Quick Facts:

Group classification Herding

Country of origin: England, Wales, Scotland

Date of origin: 1893

Weight M: 30-45 pounds Height M: 19 to 22 inches

Weight F: 27-42 pounds Height F: 18-21 inches

Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
 

Overview

The Border Collie is considered a workaholic of the dog breeds and has premiered world over as an excellent sheep herder.  Its prized for its great shepherd instincts, intelligence and working ability. They are believed to have originated from the borders of England and Scotland and thus the name Border Collie. They were first bred during the 19th century and have been around for more than ten decades. They are exceptional herders, very tough and extraordinary tireless with ability to master any kind of a herd. With its athletic and medium sized body, it is believe to have an eye that can mesmerize the herd by crouching and hypnotizing the animals with an intense gaze.

Characteristics

The Border Collie is a medium sized dog usually very active and bursting with energy and has close resemblance to the Australian Shepherd in appearance but without a bob-tail. Its body appears to be slightly longer than its height. Their coat come in different colors, black and white, red and white, tri-color, black and gray, yellow and white sable or all black. For the longer haired variety, they have a tail brush and a mane. The hair on their face, front legs and ears are always sleek and short. The Border collie muzzle tapers to its black nose while the ears are usually half baked. Their eyes are oval in shape and are usually black in color or at times blue in others.

Temperament

The Border Collies are very responsive and extremely intelligent dogs that can perform quite well in agility, obedience and Frisbee trials. They are always full of life with intense endurance, very responsive and trainable. When they are provided with sufficient an activity that keeps them occupied and busy, they will get along very well especially with children and other dogs. They may however be aggressive to dogs of other sex and should also not be left alone with non-canine animals. If not socialized while still young these dogs might be shy when they grow especially to strangers. They require a lot of attention, exercise and stimulation to be happy always. They are not ideal with people who do not have time to spend with them since they require to be kept busy.

Care

The Border Collie’s coat should always be kept in good condition and need to be brushed and combed regularly .It even a requisite to give it much care during shedding season .They can be bathed and dry shampooed only if its necessary. Their ears should also be checked for ticks quite regularly especially if spending with the herds

Training

The Border Collies should be socialized early enough so as to gain confidence and not become shy. They are very trainable and will excel quite well in training environments that offer praise fairness, consistency, and respect. Since they are very sensitive dogs, they should be harshly or unkindly treated. They have exceptional talent in herding, competitive obedience, police work like search and rescue during accidents. They can also perform bomb and narcotics detections as well as Flyball and Frisbee trials.

Health problems

Generally, the Border Collie is a strong and tough dog but some medical conditions are quite inevitable to attacking them. Potential owners should always take note of dysplasia which can cause mild lameness, epilepsy, deafness, osteochondritis dissecans which affects the joint and progressive retinal.
 

Pets4You offers listings of Border Collie breeders with puppies for sale.