Border Collie Breed Description

An Owner's Border Collie Description
Kip knows his job and loves to take control of the herd. He loves to work and inherently knows what he needs to do. He's a pleasure to watch in the pasture. As unpredictable and quick as sheep can be, Kip has no trouble putting them in a pen.

He always seems to be alert and ready for action. When not working, he'll play games of fetch to keep his body and mind in shape. But if too much time goes by without work with the sheep, Kip will show signs of boredom and start nipping at the heels of guests. He knows the difference between sheep and people, of course, but just can't help letting me know he's ready to round up anyone or anything at that point.

I never trained him as a guard dog, but he keeps an eye out for trouble and sounds a good bark when an unfamiliar car or person approaches the house. The kids fell in love with Kip at first sight, and Kip loves them devotedly. He runs out to the bus-stop to meet them everyday after school, providing he's not working in the field with me.

He has plenty of energy and desire and needs a lot of mental stimulation. This meant we had to find new tasks and new approaches to old ones for him when we're not herding. His loyalty, along with his well behaved manner, have made this hardworking dog a good companion dog for all of us.

He likes to run and thoroughly enjoys the outdoors. This is something to consider when choosing this breed, especially if you live in an apartment and still believe this is your breed. I can understand that you might be able to own a Border Collie in a small space, but only if you develop a daily routine of visiting the park with a Frisbee or a ball to give this dog the exercise he needs. Kip thrives here on our farm, with all of the outdoors to run through whenever he wants. It's a win win situation for both of us.

 

Introduction

Still the most popular working sheepdog in Great Britain and Ireland, these dogs can make an affectionate but difficult pet. Border Collies from working lines have a strong predatory instinct which is best channeled through proper breeding and training into a superb herding ability. However, without constant stimulation, this need to work will vent itself in unwanted behavior such as herding other dogs or people. These dogs are easy to train and they need plenty of exercise. Coat colors are red, blue merle, tricolor, black & white and brown & black. These dogs weigh 30 to 49 lbs. and stand 18-21" at the shoulders

Overview

The Border Collie is considered the workaholic of the dog breeds and has premiered worldwide as an excellent sheep herder. It is 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 were given 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 the ability to master any kind of herd. With its athletic and medium sized body, it is believed 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. It has a close resemblance to the Australian Shepherd in appearance, but without a bob-tail. Its body appears to be slightly longer than its height. The coat comes 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's 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, although at times blue.

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 activity to keep them occupied and busy, they will get along very well especially with children and other dogs. They may, however, be aggressive to dogs of the other sex and should 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. They are not ideal for people who do not have time to spend with them.

Care

The Border Collie’s coat should always be kept in good condition and needs to be brushed and combed regularly, especially during shedding season. They can be bathed and dry shampooed when necessary. Their ears should be checked for ticks quite regularly, especially if they are spending time with the herds.

Training

The Border Collies should be socialized early enough so they gain confidence and do 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 never be harshly or unkindly treated. They have exceptional talents for herding, competitive obedience, and for police work such as 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 can be inevitable. Potential owners should always take note of hip dysplasia, epilepsy, deafness, osteochondritis dissecans, which affects the joint and progressive retinal.

Colors

Black/White, Chocolate/White, Red/White (Yellow/White), Blue/White (Slate), Lilac/White, Sable/White, TriColor, Saddle Pattern, Blue Merle, Red Merle, Sable Merle

Living Area

Not recommended for apartment life, they are best on a farm or acreage where they have the room to run and exercise with their handlers. Will do fine in a kennel so long as they have lots of daily activity and exercise and see their owner a lot. This dog will not do well being chained up all day.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

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