Emblehope

                                         “Essentially a working Terrier”

The first line of the breed standard and says it all, the Border Terrier is a perfectly designed working Dog, bred to hold Foxes at bay or bolt them to the gun.

They were bred in the borders of Scotland and England, hence the name, around Northumberland and the Cheviot Hills designed to work in the toughest terrain, these dogs are capable of withstanding the harsh climates of such environments.  They were bred to work along side Foxhound packs, to go to ground when required after a Fox had bolted below, to find and locate the quarry and make it bolt, or remain with it untill the hunts Terriermen dug down to them and despatched the Fox.  The Terrier would “bay” at the Fox constantly so he could be located by the huntsmen above.

        

Many Terriers of many breeds are said to “yap” or bark a lot by their owners, considering they were designed to do so and be heard underground, is it any wonder they are good at it??!!  Today, most Borders are kept as pets and as show dogs, given the correct upbringing they will fit these tasks fine, but they still retain all of their abilities and in the wrong environment may cause real problems for their owners.

First and foremost an earth dog, the Border Terrier will also fit may other job titles, they are a very versatile Terrier.  Excellent ratters etc.. a Border can take on the job of a Spaniel by way of bushing and flushing game to the gun, marking game/Birds, or by retrieving as a retriever would.  Not the “typical” jobs of the breed, but they do these jobs admirably given the correct training.

       

More images can be found in the working gallery