Buying a Border Terrier Puppy
What to expect from a breeder who puts Health, Welfare and Temperament first.
Essential Documents
- Heath Certificates (both parents)
- Signed AWF Puppy Contract
- KC Registration Certificate (if applicable)
- Microchip Registration Certificate
- Temporary Pet Health Insurance
- Vaccination Certificate
A Good Breeder Will:
- have socialised and habituated the puppy
- provide a supply of food
- provide a blanket smelling of Mum
- follow the Code of Practice for Dog Breeding
Official Health Schemes
- BVA/KC screening for eye disease; full ophthalmological testing before breeding (includes checks for multiple inherited diseases, particularly hereditary cataract)
- The BVA/KC eye testing scheme monitors for many inherited abnormalities that can cause progressive blindness or pain.
Other Diseases
No current health scheme or DNA test available.
- CECS – Canine epileptoid cramping syndrome (CECS)
- episodes of tremors and muscle cramping
- Gall bladder mucocoele (BM)
- abnormal mucus causing enlarged and painful gall bladder (digestive system)
- Hormonal abnormalities such as hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease):
- currently under investigation
DNA Tests Relevant to Breed
- SLEM – Spongiform leucoencephalomyelopathy, shaking puppy syndrome
- neurological disease causing severe tremors in young puppies