Border Collie

Border Collie
History:

Country/Date of Origin: Great Britain/1700s The early history of England's working stock dog is obscure. It is known that they were in present form by the 18th century. This is a breed that is first and foremost a working animal. Although a pet in Victorian England, most of the bloodlines were selectively bred for herding abilities and intelligence rather than looks. In the sheep-raising countries of Australia and New Zealand the breed reigns supreme in both numbers and prestige. In 1995, the Border Collie was accepted for registry in the American Kennel Club stud books.

 Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns

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AKC Group: Herding

Breed Club: Border Collie Society of America, Inc.

Rescue Club: National Directory of Rescuers USA + Canada

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Body Type:

  • A medium sized working dog that is slightly longer than tall
  • Height: 18-21 inches (at shoulder)
  • Weight: 30-44 pounds
  • The long tail carried low is not altered
  • Semi erect or erect ears are not altered

Personality:

  • One-person dogs that are intensely loyal and protective
  • Super intelligent and trainable
  • Does not tend to wander and doesn't like owner to wander off property either
  • Reserved with strangers
  • Needs room to run; becomes hyperactive if not give exercise daily

Coat:

  • Medium length double coat is water resistant
  • Coat is longer around the neck forming a ruff
  • Allowed colors are black, blue, chocolate, red, blue merle, black and tan, with or without white markings. White however, should not predominate
  • Moderate grooming required

Health Concerns:

  • Generally healthy
  • Selectively bred for working abilities
  • Some progressive retinal atrophy reported
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Tasty Tidbits:
  • The superstars of obedience competitions, they seems to know what you want even before you do
  • Good with children, although the Border Collie will herd them; an excellent babysitter
  • This breed tends to nip at heels of joggers and cyclists
  • They also challenge cars, a trait that gets them into trouble from time to time
  • Most of the billion sheep in the world are watched over by Border Collies; they are the working sheepdog of choice almost everywhere