The first words of our breed standard, they should shine through our breeding programmes before all else.
The Border was bred originally to go to ground to bolt Foxes. To this aim he was bred with a harsh weatherproof coat, a thick and loose pelt to enable him to move around more easily underground, strong legs and good feet were essential to him if he was to run all day along side the hunt horses. He had a fairly short and strong muzzle with a mouthful of big teeth.

A strong minded but agreeable temperament allowing him to live amiably within a hound pack if neccessary. Those that went before us gave him the tools and temperament to do the job he was bred for. We should breed to this blueprint or we do the Border Terrier today a grave disservice.

As our life styles have changed, the vast majority of Borders are no longer worked to Fox. However, the breed is so versatile that he can turn his hand to many different things.
He is a great showdog, parading all the qualities he was bred to have. He is a super agility dog, also working well in obedience (yes!) and flyball. He makes a great companion. In north America, Earthdog is a sport that a lot of borders and their owners hugely enjoy.  Artificial earths are made and the dog gets to "go to ground" after his quarry, usually caged rats. This, although it is fun, should not be confused with real terrier work.
The Border Terrier in the UK today is hugely popular, he is seen more and more on TV and is portrayed as a "cute" little pet.  There are more and more  going through Border Welfare. We will start to see health problems occur where none existed before. For years borders have been very popular, and the tables for last year (2010) show them at number six most popular dog in the uk, with last year 8383 puppies born.These are the ones that are registered with the Kennel Club, a lot more will have been bred and not registered.  The vast majority of these pups will not have been bred by reputable breeders!

 In North America we are lucky in that the Border Terrier is still almost a rare breed, they are not widely bred, but it is still wise when thinking of buying, to go to the breed clubs for information, help and support. The two Canadian clubs are the National Club Border Terrier Canada   and the regional club  Border Terrier Club Ontario

Think hard before you decide to have a litter, is your bitch of good enough quality to be bred from? We should breed from only the very best bitches and dogs. Is your Borders temperament all that it should be? If not then do not think of breeding. Do you have the time and knowledge required to whelp and rear a litter? How will you manage if your bitch has a bad dystocia or has to have a ceasarian section or has mastitis or some other problems post whelping? Think about it, and if you are in the least unsure about any of the questions, then DO NOT BREED!

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