The BT has a double coat; a soft, downy undercoat and a hard, wiry top coat. Any double-coated dog sheds, but shedding can be minimized with proper grooming. (See grooming question)

Yes, they shed twice a year. They blow their coat each time and require plenty of brushing during this period. Of course when you are looking at a 10 to 20 pound dog, there isn't nearly as much hair as regular sized husky. I have allergies and these dogs don't aggravate them, so some people who are allergic to dogs may be able to tolerate these, probably because they are such clean dogs.

a breed, BTs are generally healthy. A good diet, proper weight, plenty of exercise, regular grooming and routine veterinary care should keep a BT in good health. One of the reasons the BT is a fairly healthy breed is years of concerned, responsible breeding. Conscientious breeders screen for hip dysplasia and eye problems. Clear dogs can be registered with OFA(hips)and CERF(eyes).

Generally, the BT should get along with other dogs. If you are making a Border your second dog, it is best to get the opposite sex to the dog you currently own. This will help avoid possible fighting which occurs more frequently between dogs of the same sex. In the case of cats, if introduced at a young age, they can live together harmoniously, but never trust them with outside cats or neighborhood cats that wander into your yard.

The BT is a very willing breed who wishes to please, making basic housebreaking easy to train. As with any puppy, frequent trips outdoors are in order, and puppies should always be crated or confined in a safe area when unattended. Consistency and a routine are extremely important in housebreaking. Your puppy should be taken out frequently especially after eating, drinking, playing and sleeping.

The BTS Exhibition is an event like no other in the World. It is a chance for spider lovers everywhere to meet, buy, sell and generally talk about spiders with like-minded people. Last year we housed 30,000 tarantulas under one roof and had over 800 visitors to the event.

BTS Instructors require a level II industry qualification, (which includes a written component of anatomy & physiology), and be insurable to teach group fitness. This qualification could include Exercise to Music or Gym Instructor certificates. For BODYATTACK?, BODYJAM? and BODYSTEP?, Exercise to Music is a pre-requisite.

Retirement, retrenchment, can be a frightening period in life particularly for men who have worked hard all their life. Work has consumed much of their time over their working life and they have had little time to develop new interests and hobbies, still others do not have the financial resources to build and equip their own shed.

Statistically men are falling through ‘the system’ and a lot is not known about why men have the medical problems they have. So the men's shed concept is aimed squarely at men and men's health issues. Many programs associated with men’s sheds are staffed by women. It is also interesting to observe that much of the support comes from women and families.