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Bringing a Border Terrier into your home is a long term commitment - do your homework,
then contact Border Terrier breeders and owners who can help you decide if it is the right commitment for you.
Do your homework, and prepare a list of questions
Adding a dog to your family is an exciting prospect - as we learn about a breed that seems to be "just perfect for us,"
it is natural to want to speed things along. That said, it is really important to take the time to research the breed, and to
consider the pros and cons of living with the dog for 10-15 years. BTCA breeders often receive calls that begin with, "I've been
researching the breed and feel the Border Terrier is perfect for our family. Do you have any puppies available now?" As the
conversation continues, breeders will ask if the prospective puppy-owner has consulted the Border Terrier in Brief, if they feel
they will be able to manage hand-stripping, and if there are small housepets in their home. Border Terrier breeders and owners
are happy to help others learn about our breed, but we do appreciate it when prospective owners have really done their homework
and understand why we also have questions to ask of you. If you are interested in Border Terriers, please go through the
definitive literature about Border Terriers published by our club and provided right here on our site.
Breed-specific research - Start here (BTCA on-site research list + mail options)
There are pros and cons associated with any choice of breed, and our On-site Research List will lead you to our most
educational pages. You will learn about some important aspects of Border Terrier ownership that require special consideration,
and may be missed or glossed over by authors who are not as familiar or experienced with the breed.
Go to the On-site Research List
Request BTCA publications by mail
General info - may we suggest... (offsite)
If this is your first time buying a purebred dog from a breeder, or if you have not done so for several years, you will find
some very useful information within our Off-site Research List. The American Kennel Club's outstanding advice on
breed selection, finding a quality breeder, and responsible dog ownership will help prepare you for the expectations of the reputable
breeders of the purebred world, a happier dog, and a more rewarding ownership experience.
Go to our Off-site Research list
Contact the "experts"
Once you've done your homework, read the essential publications, and thought of questions you would like to
ask about life with Border Terriers, and have an idea of what sort of questions you can expect to be asked by folks who currently
own Border Terriers, you are ready to use the BTCA ON-LINE BREEDER DIRECTORY to locate resources in your
area. You can use these contacts to continue your research through discussion and personal visits. In addition to meeting
Border Terrier people one-on-one, you may be encouraged to attend dog shows or performance events where you will have an
opportunity to meet several Border Terriers and their people.
ON-SITE RESEARCH -- Border Terrier Education Online from the Border Terrier Club of America
Technical Note -- After accessing the links below, use your browser's Back button to return to this page.
RESEARCH BY MAIL

The Border Terrier in Brief Information Packet includes:
- The Border Terrier in Brief -- an informative guide written by
Border Terrier people to assist interested buyers in making an informed decision about
owning a Border Terrier. It includes pros and cons of the breed.
- The BTCA Ethical Standard -- the code of Ethics of the Border Terrier
Club of America -- including standards for conduct, breeding, selling and exhibiting.
Asking questions based on the contents of this document can help the buyer screen breeders
before they buy.
- AKC pamphlet
Choosing the Right Breeder -- Help for the
buyer in making an educated decision about their choice of breeder. If you find a
good breeder, you will find a good dog!
- BTCA Information Sheet -- lists contacts for national and regional
clubs, publications about Border Terriers, Border Terrier Rescue, and other pertinent
information.
- BTCA Breeder Directory -- a printed listing of BTCA Member breeders of Border
Terriers in the U.S.A, Canada, and abroad. A listing in this directory is in no way
an endorsement of the breeder.
For The Border Terrier in Brief Information Packet,
you must send cash (US Funds only)
or a Money Order or check in US Funds made out to BTCA for $5.00 to:
Jean Clark
BTCA General Education Coordinator
PO Box 641044
Beverly Hills, FL 34464
BorderTerrierEdu@aol.com
GEC PHONE: 1-802-253-9450
Please note that if you send a check it must clear before the packet will be mailed.
This entails a delay of approximately three weeks. To avoid this delay, send a Money Order or Cash (US Funds).
OFF-SITE RESEARCH -- Important general education about breed
selection, finding a breeder, and responsible dog ownership
Before You Buy
-- The American Kennel Club devotes a complete section of their
Web site to public education. This exceptional material discusses
topics of major concern to modern, responsible breeders when considering the quality and
suitability of prospective homes. All the articles
(links on left of page) related to breed selection/suitability, finding the right breeder
and dog for you, training, year-round health, grooming, hygiene, safety, and
activities are highly recommended and will greatly aid in
your communication when you begin to contact breeders.
Dogs Depicted in Movies
-- Bitten by the Good Boy Hubble Bug? Please read this reality check public announcement
from the American Kennel Club before deciding any breed you've seen in a movie or on TV is definitely
the one for you.
AKC Family Dog Magazine-All the Best for
Your Purebred Pet -- Optional -- Excellent quarterly publication full of advice,
training and grooming tips and articles that will provide ongoing learning opportunities,
increased knowledge and entertainment for you and your family. A great way to
increase your children's awareness of your pet's special needs and abilities. Only $8.95
for 1 year and $14.95 for 2 years.
NOW I'VE REALLY DONE MY HOMEWORK. WHAT'S NEXT?
BTCA ON-LINE BREEDER DIRECTORY -- You are ready
to locate a Border Terrier breeder in your area, and/or find someone who is not currently
breeding Border Terriers but who is willing to help you on your next step toward adding a dog to your family.
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