Do you have a special someone that you still can’t figure out what to get them for Christmas?  Well if you’re looking for a new pet,  you’ll score some serious points if you head up to Windward Farms in Long Grove, Il. and bring one of their new Border Terrier puppies who are looking for loving homes!  I’ve written on here before about how much I love the Border Terrier breed, but looking back, I’ve never really been that explicit about why (in my obviously biased opinion) the Border Terriers are an awesome breed whether you’re looking for a family dog.

About The Breeder: Windward Farms

First off, Windward is not a puppy mill.  Windward only breeds a limited number of litters each year, and unfortunately due to the economy, several owners who were in line to bring puppies home lost their jobs and simply cannot afford to add a new member to their families right now.  Normally the wait list for a Windward Border Terrier is over a year, so this is an incredible opportunity to give a new home to a Border puppy from a breeder with an impeccable reputation for breeding loving family dogs with fantastic temperaments!

Dont’ let the “Terrier” Name Fool You:

Yes, it’s true, Border Terrier’s are part of the Terrier family.   However before you have visions of small, yappy, hyper dogs who will destroy your house filling your head, not all Terriers are created equal.  Border Terriers are the most mellow and laid back of all the Terrier family breeds.  I’ve often heard the description (which is incredibly accurate) that the Border Terrier’s have a big dog’s personality, wrapped up in a smaller dog’s body.  In fact this is the reason that Windward Farms decided on the Border Terrier as their breed of choice.  Border Terriers defintiely have some spunk, especially as puppies.  However our dog Otis can just as easily curl up on the couch and watch movies with us when he’s not running around with Jack. In fact, Jack has more energy than Otis, and Otis has finally figured out if he hides under the bed, Jack can’t get him!

Small Dogs Aren’t Good for Families With Small Children

We heard a lot of stories from dog owners who encountered problems when they started a family.  Specifically, problems with their dog’s developing behavioral issues when a new baby is brought home.  Everything from being aloof and withdrawn to jealous and mean.  I’ve even heard the unfortunate stories of families who had to find new homes for their dogs because the dog just had too many problems assimilating to life with a new baby in the house.  Propery socialized as a puppy, your Border Terrier should be just as excited as you are when you bring home a new baby!

Takes  a Lickin’ and Keeps on Tickin’

Otis was great with Jack when we first came home from the hospital, however one of our bigger concers was how Otis would react when Jack started walking and playing with Otis as if Otis is one of Jack’s toys.  Not only has Otis become Jack’s best friend, he openly invites Jack to play with him, and genuinly puts up with every ounce of pounding that Jack can dish out.  Whether Jack uses Otis as a step-stool, ottoman,  pillow, or tackling dummy, Otis simply takes what Jack is dishing out, and usually licks his face for more once Jack is finished!

My Allergies Won’t Let me Have a Dog

Guess what, I’m allergic to dogs!  In fact if I’m around most of the popular, long hair breeds (Golden Retriever, Labrador, etc), I puff up like a blowfish, can’t breath, and can’t stop sneezing.  I realize that technically no dog is “hypo-allergic” because all dogs have a certain amount of dander in their coats.  However the Border Terriers actually have two coats, which benefits an allergy sufferer:  The Border’s soft undercoat contains the dander which aggravates allergies.  The wiry top coat however, helps contain the undercoat, which reduces shedding and ultimately helps keep my allergies in check.

Just like parents who think that their children are 200% cuter than any other kid on the planet, I realize that every dog owner thinks their breed is the absolute “must-have” dog.  So if the Border’s don’t warm your heart the way another breed might, please don’t let that stop you from bringing home or adopting a pet this holiday season.  Almost any dog, properly socialized, will bring years of companionship and love for you and your family.  However, if you have any questions about the Border Terrier breed (which just happens to be the best breed EVER!), feel free to contact Mary Jo Landergan at Windward Farms, 847-566-8073.  Or simply drop me a line at Jay@jacphoto.net if you’d like some perspective from a Border’s owner.