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If you are thinking about buying a Border Terrier puppy then read this 11 point checklist adapted form the Border Terrier Club. Remember you are entering into a long commitment when you buy a dog - do not make your decision lightly.
- Always find a reputable Border Terrier breeder. Do not use newspaper ads or websites advertising border terrier puppies for sale. You can also get in touch with a Border Terrier Breed Club secretary in your area when looking for a breeder - find details on the official Border Terrier Club website.
- Do your research; This site is a start and there are lots of good books on the breed - Take a look here.
- Always see Border Terrier puppies with their mother- it is not necessary to see their father as they might not live locally.
- Get pet insurance. Often overlooked but can save you a fortune in costly vet bills. Two to look at Argos Pet Insurance
and Homebase Pet Insurance
. Both of these offer a generous discount for booking online and are cheaper than you might think.
- Your Border Terrier puppy should be eating 3 or 4 meals of puppy food a day - check which type as this should not be changed in the first few weeks he is with you. Changes in diet, at this early stage of your pup's life could result in an upset tummy. Ask the breeder if it is possible to give you a small amount of food to take with you for your journey and make sure that you have a food at home before you collect your puppy.
- Every 3 weeks before your puppy leaves the breeder's premises it should bee wormed. Check if this has happened and ask for information of the dates of worming and the brand of wormer used.
- Your Border Terrier puppy should be free from parasites, such as fleas or ear mites. Ask the breeder to verify this. Check whether the breeder is a member of a Breed Club. If so then read the Breeders Code of Ethics. A reputable breeder will ask you a lot of questions regarding your ability to take care of your Border Terrier puppy. If the breeder only asks about money and how you will pay then be wary. This may be an indication of the level of aftercare you will receive.
- At home check all fencing to ensure it will be able to contain a small, determined Border Terrier puppy who may try to escape over or under it; Remember Border Terriers can and will jump over fences, and will tunnel out if given the opportunity. We recommend stapling weld mesh to the bottom of the fencing and burying it under the ground around the fence, to prevent tunnelling.
- Be aware that it looking after a Border Terrier or any dog is a long term commitment lasting for the lifetime of the dog. Your Border Terrier can have a lifespan of over 15 years. Although it may be possible, do not expect that the breeder will take the dog back.
- Register with a vet as soon as possible. If your Border Terrier puppy is around 8 weeks old, he might have had his first injection. Additionally some breeders will have a vet carry out a simple health check before the puppy leaves them.
- Make sure that your puppy does not leave the breeder's premises until around 8 weeks old. Do not buy a Border Terrier Puppy before it reaches 7 weeks of age.
- Obtain a registration certificate from the breeder if the puppy is registered with the Kennel Club, If the puppy is not yet registered then the breeder should advise you when they intend to register; Also they can let you know the registration numbers of the father (sire) and mother (dam). You should contact the Kennel Club (telephone 0870 6066750) BEFORE you buy the puppy if you have any concerns.
