While many people might not think of the Border Terrier when they hear the word “hunting dog,” the breed is actually quite adept at capturing small game.
Boar, deer, and fox are among the animals that Borders have been known to take down. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of the Border Terrier as a hunting dog, discuss some of the breed’s unique traits that make it well-suited for border terrier hunting and provide some tips on training a Border Terrier for fox hunting.
History of Border Terriers – American Kennel Club
Historically, Border Terriers were used by farmers in England to help with vermin control. These days, the breed is still used for hunting small game such as foxes, rabbits, and even rodents. While Borders are not as large as some other breeds of hunting dogs, they more than make up for it in terms of speed, agility, and tenacity.
When hunters are looking for a dog that will be able to keep up with them on long days out in the field, the Border Terrier is often their breed of choice. The breed is also known for its abilities to squeeze through narrow spaces and jump over obstacles – both of which come in handy when tracking down prey.
Learn More: What Is The Temperament Of A Border Terrier?
Why Border Terriers Are So Good At Fox Hunting?
Border Terriers were originally bred to hunt foxes that had gone to ground, meaning they would follow the animal into its burrow and chase it out. This required a dog with strong determination and a tough coat that could withstand being scratched and bitten. The Border Terrier Club was founded in 1894 and is the oldest terrier club in the world. This is why they will remain one of the most popular breeds in Britain and are recognized by both the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club.
Let’s take a look at some of the things that make the Border Terrier an ideal hunting companion.
Bred For Tenacity And Drive
One of the things that make the Border Terrier such an effective hunting dog is its tenacity and drive. These dogs were bred to hunt foxes, which are notoriously difficult to catch. They have an amazing ability to sustain a high level of energy and focus for long periods of time, making them perfect for long days out in the field. Additionally, their small size means that they can enter dens and bolt holes that larger dogs simply cannot get into.
High Intelligence
Border Terriers are one of the smartest dog breeds. They are very active and love to play. They are also very friendly with other dogs. Border Terriers were originally bred to work as hunting dogs. They would chase prey into the border between England and Scotland. Today, they are still used as hunting dogs in some parts of the world. Border Terriers are also popular pets. They make great companions for active people who enjoy spending time outdoors.
A Risk-Free Hunting Companion
Another advantage of Border Terriers is that they are low-maintenance dogs when compared to some other breeds often used for hunting. They do not require a lot of grooming and do not suffer from excessive shedding. Additionally, they are relatively healthy dogs with few known health issues. This makes them a low-risk investment for anyone looking for a new hunting companion.
Read more: How Often Should You Bathe A Border Terrier?
Choosing The Right Dog
Are you looking for a running buddy? A hiking companion? A couch potato cuddle buddy? The answer to this question will help you narrow down your options.
For example, if you’re looking for an active dog, you might want to consider a breed that excels in dog sports, such as an agility dog or an earth dog. Alternatively, if you’re just looking for a casual walking partner, any medium to large-size breed should be a good fit.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a small lapdog to snuggle with on the couch, breeds like the dinmont terrier or Dandie dinmont terrier would be good choices.
In addition to considering what activities you want to do with your dog, it’s also important to think about where you live. If you live in an apartment, a smaller breed is probably a better fit than a large breed.
If you have a backyard, you might want to consider a breed that doesn’t require a lot of exercise, like the basset hound or the bulldog. And if you love spending time at the dog park, and friendly breed should work well. Ultimately, the best way to choose the right dog is to find a breed that matches your lifestyle.
Read More: How To Groom A Border Terrier
Training Your Dog
Training your dog can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Dogs are intelligent creatures that are capable of learning a variety of commands and tricks. However, each breed of dog has its own unique characteristics that can make training more difficult.
For example, border terriers are known for their stubbornness, while Coquetdale terrier is known for their high energy levels. The key to successful border terrier training is to be patient and consistent.
Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, and come, and then move on to more advanced tricks once your dog has mastered the basics. With time and patience, you’ll become able of training border terriers to be well-behaved companions.
Learn More: Why Is My Border Terrier Aggressive?
The Process Of Fox Hunting With A Border Terrier
Fox hunting usually takes place during the fall and winter months when foxes are most active.
- The hunters will ride horses out into the field, followed by a pack of hounds.
- The hounds will pick up the scent of the fox, and then the hunters will follow them.
- Once the fox has been located, the Border Terrier will be sent in to flush it out so that it can be killed by the hunter.
Read More: How Much Exercise Does A Border Terrier Need
Conclusion
All in all, the decision of whether or not to fox hunt with your border terrier is ultimately up to you. If you do decide to go for it, just be sure that you and your pup are properly prepared. With a little bit of training (and maybe some bribery in the form of doggy treats), your border terrier can make an excellent hunting companion. And who knows – you might even end up having a lot of fun too!
