Border Terrier ok with a Shih Tzu

Sezzler

Hey all,

Currently got a shih tzu and looking to perhaps getting a border terrier to keep her company.

Not looking to get another shih tzu because as much as we love her she takes sooooo long to groom (rolling in all sorts of nasty things) My partner would also like a dog that can go running with them.

We spend a lot of time at home so can do the training, due to the shift patterns one of use is always home.

Just wondered what peoples personal experience/ thoughts were on the dog regarding temperament, training etc

Im just in the early stages of research so just want to gather as much info so I can make an informed choice.

Thanks

minimad1970

Hi, I've got a Border and he can be a handful. He can be a bit funny with some other breeds if they are male but not if they are female, he hasn't met a !!!!! yet that he doesn't like! They are brilliant dogs though, full of character.:) As for the running that would be ideal as my friend takes her Border out when she rides her horse and he loves it. I'm sure someone more experienced in the training department will be along to advise later. I vote you should get one:D

Sezzler

thanks for the reply. obviously just taking my time researching as our shih tzu lights up around other dogs (often goes to the inlaws and loves there jack russels) whereas at home she seems to mope around a bit.

tizerbelle

Never owned a border terrier myself but all the one's I have known were absolute live wires, full of energy, required strong training (to ensure the terrier traits remained under control), loved everybody but even more absolutely luuurrved rolling in the mucky stuff! Joint baths coming up I think.

Just remembered, one exception - hated going out in the rain, wouldn't walk across muddy paths/fields and much preferred to stay at home and pretend to be a cuddly toy rather than go out and be a terrier.

I'm not one to chastise people for getting "new dogs" but I will take the opportunity to suggest why not try a local rescue centre to see if they have any small terrier types available. It's not for everyone but they may well have a young/youngish dog that would suit and you get the chance to go visit a few times with current dog to see how they get on, irrespective of breed.

Sezzler

currently looking at rescue homes in the south west as well, for a small ish dog.

Keeping all options open

hethmar

My rescue border is an absolute delight, happy, responsive, very funny - could walk all day if you wanted and keen to please. But I have met other border owners who say their boys can be terrors with other male dogs. Its down to finding the right personality. Have a look at dogs blog, a number of adult ones on there looking for homes.

http://www.dogsblog.com/category/border-terrier/

http://www.dogsblog.com/category/border-terrier-cross/

http://www.borderterrierwelfare.org.uk/


Or as you already have one dog, you could try Many Tears rescue. Little dog rescue also have ...........little dogs

formaldehyde_perfume

I couldn't recommend getting a welfare dog more, mine has totally changed my life for the better.

We went to the local centre wanting a small-ish dog, terrier type, of either sex, youngish, with short hair (I'm disabled so can't clean a dog regularly) and found Timmy, a 10 month old JRX, such a shy little man who wouldn't come out unless accompanied by a member of staff who he trusted. When we got him home and he started to feel a bit settled he began being quite aggressive with strangers and other dogs, but luckily he tolerated kids, kittens and puppies.. Anyway, we've had him for 6 months now and he still has a few problems but the training sessions and socialisation with other dogs has really helped and going to that animal centre was the best thing I've ever done.

As long as you go to a good centre who will be honest about a dog, and you understand any problems they may have and are willing to work with it you will get great rewards. You may have to take your other dog to meet the prospective one several times to get them acquainted, but if the centre say he/she likes other dogs you've already said yours loves others, so there shouldn't be any problems

As for running, my little man has tiny legs but boy can he make them work! My mobility scooter goes at 6 miles an hour and I can barely keep up with him sometimes.


... Terriers in general have the reputation as hard to train, and they are hard work, but definitely worth it when an experienced trainer says 'wow, I've never seen a terrier walk so nicely on the lead'

Personally, if I hadn't have found any dog at the welfare centre my first choice would have been a border terrier.

My advice is to just make sure it feels right, whatever the breed.

sarabe

Regardless of breed, if you get a puppy you need to be aware that if the pup spends all day with your older dog he or she will bond with the other dog and training will be an uphill struggle.

With an older rescue dog you still need to consider this but it is usually less problematic.

Up until a year old the pup will need lots and lots of attention without the other dog around. This means seperate walks for the most part, a crate to sleep in which can be in the same room as the other dog but in the same bed is not a good idea and lots of time spent training and playing with you.

I could watch dogs playing together all day but if your dog would rather play with another dog than with you, you are setting yourself up for future problems.

Sezzler

Been looking at lots of rescue sites as well to see if we can find our shih tzu a companion.

The main criteria being.. smallish so it doesnt dwarf the shih tzu
relatively low maintainance coat wise
doesnt mind going for a good run with

Any other suggestions

Mish_Mash

We have 2 Shih Tzu males and a border terrier (also male). They are all 1 year ish. They get on really well however the border terrier is a live wire and spends his time tormenting the shih tzu's. Running around like a greyhound, jumping on them from the sofa and dragging them around by their ears. Very funny to watch but tiring and a bit noisy.

Think that 2 dogs would be fine, 3 is a bit of a handful.

We go running with all the dogs albeit the shih tzus are a bit slower than the terrier.

The BT is a very loving dog but has been very hard to train and is so non responsive to the 'come' command that the local dog trainer thought he was deaf (which he is not).

I would recommend a border terrier. Every dog has their own personality so pick carefully.