‘Essentially a working terrier'

Comedic and affectionate with endless energy, it’s not hard to see how Border terriers steal hearts, be it Lorraine Kelly’s or Sir Andy Murray’s –but beware the prey drive, warns Katy Birchall

- Katy Birchall

IN the summer of 2019, Lorraine Kelly invited 100 guests and their dogs to join her at London’s ITV studios in a bold attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most dogs sitting down simultaneously for 30 seconds. The presenter’s Border terrier, Angus, was naturally a principal focus for the cameras. ‘Of course, all the dogs did it beautifully and sat down together,’ Miss Kelly recalls. ‘That is, except for Angus, who stubbornly refused to sit until the time was up. That was when he plonked himself down on his bottom with a cheeky grin.’

This brazen mischievousness is a charming quality of the Border terrier, one of many that has won the breed a legion of devoted fans. Energetic, affectionate and full of character, this hardy little dog has a nose for adventure and the courage to follow it. Not to mention its fetching good looks: intelligent eyes, V-shaped ears, an otter-like head and that quizzical expression—it may not appreciate the compliment, but the whiskery Border is nothing short of adorable.

This hardy little dog has a nose for adventure and the courage to follow it

Miss Kelly was introduced to Borders 16 years ago, when her cameraman husband, Steve Smith, was working on the television show