Border Terrier vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Border Terrier vs Basque Shepherd - Breed ComparisonBorder Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Basque Shepherd is originated from Spain. Border Terrier may grow 21 cm / 8 inches shorter than Basque Shepherd. Border Terrier may weigh 22 kg / 48 pounds lesser than Basque Shepherd. Both Border Terrier and Basque Shepherd has same life span. Both Border Terrier and Basque Shepherd has almost same litter size. Both Border Terrier and Basque Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance.

History

border terrier - historyAs a working dog, the Border Terrier comes from the border country between England and Scotland. To be more specific, the dog originates from the rough hill country in the areas on both sides of the border between England and Scotland – an area known as 'The Border Country'. The breed was developed by the farmers, using the Terriers to help contain the fox population.

It is believed that they are related to other kinds of terriers which also came from this region such as the Bedlington- and Dandie Dinmont Terriers. The first Border Terrier was registered in 1913 with the British Kennel Club. Later, the Border Terrier Club was also formed. A club for these dogs was also registered in the United States in 1930.

basque shepherd - historyThe Basque Shepherd is one of the oldest dog breeds. With this Spanish dog, you’ll find paintings dating back 12,000 years ago. The Basque Shepherd is known as a landrace breed, which means the dog hasn’t gone through the same selective breeding programs as what other breeds have. Landrace breeds have more variations in appearance and temperament than regular breeds.

The Basque Shepherd has 2 distinct varieties, the Gorbeiakoa and the Iletsua. The smooth-haired Gorbeiakoa has a softer coat that is fairly short while the rougher-haired Iletsua has a lighter coloured coat, and unlike the Gorbeiakoa, the ears are not typically erect.

Even though this is an ancient breed of dog, only the Royal Canine Society of Spain recognizes the breed with the two varieties, and in January 1996, the two breeds - Iletsua and Gorbeikoa – were recognized.

Description

border terrier puppy - descriptionThe Border Terrier is a small to medium sized dog, weighing roughly between 5- and 7kg and standing at anything between 28 and 40cm in height. With his dark brown eyes and keen, alert expression, and with ears dropping forward, people describe the head as being like that of an otter. He is a courageous worker and a loyal companion but some people may not take kindly to him wanting to dig under-, or climb over barriers to get out to follow a scent or to go exploring.

The Border Terrier is a rough coated dogs of medium size with narrow build. The dog’s height is slightly greater than the dog’s length. The coat can be tan and black or dark grey. Sometimes the coat is described as grizzle - dark tipped hairs which give an overlay of color to the tan or red coat. You can also possibly find some white on the muzzle or chest. He has a double coat, with the outer coat being short, dense and wiry. The tail is of medium length and the ears drop forward toward their cheeks.

Two Varieties

basque shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Basque Shepherd is a strong, well proportioned dog with brown eyes and medium sized ears, which sometimes have folds. This medium-to-large dog has a beautiful fawn coat of medium-length hair that can be straight or slightly wavy. He has a long feathery tail that will wag readily when he sees his owner. You’ll find other colors for the Basque Shepherd shared between the two varieties - a yellow orange or copper coat with other shades being red, blue and black. His hair is shorter on the head and he doesn’t battle with hair over the eyes.

An Intelligent Breed

The Basque Shepherd is a highly intelligent dog and also very energetic. Of the two different kinds of Basque Shepherd, it is the Gorbeiakoa which is the more outgoing. The dogs will require a firm owner and they thrive on the discipline when it is combined with lots of with lots of exercise and activities.

The Basque Shepherd is generally friendly with people, if not a little reserved with strangers. He gets on well with children and other pets in the home, although socialization and training will be necessary to bring out their best.

Characteristics

border terrier dog - characteristicsA Border Terrier is a dog that has to be part of the family. You can’t just stick him in your back yard as he will just pine away with unhappiness. Boredom and loneliness will cause him to bark and he has a loud bark. He’ll become destructive – characteristics that aren’t his fault because he didn’t ask to be bought and just stuck away.

Train and socialize your Border Terrier so that he becomes the great dog he is intended to be. He gets on well will children who have been taught to be kind to animals and he will get along with other pets in the home. The Border Terrier is an affectionate, sensitive dog and once trained he is willing to obey your commands.

The Border Terrier isn’t the greatest guard dog but is best known for his loving, devoted and loyal nature. He loves his food, and if you feed him well, provide him with a warm, dry place to sleep and provide him with lots of attention and exercise, you’ll have the most devoted and loving friend for life.

basque shepherd dog - characteristicsThe dog is well suited to being a family pet, loving to spend time with family, being a people-oriented breed. He gets on well with children as well as other pets in the home, but can be reserved with strangers.

He doesn’t have an aggressive nature, and yet he does what it takes to protect his beloved human family.

He is full of energy, hardy and tough. He loves his human family and wants to be included in all their activities. He is energetic though and as a responsible dog owner, you want to make sure that your Basque Shepherd has enough space to run.

Health Problems

border terrier puppies - health problemsBorder Terriers are a healthy breed and with good food and plenty of love and attention, they can reach 14 years of age. It is to be noted with this dog breed that he doesn’t show signs of pain or sickness easily so you want to watch him closely.

Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome - This is a disease which can be evident from 7 months of age already. The disease was once known as Spike's Disease, and its an hereditary disease of Border Terrier dogs. The cause of the disease is unknown but it is similar to canine epilepsy. It is thought that a contributing factor can be gluten, so a gluten-free diet will be recommended.

Heart defects can also affect Border Terriers, one of which is pulmonic stenosis. This is a narrowing of the valve which separates the right chamber of the heart from the lungs. It can ultimately lead to arrhythmia to congestive heart failure. He’ll have difficulty with breathing, suffer from abdominal distension and won’t be able to exercise properly.

basque shepherd puppies - health problemsBecause this is an ancient breed, the Basque Shepherd doesn’t have to contend with genetic health problems such as more modern breeds. Just like other dogs though, he could be prone to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, ear infections and cancer. As a larger breed, he may also be prone to bloat.

Chronic Ear Infections

Breeds with floppy ears, such as the Basque Shepherd will be more prone to developing ear infections. To prevent infection, keep his ears clean and dry. If you’re unsure, the vet can guide you how- and what to do.

Hip Dysplasia

This is a disease which is common to other dog breeds too and not just the Basque Shepherd. This condition affects the hip joints and can result in chronic pain for the dog and also lameness. Checking your dog’s weight is important and the pain can be managed with medication.

Caring The Pet

Grooming

border terrier dogs - caringBecause the topcoat of the Border Terrier is dense and harsh with a thick undercoat, he will require moderate grooming. He doesn’t shed too much. Brush your Border Terrier twice a week to remove dead hair and keep your dog’s coat healthy. As part of his grooming, keep his nails clipped as well as his teeth checked and brushed at least twice a week. Make use of specialized dog toothpaste and brush.

Diet

The Border Terrier can quickly put on weight so it is important to feed him according to the instructions on the packaging if you’re going to be feeding him with commercially manufactured dog food. Make sure its a quality brand and one which caters for his energy requirements.Dogs are individuals, and they don’t all eat the same amount. As a responsible dog owner, it is up to you to monitor your pet and understand his unique requirements.

basque shepherd dogs - caringThis is a medium to large breed dog and he should therefore be fed a high quality food which has been formulated for medium to large breeds. Because he is a herding dog, you might want to also look at an active-dog or working-breed formula to supply him with that much needed energy.

Grooming

The Basque Shepherd’s coat is lush and long with either straight or wavy hair. Regular brush at least twice a week will maintain the coat, get rid of loose hair and prevent fleas.

Training

The Basque Shepherd is an intelligent breed that will respond well to socialization and training. He is a breed that loves sports too because of this very high energy levels. You need to be careful with the Basquae Shepherd around small children, not because he is aggressive in any way, but because he is highly active, and his exuberance and boisterous antics could see him unintentionally knocking over small children.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Working dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
Spain
Height Male:
33 - 40 cm
12 - 16 inches
47 - 61 cm
18 - 25 inches
Height Female:
28 - 36 cm
11 - 15 inches
46 - 59 cm
18 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
17 - 29 kg
37 - 64 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
17 - 36 kg
37 - 80 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
6 - 9
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Russian Bear Schnauzer, Munich Schnauzer, Munchener, Riesenschnauzer
Basque Herder, Basque Sheepdog
Colors Available:
Tan and black, red or dark grey. Sometimes Grizzle - dark tipped hairs and overlay of color
fawn, yellow orange or copper coat with other shades being red, blue and black
Coat:
Short, dense and springy
smooth and soft to rough and coarse
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Border Collie vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  2. Sakhalin Husky vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Alaskan Husky vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  4. Catahoula Leopard vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  5. German Pinscher vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  6. Portuguese Water Dog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  7. Puli vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  8. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Borador vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  10. German Spaniel vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Canadian Eskimo Dog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  12. McNab vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  13. Porcelaine vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  14. Finnish Lapphund vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  15. Berger Blanc Suisse vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  16. Griffon Nivernais vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  17. Hokkaido vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  18. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  19. Pumi vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  20. Griffon Fauve de Bretagne vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  21. Basque Shepherd vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  22. Basque Shepherd vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  23. Basque Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  24. Istrian Sheepdog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Jamthund vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  26. Boston Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Jack Russell Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Miniature Schnauzer vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Cairn Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Border Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Border Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Border Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Rat Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Scottish Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Patterdale Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Bull Terrier Miniature vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Norwich Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Norfolk Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. English White Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Parson Russell Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Russell Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Feist vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Manchester Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Miniature Fox Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Cesky Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Schnorkie vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Sealyham Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Chilean Fox Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds