About Beth Adams Expertise I have 10+ yrs rescuing Cairn terriers. Ask me about rescue work and re-homing rescued terriers. I am also proudly owned by a Jack Russell Terrier rescue. I am also keenly aware that terriers are significantly different from other kinds of dogs, and often not the best choice for some owners.
HOWEVER I AM NOT A VET! PLEASE DO NOT ASK ME IN-DEPTH MEDICAL QUESTIONS THAT SHOULD BE DIRECTED ONLY TOWARDS MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS. I WILL BE HAPPY TO ASSIST WITH BASIC MEDICAL QUESTIONS/NEEDS THAT I CAN OFFER MY PERSONAL OPINION ON. If you ask me questions about breeding, please expect me to be direct about my opinion on this topic.
Experience 10+ yrs owning and rescuing cairn terriers. Proudly owned by a Jack Russell Terrier rescue. My JRT is active in being a foster brother, and earthdog and agility events and we're having a blast
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.
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 !
