Border Terrier

Originally, the Border Terrier was referred to as the Coquetdale Terrier or Redesdale Terrier. Coquetdale and Redesdale were areas in which the breed had originated. In the 1800’s the breed became known by the name Border Terrier because of their association with the Border Hunt in Northumberland. The Border Terrier is believed to be related to Bedlington Terriers and Dandie Dinmont Terriers, which were from the same area. The breed was developed by farmers and shepherds from the border of England and Scotland to help reduce the fox population, capable predators who were hunting the farm animals. In the 19th century, foxhunting became a sport. The Border terrier would run alongside horses and the hounds.  Their legs had to be long enough to keep up with the chase but short enough to be able to crawl inside the fox’s den. The Border Terrier may have been small in stature but was determined, intelligent and very hard working. The breed became more popular when it was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club as a distinct breed. Border Terriers became registered with the American Kennel Club in 1930. Border Terriers have appeared in several films and television series (There’s Something About Mary, Anchorman, Return to Oz, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia). The Border Terrier went from being a working farm dog to hunting with nobility and today he is a popular pet and show dog.