Border Terrier

Border TerrierBorder Terriers are medium sized terriers which were originally bred in the Scottish borders as fox and vermin hunters to protect livestock.

They are intelligent, game and sturdily built little dogs. They have a fairly narrow body, perfect for  squeezing through tight spaces, and  are of a size which would enable them to go underground when their quarry went to earth. It is also said they were originally capable of keeping up with horses when hunting foxes. They can be feisty but have a wonderfully loyal and affectionate nature and are a very popular companion breed.

Border Terriers  have 'otter shaped' heads, 'V' shaped ears which fall towards their cheeks, a medium length tail, which is broad at the base and tapers to the tip, and longish legs. They have a double coat which consists of a short, thick under-layer and a coarse wiry outer-layer which is dirt and weather resistant. This longer coat usually requires hand stripping to remove dead hair and takes approximately eight weeks to re-establish. Coat colouration varies between Grizzle and Tan, Blue and Tan, Red or Wheaten.

Border Terriers are generally good with children and other dogs and on the whole accept cats within their own family circle. However, strange cats can be another matter and are often considered fair game to chase! These dogs can be strong willed and independent thinkers but as a rule they are even tempered, rarely aggressive and are increasingly used to work as therapy dogs with children and the elderly or assistance dogs for blind and deaf owners. They are reportedly fairly easy to train but should be exercised on a daily basis as they are an active breed.

Toys That Teach A great part of Hansa's mission is to educate children and adults alike about the world's animals and so, as well as being very close plush recreations of the original, every Hansa toy comes with a 'Toys That Teach' tag, which describes each animal's:

- Habitat
- Lifestyle
- Gestation period
- Care of young
- Eating habits

So you not only get a wonderful soft toy but also an understanding of the animal and its behaviour in its very own kingdom.