Did you know that the Border Terrier was initially bred in the harsh and rugged border region between England and Scotland? Yes, they were to hunt foxes and control vermins. This spunky little dog had to be tough enough to keep up with the horse-mounted hound packs and the rugged terrains they covered.
The Border Terrier managed to use this courage and agility to their advantage, developing into some of the best canine athletes but with a very friendly demeanor, despite their hunting origins.
Now, you may be wondering, ‘How friendly can a dog with such a rugged history be?’
The answer, my friend, is, very! Despite their rugged history, the Border Terrier has managed to maintain an amiable and friendly nature that endears them to anyone who comes their way.
Let us dive in deeper into their personality and temperament, to understand why they are considered friendly dogs.
The Border Terrier, also known as BT, is renowned for being good-tempered, affectionate, intelligent, and obedient. Yes, they have a high energy level that needs to be channeled correctly or else, they might find their amusement, often by digging, chewing, or even venturing off on their mini expeditions.
Sometimes they may seem stubborn due to their courage and determination, which were necessary for their original roles, but a bit of patience, consistency, and lots of love will do the trick.
Border Terriers are also incredibly good with children. They are known to be loving, patient, and even protective with little ones, making them the perfect family companion. Of course, like any dog breed, early socialization is fundamental to ensure they grow into well-rounded adults.
Another big plus of Border Terriers is their ability to get along with other dogs. They are typically not aggressive towards their canine counterparts, particularly if they have been socialized from an early age. However, caution must be respected with smaller animals like rabbits or hamsters due to their hunting background.
Are Border Terriers friendly towards strangers? Well, they tend to be wary around unfamiliar people, but they are far from being aggressive. Once they sniff out the newcomer and get the approval from their beloved family member, these dogs can quickly become a newcomer’s best friend.
Here’s another fascinating fact: Border Terriers are known for their adaptability. They do great both in the city and in the country. As long as they get their daily dose of exercise, these terriers are more than happy to curl up on the couch with you or even join you in your office.
Now, training a Border Terrier can be tricky. As earlier mentioned, they can be quite determined (or some might say, stubborn). It’s a part of their charm. But don’t worry, these dogs are also eager to please. They respond very well to positive reinforcement training methods. So, prepare yourself armed with patience, praise, and lots of treats!
As a future Border Terrier owner, it is important to acknowledge that while Border Terriers are fantastic, friendly dogs, they need to be integrated into a family that understands their needs and natural characteristics.
They require adequate physical and mental stimulation, firm yet gentle training, and most of all, lots of love from their family. If you can provide this, the Border Terrier will show you a level of loyalty and friendliness that is hard to match.
Remember, just like people, every dog is an individual. While the breed can give you a general idea of what a dog could be like, it can never determine a dog’s personality completely. It is most important to treat each dog as an individual and not judge based purely on breed characteristics.
To wrap it up, we can confidently say that Border Terriers are friendly dogs. They are charming, intelligent, and love to be part of the family activities. Their naturally sunny disposition and friendly nature make them one of the best companion dogs for individuals and families of all types and sizes.
