A Border Collie is an intelligent dog who loves to exercise. This one has great stamina and is always up for play. The famous “herding eye” of the border collie is its breed hallmark. They are working dogs and were originally bred to herd livestock.
Well known for their athletic and intelligence, they often compete in dog sports. The border collie is considered the most intelligent among domestic dogs.
Border Collie Breed Overview
| Group: | Herding |
| Size: | Medium (30-40 pounds) |
| Lifespan: | 10-17 Years |
| Best Suited For: | Everyone |
| Temperament: | Alert, tenacious, keen, energetic, responsive, intelligent |
| Exercise Needs: | High |
| Drooling Potential: | Low |
| Grooming Needs: | Moderate |
| Similar Breeds: | Australian Shepherd, bearded collie, briard |
1. Basic Features
Border collies are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and trainability. They are strong, athletic and are specially bred for their intelligence and obedience.
They have a rough coat and smooth coat which comes in a variety of colors. The coat is mostly black and white. They have a soft dark eye and a body slightly longer than tall.
The Border Collie was originally developed to control and gather sheep in the hilly border country between Scotland and England. He is celebrated for his intense stare, or “eye,” with which he controls his flock. According to breed standards, its tail must be slightly curved and must stop at the hock. A fine border collie must have strong hunting instincts.
2. Border Collie Origin
The border collie’s original plane of origin is along the Anglo-Scottish border, thus the name Border Collie. They were developed with a purpose of herding livestock, especially sheep. Border Collies can trace their ancestral line to the Old Hemp, a tricolor dog bred by Adam Telfer.
The Border Collie became popular by the end of the 19th century, when they were presented at the first official sheepdog trial placed in Bala, Wales. The Old Hemp won the trial first time in 1984 and continued with his winning prestigious competitions.
Wiston Cap was a popular stud dog in the history of the breed, and his bloodline can be seen in most bloodlines of the modern day Collie.
3. The Personality of Border Collie
Although the main aim of the border coolie is to herd livestock, the border coolie is increasingly becoming popular as a companion dog for its intelligence. They can be very demanding.
Border Collies are playful and energetic due to their working heritage. Also, border collies require lots of play and therefore, need a home which can provide the same.
Although they may seem a little reserved with strangers, Border Collies are amiable among friends.
4. Border Coolie Behavior
Border Collies are very intelligent and energetic. They can be a little shy, so early socialization is very important. Otherwise, it would take no time for this to turn into aggression. They are often aggressive toward other animals.
One should be very careful while introducing a new animal to a Border Collie’s home. They like to stay busy.
Also, they like to jump, play and escape. So, it is important to keep an eye on a border collie. Anxiety is very common among border collies. They like staying busy at all times and can get anxious if not kept busy.
5. Exercise Requirements
Border Collies are extremely energetic and require a lot of exercises daily. A mere walk or a few jumps are not enough for them. They require a lot of mental activity as well. They can be a challenge to their owners.
Apartment living won’t do for this breed, a home with lots of room and time to run, play catch, chase balls and practice agility is a much better fit. Farms are the most ideal home for a Border Collie.
Thus, they clearly need an active owner whom himself likes physical activity. Someone who likes staying indoors or travels a lot cannot own a border collie. In short, border collies require a lot of daily physical and mental activities to stay fit.
6. Diet needs
As Border Collies is a high-energy working breed. They require a rich protein-based, high calorie, yet balanced diet in order to maintain health and happiness.
Border Collies require around 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. However, it depends on the dog’s size, metabolism, age, and gender.
The quality of dog food that you buy for your dog also makes a difference. Better the dog food, the further it will go towards your dog’s nourishment.
7. Trainability
Early socialization classes are very important in Border Collies as they are known to be shy. They take time in mixing up with people. Also, are not very good with other dogs and animals. They require training from an early age to exposure to various situations.
Also, Border Collies train great and are very intelligent. Obedience training should start from early puppyhood. If trained correctly, they are very obedient. A good physical and mental stimulation is recommended at all times.
8. Common Health Problems
Border Collies is generally a very healthy dog breed but is prone to certain health conditions namely hip dysplasia, progressive renal atrophy, deafness, epilepsy, collie eye anomaly, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, and trapped neutrophil syndrome.
Thus, it important to keep health checks and take the dog to the vet often. Mental and physical stimulation on a daily basis is also very important to keep the dog away from unnecessary health conditions.
9. Who should Adopt a Border Collie?
As long as he is trained properly and is raised in a healthy manner, a Border Collie makes a great family dog. They may not be very good with younger children due to their herding instincts. Border Collies are great dogs for a farm or a ranch. They do well with owners who have ample space for the dog to play and exercise. Border Collies are not apartment dogs.
However, they require a very high exercise and play so a house with a fenced yard would be great. So, owners who do not like many physical activities themselves may not be suitable. A border collie requires an owner who plays with the dogs and makes him exercise.
Border Collies are very intelligent and fun and love their families. It is a great dog to keep if you like outdoor activities and can give the dog your time.