Regarded as one of the oldest Terriers of Great Britain, the Border Terrier has its origins in the Cheviot Hills region of the Border country. Border farmers and shepherds' flocks were ravaged by foxes, and to hunt and kill foxes in the rugged hill country a terrier with sufficient length of leg to follow a horse, yet small enough to follow a fox to ground, was developed. The dogs had to be active, strong and tireless with weather-resisting coats to withstand prolonged exposure to drenching rains and mists.

The Border Terrier is game, alert, active and agile - capable of squeezing through narrow apertures and scrambling over walls. He has a characteristic "otter" shaped head and an expression of fearless and implacable determination.

He has a very wiry top coat which lies close to the body and a short dense undercoat. Permissible colours are grizzle, red, tan, blue and tan or wheaten.

By nature, good tempered and affectionate, obedient and easily trained, the Border Terrier makes a delightful companion.