Dog Breeds > Border Collie

The Border Collie

The Border Collie is a bundle of energy and the superstars of dog sports. You will see them winning numerous competitive events like Frisbee catching, flying and various kinds of dog tricks. Popular as a sheepdog previously, and later as a farm hand, pet, or canine performing artists, they are one of the world’s greatest working dogs ever.

Energy Playfulness Intelligence Grooming Popularity

Fascinating Facts

The Border Collie breed originated in Northumberland between the borders of Scotland and England where they were known as ‘Scotch Sheep Dog’. It is said that its ancestors were used by Vikings in herding reindeer in old times. Moreover, Border Collies are believed to possess an ability to control any kind of a herd by crouching down low and fixing an intense stare that hypnotizes the herd. Presently, these super active, highly trainable, high energy canine creatures show their mettle in police work and dog shows all over the world.

Physical Appearance

Growing up to about 19 – 22 inches and weighing something between 30-35 pounds, border collies have a medium sized, slightly longish body with a flat skull. The skull and muzzle are both similar in length with a moderate stop and have oval, brown eyes and medium erect or semi-erect ears both set well apart. A border collie has legs which look straight from the front but slightly sloping from the back and a moderate tail which stands up when the dog gets excited. This breed sports a weather resistant, double coat coming in various colours like solid black, solid white and bi-coloured or tri-coloured involving other colours like red, grey and yellow. Their coats are dense and can be either short and sleek or long and rough. The long haired varieties usually have a tail bush and a dense mane. 

Grooming

The borer Collie is an average shedder and requires care when the dense undercoat is shed. Regular combing and brushing is required to give that gleaming effect of the coat. Ticks are common in this breed and the ears and coat should be regularly checked. Shampoo the dog occasionally only when needed.

Mood

The Border collie is a tremendously high energetic dog with immense stamina. Hence, a lot of exercise is required to keep it non-destructive. Moreover, it is always a good idea to keep them occupied with something or the other so that they do not go on to choose a destructive job by themselves! Remember that socializing from a very early age will keep them from going up to be very shy. A very happy Border Collie is a dog which receives a lot of attention from its firm and confident master, ample exercise, work or activities to keep their mind occupied and a certain amount of socializing.

With Children

It must be noted that lack of sufficient exercise tends to make a Border Collie sensitive. They are sensitive to sound which makes them the worst choice for families having small children. But if trained and exercised properly they can be great companions for kids as they have the stamina to go on playing all day.

Training & Exercise

In case of a Border collie, these two things are perhaps the most crucial. One of the most workaholic dogs in the world it cannot stay without something to do. Hence exercising them to a point where they are tired is what is required. Long walks, jogs, running and a lot of play sessions are needed.

In case of training a breed that is the most trainable in the world the only thing that can be said is that they are a delight to their trainers. Highly intelligent, obedient, energetic and agile with great stamina, this breed excels in activities such as Frisbee catching, performing tricks, herding skills and shows perfection in all. A firm, confident and authoritative leadership approach is required to keep a Border collie well trained.

Health & Life Expectancy

Border Collies are prone to diseases like to epilepsy and hip dysplasia. Moreover eye problems like PRA, deafness, cerebellar abiotrophy, ceroid lipofuscinosis, though minor but are also common.  They are also much allergic to fleas and should be taken for regular health check ups. Normal life expectancy is about 12 – 15 years.

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