What makes the Border Collie Unique?
Although Border Collies are well-known for being beautiful enough to appear on the silver screen, they are also active and intelligent dogs. These lovable animals have boundless energy and are ideally suited to active, country dwelling families with older children.
Page Contents
SnapShot
| Size: | Males – 48 to 56 cm (19 to 22 inches) Females – 46 to 53 cm (18 to 21 inches) |
| Weight: | Males – 13.6 to 20.4 kg (30 to 45 pounds) Females – 12.2 to 19 kg (26.9 to 41.9 pounds) |
| Origin: | Great Britain, United Kingdom |
| Life Span: | 13 – 16 Years |
| Colour: | Red Merle, Gold, White, Blue, Sable Merle, Red, Chocolate, Brindle, Lilac, Sable, Liver, Blue Merle, Black |
| Litter Size: | Up to 10 puppies |
Is the Border Collie Right For You?
This guy wants a job, yep uhuh yep job please. In fact this guy neeeeeds a job. The workaholic of the dog world, if you are thinking of getting a border collie do not expect a cuddly, couch potato of a dog thats for sure.
They need more then just a walk around the block, you might think their energy is endless and it just might be! Herding is built into their very fabric and whether its sheep, squirrels, children (basically anything that moves) they will put that built in instinct to work. An extremely intelligent & sensitive dog you will be rewarded with a faithful companion that has the uncanny knack of knowing what you want before you make a movement.
The Border Collie would be a great match for someone who is willing to be as active as he is. They are interested in putting in the training and willing to get involved in activities including tracking, dog sports, obedience training, flying disc and others that involve agility and co-ordination.
In 5 Words
- Alert
- Energetic
- Tenacious
- Responsive
- Intelligent
Characteristics
Learn About the Border Collie
Description
General Description
Border Collies that were bred for the show rings are generally stocky, medium-sized dogs. However, there is more variation in size and build among the working lines. Both lines are well proportioned and have a muscular appearance.
The dogs should have tipped erect or semi-erect ears, a tapered muzzle, and teeth that meet in a scissors bite. Their low carried tails should only have a slight curl at the end when the dog is focusing on a particular task. Border Collies tend to trot when walking and should move at moderate speeds when being shown in competitions.
This breed is known for having an intense gaze that they use to control disobedient livestock. As a result, these dogs should have an alert expression in their brown eyes. While Border Collies with blue eyes are accepted in the show ring, this characteristic is not preferred.
Size
On average, these dogs measure between 18 and 22 inches (46 to 56 centimeters) at shoulder and weigh between 30 and 45 pounds. (12-20 kilograms). The ideal size for male Border Collies is 19 to 22 inches (48 to 56 centimeters) in height and female dogs should be slightly shorter at between 18 and 21 inches (46 to 53 centimeters) tall. Female Border Collies should also weigh slightly less than their male counterparts at between 27 and 42 pounds (12 to 19 kilograms) each, while males of this breed should ideally weigh around 35 to 45 pounds (14 to 20 kilograms).
Coat
Coats on Border Collie can be either rough or smooth, but neither is more desirable than the other according to the breed standards. Smooth coat types are naturally short, with feathering on the dog’s legs. Rough coated collies have flat to wavy hair that is much longer. This breed comes in all colors as well as variety of color combinations and markings. White markings are most common.
Short History of the Border Collie
Unlike some breeds whose origins are shrouded in mystery, the Border Collie is known to have begun its history in the Scottish and English borderlands shortly after the Roman occupation. This breed was responsible for herding sheep and sometimes livestock in this mountainous region. Today, a number of Border Collies still work on ranches and farms.
These dogs were an especial favorite of Queen Victoria, who had become familiar with the breed on her annual trips to Scotland. In 1876, the first sheepdog trials took place. The breed that eventually became the modern Border Collie proved themselves able to successfully herd and capture 100 wild Welsh sheep. The working lines for this breed are still among the world’s best herding dogs.
The Border Collie breed split around 1995 when they were admitted into the American Kennel Club (AKC). There currently are both working and show lines of this breed, so be potential owners should be sure to choose a dog from the lineage that is appropriate to their own purposes.
Temperament
These intelligent dogs make good pets for active families with older children. Border Collies tend to be dogs who stay so close to their owners that they are often underfoot. As a rule, this breed is somewhat wary of strangers but those dogs that have been properly socialized are generally friendly. Their tolerance for other animals varies on an individual basis.
True to their breed instincts, these dogs will herd anything that they can including young children and other pets. While the Border Collie is rarely aggressive towards other animals, how well additional pets tolerate being herded is another matter entirely. There are some dogs of this breed with exceptionally strong prey drives that will compulsively chase after cats. Therefore, adult collies which have proven themselves cat-friendly are a safer option than puppies for prospective owners that already have felines in their homes.
Owners should be aware that Border Collies will also attempt to herd bicycles and cars, so it is not a good idea to let them off their leash in city environments. As a breed, these dogs may suffer from quirky borderline obsessive tendencies that vary between animals. However, if a dog is prone to a great many obsessive behaviors, it may be bored and owners should proceed with caution.
Border Collies have a capacity for great destruction when they aren’t mentally stimulated on a regular basis. This breed is also prone to becoming boredom barkers. It goes without saying that Border Collies will do best in rural areas, but they can withstand apartment life if properly exercised. These are not couch potato dogs.
Caring for Your Border Collie
General Health
This breed is especially prone to epilepsy, hip dysplasia, PRA (Collie Eye Anomaly) and deafness. The coloration gene is linked to the same one that causes hearing loss and dogs with a large percentage of white fur in their coats are more at risk than others for deafness. Border Collies also are quite often allergic to fleas. Owners of dogs with this condition should be more vigilant than others about making sure their pet is given a monthly flea and tick preventative. During the summer months when fleas are most prevalent, these Border Collies should be bathed on a more regular basis to help prevent infestations and alleviate itching from any insect bites they may have received.
In addition to the aforementioned health risks, some herding lines of Border Collies carry the MDR1 gene, which makes them sensitive to certain drugs that may be safely given to other dogs. Testing can and should be done for this gene, because otherwise these dogs may inadvertently be given medications that could prove deadly.
However, owners of this breed should not be overly concerned with health issues when considering a Border Collie. Cancer and old age are the leading causes of death for the breed and most Border Collies tend to live between 12 and 13 years on average.
Care
Daily
Although energy levels vary on an individual basis, all Border Collies require regular exercise. An hour long walk or time spent in an enclosed back yard is sufficient on a daily basis. This activity period can be broken up into intervals as required by the owner. Some people take their pets out several times a day for short breaks, but others only have time for one lengthy walk per day. Border Collies also benefit from daily human interaction, even if it is only for short period of time. They tire more easily from mental stimulation such as learning new tricks rather than going for long walks, so potential owners should be aware of that fact.
Weekly
Border Collies should be brushed two to three times per week, and more often when the dog is shedding. It is also a good idea to brush a dog’s teeth on a regular basis to prevent bad breath and periodontal disease. A Border Collie’s ears and coat should be regularly checked in order to prevent ticks.
Monthly
As with any breed, monthly heartworm, flea, and tick prevention medicine is recommended.
.
Grooming & Bathing
The Border Collie needs regular grooming, with extra attention given during times it is shedding. These dogs should be bathed only when necessary.
Exercise & Training
Widely regarded as one of the most intelligent breeds, Border Collies like to keep busy. These energetic dogs benefit greatly from regular physical exercise. They additionally excel in dog sports such as flyball and agility competitions. Border Collies will also do well in obedience classes, because they are smart and willing to please their owners.
Border Collie Picture Gallery
