Meet Thistle. She is a 9-year-old Border Terrier. Her very unusual name has been inspired by the Scottish origins of the breed, thistle being the symbol of Scotland. I met her today in Islington, as she was walking with her owner.
Thistle was placid and relaxed as she happily accepted several treats from me. In fact, for a moment she seemed a little too calm and collected for a terrier, as they are known as a gutsy and determined dogs. She was very charming, with great manners as she sat down nicely to get a treat, and a friendly little face.
Thistle's serenity ended in front of my very eyes as Tigger, Richmond Avenue's resident cat, appeared from around a corner. She cheekily paraded in front of Thistle, who, true to her terrier character, uttered a shrill bark. Fortunately, Tigger decided to take refuge underneath a nearby car, so the high-noon style confrontation was averted, while Thistle looked on with a great deal of concern and determination on her little face, as you can see on the photo above.
Border Terriers are a working and hunting breed, originally bred for flushing out foxes and catching vermin. They first appeared in the 19th century in the Scottish Borders area, hence the name. Like all terriers, they are very intelligent, alert and independently minded dogs. They are also very affectionate, adaptable and relatively easy-going, so make a great pet, both in the country and in town.
See other London terriers: Chloe, Kaiser, Jack, Dillon and Miss Piggy
More about Border Terrier: The Border Terrier Club of Great Britain
