A certified dog trainer has issued a word of warning about a cute dog breed that is often a nightmare to handle.
Will Atherton, who has a Master of Science (MSc) in clinical canine behaviour, shared a video on TikTok educating others about Border Terriers. He highlighted that although these small working dogs are very cute, they have a hunting origin which can lead to some challenges.
In the video, he is seen holding a brown and black Border Terrier that is licking his face and being affectionate with him but he said this wasn’t the case at first. Will has warned others not to be “fooled” by the cuteness of this dog breed.
Speaking in the video, he said: “Now this is why I hate Border Terriers. Now, how on earth could you actually hate a puppy as cute as this? Because this Border Terrier is absolutely a sweetheart.
“However, when she came into my centre for a day of training this morning this wasn’t lovely, cuddly kisses, this was mauling my beard, my face, my fingers and my clothes which is the main problem with Border Terriers and all Terrier breeds for that fashion.”
He added that if you don’t know how to handle and manage the “prey drive that comes with serious little working breeds like these guys you are going to have a nightmare on your hands.”
In the caption of his post, Will wrote: “Now I grew up with multiple terriers, so I’ve always been very aware of the reality of these dogs, but if you haven’t it’s easy to be fooled by their cuteness and forget they’re actually high level athletic killing machines.
“And if you’re not ready for that it’s easy to get caught out with behaviours you weren’t expecting! So always do your research on your breed history and make sure you’re ready to harness and control it, especially if your breed has any form of hunting origins!”
The TikTok video has had 80,300 views, nearly 5,000 likes and more than 50 comments, after being uploaded yesterday (Friday, January 31). Users shared that they have had different experiences with Border Terrier dogs.
One user disputed Will’s claims as they said: “Me sitting here with my six month old border terrier who has zero prey drive and never mauled anyone.” Another added: “Had a border terrier for 12.5 years, and it’s chased nothing, even lived with multiple cats and was actually scared of them.”
But others agreed as another dog owner commented: “First dog person ever to feature the border terrier! So spot on tho mine was a total nightmare biter from 10 weeks to about 6 months. So much better now she’s 1 but my god you have to put the work in.”
A second user, who has had some difficulty with this dog breed, said: “I have two Border terriers and when they were puppies they were terrible little land sharks.” Border Terrier Welfare, a UK charity caring for Border Terriers in need, has also pointed out that although these dogs appear to be cute and small, they have a very energetic nature which needs to be handled and managed appropriately.
The charity noted that Border Terriers are perceived as “lovely, friendly little dogs with very cute faces and small enough to fit into a tiny house or garden.” It added: “All the above is true, but it must be remembered that Border Terriers have been bred for many years as a WORKING dog, who will run with hounds, go to ground when necessary, attack and defend itself as required and is a TERRIER, not a lapdog!
“This means that Borders need appropriate exercise, not just a potter down the road and back twice a day, maximum ten minutes.” The charity said that Border Terriers need mental stimulation and a “structured routine, making sure they don’t overpush boundaries.”
Before adopting any dog into your home, it’s important to do your research. No matter what breed you get, you’ll need to make sure you have enough time to care, train and care for them. A dog is for life, after all!
