How to Groom a Border Terrier

Border terriers are bright, energetic, mild mannered little dogs. Although they are good hunters, they are not very aggressive and don't make very good guard dogs. They get along with other breeds, but you shouldn't leave them alone with other small pets such as hamsters, mice, rabbits or birds. Border terriers require only monthly general grooming and full a grooming every 8 to 10 weeks.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Slicker brush
• Natural bristle brush
• Metal comb
• Thinning shears
• Scissors

1. Use thinning shears to remove stray hairs which generally crop up on the neck, back, belly, brisket and front chest of many border terriers.

2. Clean the area around the eyes to ensure that the dog has clear vision. Keep hairs from growing inward towards the eyes.

3. Brush out the dog's coat at least once a week.

4. Use a spray conditioner to give your border terrier's coat an extra shiny look.

Tips & Warnings

• For show appearance, hand stripping is usually necessary. This technique requires special training and beginners shouldn't attempt it without help.
• Border terriers have a life expectancy of about 15 years or more.
• Border terriers shed very little hair.
• This is a good breed for those suffering from allergies.
• Border terriers have a high pain threshold and may not always show that something is wrong. This makes it essential that owners are vigilant about checking up on their dog's health.
• Some border terriers are prone to Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome, or CECS, also known as Spike's Disease. Veterinarians only recently recognized this disease and many people confuse it with canine epilepsy.