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Border Collie
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The Border Collie is a breed of herding dog that originated along
the borders of England, Wales and Scotland. They are widely
considered to be among the most intelligent breed of dog. These
highly energetic dogs are often considered the world's best sheep
herding dogs; they can be hyperactive and are frequently used on
farms all over the world to assist with the handling of livestock.
While originally bred for farm work, they have also become
popular as pet and sport dogs. These dogs can be protective of a
human family member and are, most of the time, affectionate to
those they know. Border Collies must be carefully trained with a lot
of physical exercise and mental stimulation included in their daily
schedules.
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Border Collie
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Description
Appearance
In general, Border Collies are medium-sized dogs without extreme
physical characteristics and a moderate amount of coat, which
means not much hair will be shed. Their double coats can be
anywhere from slick to lush, and can come in many colors,
although black and white is by far the most common. Black tricolor
(black/tan/white or sable and white), red (chocolate) and white, and
red tricolour (red/tan/white) also occur regularly, with other colors
such as blue, lilac, red merle, blue merle, brindle and "Australian
red"/gold seen less frequently. Border Collies may also have single-
color coats.
Eye color varies from deep brown to amber or blue with
occasionally one eye of each color, usually seen with merles. The
ears of the Border Collie are also highly variable — some have
fully erect ears, some fully dropped ears, and others semi-erect
ears (similar to that of the Rough Collie or sighthounds). Although
working Border Collie handlers sometimes have superstitions
about the appearance of their dogs (handlers may avoid mostly
white dogs due to unfounded idea that sheep will not respect a
white or almost all white dog), in general a dog's appearance is
considered to be irrelevant. It is considered much more useful to
identify a working Border Collie by its attitude and ability than by its
looks.
Those dogs bred for the conformation ring are more homogeneous
in appearance than working Border Collies, since to win in
conformation showing they must conform closely to breed club
standards that are specific on many points of the structure, coat
and color. Kennel clubs specify, for example, that the Border Collie
must have a "keen and intelligent" expression, and that the
preferred eye color is dark brown. In deference to the dog's
working origin, scars and broken teeth received in the line of duty
are not to be counted against a Border Collie in the show ring.
Height at withers: Males from 19 to 22 in (48 to 56 cm), females
from 18 to 21 in (46 to 53 cm). (See various breed standards for
details.)
Temperament
Border collies strive to please their owners. They are very loving
dogs. Border Collies are an intelligent breed with an instinctive
desire to work closely and intensely with a human handler.
Although the primary role of the Border Collie is that of the working
stock dog, dogs of this breed are becoming increasingly popular
as pets. True to their working heritage, Border Collies make very
demanding, energetic pets that are better off in households that
can provide them with plenty of play and exercise with humans or
other dogs. Border collies are happiest with a job to do. However, a
job to a border collie isn't necessarily working livestock. An activity
such as Frisbee, chasing and retrieving a ball, or just simply
playing chase will suffice. As long as the border collie is in the
herding/working position (crouched down, tail tucked between legs,
eyes firmly fixed on the matter in hand) it considers it work. Border
Collies are now also being used in showing, especially agility,
where their speed and agility comes to good use. Some Border
Collies tend to bite or nip their owners due to herding instincts.
They will try to bite at their owner's ankles and try to lead them
which makes dog sports popular with Border Collie owners.
However, in an appropriate home, with a dedicated, active owner, a
Border Collie can be an excellent companion.
Though they can be a wonderful choice for some households,
Border Collies are not perfect pets for all people. For example, as
with many working breeds, Border Collies can be motion-sensitive
and may attempt to control the movements of family members,
cats, bicycles, cars or anything else that moves if not given enough
mental and physical stimulation. These dogs are also generally not
suitable for households with small children. Many Border Collies
that end up in shelters or rescue groups are there because
owners, who may have been attracted by their appearance and
intelligence, were not prepared to meet their dog's daily activity
needs.
Health
Common Health Problems
Hip dysplasia, Collie eye anomaly (CEA), and epilepsy are
considered the primary genetic diseases of concern in the breed at
this time. CEA is a congenital, inherited eye disease involving the
retina, choroid, and sclera that sometimes affects Border Collies. In
Border Collies, it is generally a mild disease and rarely significantly
impairs vision. There is now a DNA test available for CEA and,
through its use, breeders can ensure that they will not produce
affected pups. There are different types of hip testing available
including OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) and PennHip.
Radiographs are taken and sent to these organizations to
determine a dog's hip and elbow quality.
Lifespan
The natural life span of the Border Collie is between 9 years to 17
years, with an average lifespan of twelve years. The median
longevities of breeds of similar size are usually 12 to 13 years.
Leading causes of death were cancer (23.6%), old age (17.9%)
and cerebral vascular afflictions (9.4%).
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Country of origin
United Kingdom
Weight
30-50 lb
Height
18-22 in
Coat
Double coat
Color
Many, black and white
most common
Life span
11-14 years
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Tri-colored Border Collie
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