed temperment:

http://www.btcoa.org/research/btbrfsec2.htm
http://www.btcoa.org/research/btbrfsec6.htm

I thought it would be a lot easier to direct you to things written by border terrier owners and breeders than if I relayed my experiences with them. I have never owned one, but have spent quite a bit of time around them at earthdog events.

I hope you get a lifetime of joy fron your new family member !

-Beth