| Breed
Group:
Herding |
| Weight:
30-45 lbs |
| Height:
male: 20-23, female: 18-21 inches |
| Color(s):
black, blue merle, and sable, marked with varying amounts of white and/or tan |
| Coat:
The
Border Collie comes in two coat varieties: rough or smooth. Both
varieties are double coat and weather resistant and are close fitting
and thick. The outer coat is either wavy or straight and coarse in
texture. The under coat is dense, short, and soft. The rough coat
variety has fur of medium length. The chest, forelegs, underside, and
haunches are feathered. The coat on the face, front of legs, ears, and
feet is smooth and short. The smooth variety has fur of short length
over the entire body and there may be slight feathering on the chest,
ruff, haunches, and forelegs. The color of the coat comes in all colors
or combination of colors and markings. They may be solid, merle, sable,
bi-color, or tri-color. Border Collies are average shedders. |
| Overview:
Originating
during the 19th century, the Border Collie was so named due to their
home of development on the border of Scotland England. This breed was
prized for their outstanding herding abilities of any type of
livestock. Today the Border Collie is a popular farm worker, family
companion, and talented show dog. |
| Character:
The
Border Collie is medium-sized, exceptionally athletic, and possesses
great endurance. This breeds obsession is their livestock work. They
are high energy, confident, and determined. They are light on their
feet, have a flowing movement, and are extremely versatile. |
| Temperament:
This
breed is intelligent, responsive, and devoted to their master and work.
The Border Collie is extremely sensitive and thrives on human
interaction. They are not recommended for the novice, sedentary or
apathetic dog owner or for a home with a two-career family. They do not
do well if left alone for extended periods of time and will suffer
separation anxiety or become destructive. Border Collies do best in a
home with older considerate children. They typically get along with
dogs they have been raised with but should not be in a home with cats
or other small household pets. This breeds inherent work ethic will
lead them to attempt to herd anything and everything that moves. |
| Care:
The
Border Collie requires weekly brushing. Special attention should be
given to the coat during shedding. Bathing or dry shampooing should
only be done when necessary. This breed is prone to PRA, hip dysplasia,
epilepsy, deafness, Collie Eye Anomaly, and allergies to fleas. |
| Training:
Early
socialization and obedience are recommended. The Border Collie is
easily trained and does best with praise, consistency, fairness,
respect, and firmness. Due to their extremely sensitive nature this
breed must never be treated in a harsh or heavy-handed manner. They are
exceedingly talented in herding, police work, competitive obedience,
search and rescue, Frisbee trials, and Flyball. Border Collies are also
used successfully as therapy dogs and guide dogs for the blind. |
| Activity:
The
Border Collie has an inordinate amount of energy and requires more than
physical exercise. They thrive on work, play, mental stimulation, and
close contact with their owner and family. They are not recommended for
apartment or city dwelling. They do best on a working farm or in a
rural secluded setting where they are able to romp, run, and roam
freely and safely. |
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