Border Terrier
hunting and family dog
Puppies
There are many Border Terrier breeders today, but far from all of them breed dogs that are actually used in hunting. Many describe their dogs as “hunting-minded” or as puppies that are “suitable for everything”. As a puppy buyer, you should be aware that this often means that hunting qualities are no longer the main focus of the breeding.
A functional hunting dog and an uncomplicated companion dog are in practice two different breeding goals. A Border Terrier bred for hunting should have a strong motor, independence, sharpness and endurance — characteristics that make it effective in work but which also mean that it places demands on its handler. That type of dog is not designed to function as a loose dog in city parks or as a family dog only.
When breeders market their puppies as suitable for hunting, showing and companionship at the same time, it is therefore wise to be critical. Breeding that tries to fulfill all goals at the same time risks, in practice, eroding the qualities required in a true hunting dog.
The experience of many terrier breeds is clear: when hunting merits cease to be decisive in breeding, working ability also disappears over time. The Border Terrier is one of the few terrier breeds where functional hunting lines still remain — but this requires that the characteristics are valued and sought after.
Anyone looking for a border terrier that is good at hunting should therefore always ask:
Is the parent animal regularly used in practical hunting?
Are there documented hunting achievements, not just show results?
Is working ability prioritized over appearance?
If these questions cannot be answered clearly, it should be assumed that the dogs were primarily bred for something other than hunting.
The bitch and the male dog are presented with a description of how they are used and perform in practical hunting and with any approved hunting tests. No show merits or other merits not related to hunting will be stated.
For breeders who list their litters, the following applies:
The breeder must follow SKK's basic rules for dog breeding and transfer of dogs.
The inbreeding rate in the litter must not exceed 6.25%.
The breeder must follow laws, rules and regulations regarding the breeding and care of animals, i.e. the Animal Welfare Act, the Swedish Board of Agriculture's regulations and the Swedish Kennel Club's basic rules and breeding policy.
The breeder must follow the regulations for SLEM testing. Read more here and here