Grab your leash and let me take you on a journey into the endearing world of Border Terriers, one of the oldest terrier breeds hailing from the borderlands between England and Scotland. There’s an interesting debate around these furry friends: Are they good guard dogs? Or are they just conveniently sized sofa snugglers?
With their cute button eyes and tousled coat, one might think a Border Terrier couldn’t scare off a squirrel, let alone a burglar. But hold on to your dog biscuits friends, because these little bundles of fur are full of surprises, and one of them just might be their potential to safeguard your home.
The Secret Life of a Border Terrier
The first thing you need to know about Border Terriers is that they were born to be hunters. Back in the day, these robust and agile dogs were bred to protect farmsteads and hunt down pests like foxes. They’re tiny but mighty, full of energy, and fearlessly determined. And when I say determined, I mean you’ve never seen a dog so committed to dig a hole and get that pesky gopher.
All these characteristics would seem to make the Border Terrier a shoe-in for guard duty. But there’s more to being a guard dog than just chasing down small critters.
Guard Dog 101
So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what it means for a dog breed to be a guard dog. A guard dog isn’t just a pet that barks at the door when the mailman comes around. It’s a disciplined canine, specifically trained to protect property and people from threats, perceived or real.
They’re typically large breeds with a powerful bark and a strong protective instinct. Think German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Boxers. They’re the bouncers of the dog world.
By contrast, Border Terriers, with their loveable scruffy faces, don’t exactly put the fear of dog into a would-be intruder. They hardly tip the scales at around 15lbs and standing only 10 to 11 inches tall, so the intimidation factor isn’t sky-high.
But, before you throw the concept ‘Border Terrier as a guard dog’ into the ‘not likely’ bin, let’s consider a couple of things.
Size Isn’t Everything
While your average Border Terrier may be small in stature, the saying ‘it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog’ is particularly relevant here. Fearlessness is in their genes. After all, these little guys were bread to help control the fox population around farms!
Then there’s their barking ability. When it comes to the vocalization department, Border Terriers have quite the repertoire. They have a loud, distinctive bark that’s more than capable of alerting a household to any strange goings-on.
The ‘Guard’ in a Border Terrier
One of the key traits you want in a guard dog is loyalty, and Border Terriers have this in spades. They form strong attachments to their human family members and will go the extra mile to protect them. They’re also highly intelligent and easily trained, both advantages when you’re looking for a guard dog.
However, Border Terriers are also known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They’re not naturally aggressive dogs, so while they might alert you to someone at the door, they’re unlikely to take down an intruder.
In fact, due to their inherently sociable nature, there’s the potential that a Border Terrier could become friendly with an unfamiliar person who posed no immediate threat. So, if your imagined burglar is actually a dog-loving thief…well, your home security just got compromised.
A Guarding Companion
So, can we consider a Border Terrier a guard dog? I’d say they are better described as ‘guarding companions’. Their heritage makes them hyper-aware of their surroundings, and their bark can serve as a great alarm system. But, their welcoming nature and lack of large-dog intimidation factor make them less than ideal for physically fending off threats.
In the end, a Border Terrier might not be the best choice if you’re solely looking for a guard dog. However, if you’re looking for a lovable companion who will fiercely love their family, isn’t afraid to speak up when something is amiss, and will provide you with endless amusement and affection, I say you can’t go wrong with a Border Terrier.
But remember, no matter the breed, a dog’s ability to act as a guard dog hugely depends on its temperament and training. So, if you do have a Border Terrier and want to enhance their guarding skills, consider training programs that focus on obedience and socialization.
Whether or not they make it as a guard dog, one thing is for sure: an adorable Border Terrier will undeniably guard your heart with their love, loyalty and boundless joy for life.
