Border terriers were originally bred to chase and flush out small prey from their burrows along the borders of England and Scotland. Today, they are still high-energy dogs that need plenty of exercise and stimulation, but they can make great family pets.
However, some border terriers may become aggressive if they don’t get enough exercise or if they feel threatened. If you’re wondering why is my border terrier aggressive, here are a few possible reasons:
Lack Of Exercise
If your border terrier isn’t getting enough exercise, it may start to act out in other ways, including aggression. It does this to utilize all the pent-up energy.
Be sure to give your dog at least an hour of exercise each day. This can be a combination of walks, runs, games of fetch, or anything else that gets them moving.
Fear Or Insecurity
Border terriers may become aggressive if they feel scared or insecure. This could be due to a traumatic experience, such as being taken away from their littermates too early or being abused.
It could also be due to genetics, as some dogs are simply more prone to anxiety than others. If your border terrier seems overly fearful or anxious, it’s important to seek professional help from a veterinarian or animal behaviorist.
Possessiveness
Some border terriers may become possessive of their food, toys, or even their people. This type of aggression is often seen in dogs that were not properly socialized as puppies.
If your border terrier is displaying possessive aggression, it’s important to seek professional help so that the behavior can be corrected before it becomes too ingrained.
If you’re concerned about your border terrier’s aggressive behavior, it’s important to consult with a professional who can help you determine the cause and create a plan to correct the behavior.
A Brief History Of The Border Terrier Breed
The origin of Border Terriers goes back to 1880s England when farming and shepherds were using this breed to control a fox population. Their name refers directly to border hunting in Northumberland.
These dogs were fierce and stubborn. They wanted to kill foxes, stand by their hiding places, and chase them.
Are Border Terriers Always Aggressive?
Border terriers are exceptionally loving family pets and a popular breed amongst children. They are intelligent and courageous; they are very devoted, and they tend to befriend others in their breeds or cats.
However, temperamental traits often occur when dogs become aggressive. Because they hunt, they will often chase and bark at the smaller animal.
Training
As part of training, dog owners should socialize their terrier as early as possible and in a way that will help them achieve the best temperament. Then the dog will be able to adapt well to adulthood. Do not be too harsh on dogs training because they can get hurt.
Please understand that it can only think independently because of its nature. It’s easy when it loses focus during dog training, but it has to work harder to get back on its feet. Also, be aware he is not afraid to chase. You can also take help from a professional dog trainer.
Border Terrier: Staying Healthy
Although Border Terriers are usually healthy you should know that they have some health problems. Adult Border Terriers are usually 11 to 16 inches tall, and between 11 and 16 kg. The life span is about 12 to 15 years.
Common Health Issues
Although most border terriers are generally healthy dogs, there are some health conditions that are more common in this breed than others. Here is a look at some of the most common health issues seen in Border Terriers.
One of the most common health issues seen in Border Terriers is called Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. This is a condition that affects the ball joint of the hip, causing it to deteriorate. It typically occurs in young dogs between 4 and 6 months of age.
Symptoms include lameness, pain, and muscle wasting. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the affected ball joint and replace it with a prosthetic.
Another common health issue in Border Terriers is von Willebrand’s disease. This is a bleeding disorder that is caused by a deficiency of certain clotting factors in the blood. It can cause excessive bleeding from minor cuts or trauma, as well as nosebleeds, bloody stool, and blood in the urine.
Von Willebrand’s disease is usually diagnosed with a blood test, and treatment typically involves medications to help control bleeding episodes.
Border Terriers are also prone to skin allergies, which can cause itchiness, redness, and hair loss. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and food ingredients.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the allergies and can involve avoiding exposure to allergens, changes in diet, or medication.
While there are some health conditions that are more common in Border Terriers than in other breeds, overall they are healthy dogs with a lifespan of 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet checkups, your Border Terrier will enjoy many happy and healthy years by your side.
Grooming
Border Terrier’s coat is double, shedding regularly. A simple brush once or twice a week will suffice. During the shed season, however, expect to spend an entire day stripping the coat either with hand-held instruments and/or specialized equipment.
It’s not necessary to bathe Border Terriers. Bathing his hair removes his coat’s protective capability. To wash him off, use a comb and dry towels. There are plenty of haircuts to offer to your Border Terrier.
Border Terrier Adoption And Rescue
In some cases, your local shelter may offer puppies for adoption. If they’re no longer available at your inspection, please return later.
Adopting can be very helpful when you want Border Terrier mixtures. If you’ve only ever purchased a single purebred from a breeder that’s very expensive!
One other advantage to adopting a rescue dog is that they try to make it possible for them to rehome them. Wouldn’t you consider bringing home dogs who have never bitten humans before? That’s what shelters are aiming for.
Border Terrier Puppies For Sale
The price ranges from $1,000-$1500 per puppy, and will vary by breed and age. Dogs that cost more are expected to be supplied with all the necessary documentation and medical clearance.
Signs Of Aggression In Dogs
It’s vital to identify when dogs act aggressively to stop them from attacking. Sometimes a temperamental trait like screaming or grumbling sound seems quite scary and frightening.
When a dog’s body language changes, it seems alarming because they appear bigger and make direct eye contact or gazes at you directly. Early detection can help prevent dog attacks.
Other Dogs Vs Border Terriers: Possible Cause Of Higher Aggression
The strong instincts to chase and catch can often be seen in Border Terriers who live in households with other small animals. In addition, Border Terriers may become aggressive if they feel threatened or agitated.
If a Border Terrier feels that its territory is under threat, it turns aggressive in order to protect what it perceives as its own space. Border Terriers may also become aggressive if they are not properly socialized.
Without exposure to different people and situations, Border Terriers may become fearful and react to new experiences with aggression. Proper socialization is essential for Border Terriers in order to prevent aggression.
