black, blue merle, and sable, marked with varying amounts of white and/or tan
Border Collie Overview
Originating in the 19th century on the border between Scotland and England, the Border Collie was named after their location. This dog breed is prized for their outstanding herding abilities of any type of livestock. Today, the BorderCollie is a popular farm worker, family companion and show dog.
Border Collie Characteristics
This dog breed is medium-sized, exceptionally athletic and has tremendous endurance. Border Collie's are instinctive herders and love their work. This breed has inexhaustible energy and is confident and determined. They are light on their feet, have a flowing movement and are extremely versatile.
Border Collie Temperament
This dog breed is intelligent, responsive and devoted to their master and work. The Border Collie is exceedingly sensitive and thrives on human interaction. They are not recommended for the novice or sedentary owner. The Border Collie does not like to be left alone for extended periods and will suffer separation anxiety or become destructive. BorderCollies do best in a home with older children. Typically, the BorderCollie gets along well with other dogs, especially those they were raised with. but are not suited to a home with cats or other small household pets. The BorderCollie has an inherent work ethic and attempt to herd anything and everything that moves.
Border Collie Care
This dogbreed requires weekly brushing. Special attention should be given to the coat during shedding. To preserve the natural oils of the coat, the BorderCollie should only be bathed when absolutely necessary and a dry shampoo is preferable. The BorderColliebreed is prone to PRA, hip dysplasia, epilepspreservy, deafness, Collie Eye Anomaly and flea allergies.
Border Collie Coat
This dog breed has two coat varieties: rough or smooth. The coat of both types of BorderCollies is dense, double-coated and weather-resistant . The outer coat of this breed is either wavy or straight and coarse to the touch. The under coat is dense, short and soft. The rough-coat variety has medium length hair, and 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 short hair over the entire body and there may be slight feathering on the chest, ruff, haunches and forelegs. The coat of the BorderCollie comes in a variety of colors and color combinations and markings, including solid, merle, sable, bi-color or tri-color. BorderCollies are average shedders.
Border Collie Training
Early socialization and obedience training are recommended for this dogbreed. The BorderCollie is highly intelligent and relatively easy to train. Training should be performed with consistency, fairness, respect and firmness. The BorderCollie has an extremely sensitive nature and this breed should 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 Fly ball. BorderCollies are also used successfully as therapy dogs and guide dogs for the blind.
Border Collie Activity
This dogbreed has an inordinate amount of energy and requires more than physical exercise than most breeds. The Border Collie thrives 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 in a country setting where there is ample room to romp, run and roam freely.
