Border Collie

 

Summary

• The border collie  has great potential to become obedient, but this will take some training
• This is a dog with an impressive intelligence – which means that it can quickly learn bad habits as quickly as it can learn good ones.
• The breed is a working dog with a strong will and ability to work with animals.
• It has been bred to be able to graze for several hours a day.
• The breed has an innate herding instinct, and it is important that the owner is consistent in training to avoid herding cars, children and the like
• Physical training is not enough for this breed, it also requires a lot of mental stimulation.

Mentality

The border collie is a persistent, hard-working and willing to work herding dog. It is alert, eager, responsive and intelligent, and requires a lot of exercise to thrive. The breed is very social and loves to have its whole family around. It has a great working capacity and can become a wonderful family dog ​​if it is given an outlet for its energetic temperament.

Size, appearance and colors

The Border Collie is a medium-sized dog. Ideal shoulder height for male dogs is 53 cm. Bitches can be a little smaller.The border collie comes in all colors and combinations, but black/white or tricolor are the most common. There are also varieties with different fur lengths, both short-haired and semi-long-haired. The soft and dense underwool provides good protection against the weather.  The Border Collie can have many different colors, these colors are: Black,  White,  blue merle,  blue,  Red Merle,  Brindles,  Purple,  Sable merle,  Liver brown,  chocolate brown,  Gold and Red

Health, longevity  and weight

As with all breeds, it is important to monitor your Border Collie’s health closely. Common health problems can include hip dysplasia, eye problems and epilepsy. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper nutrition and adequate exercise are key factors in maintaining your dog’s health and well-being. The Border Collie has a lifespan of 10-17 years. A normal Border Collie will weigh anywhere from 12-20kg.

Fur grooming

The breed requires minimal fur care, provided that the fur is in the right condition – then the dirt will fall off when it dries, and the dog only needs to be bathed when necessary. The border collie sheds its fur once or twice a year. It is recommended to brush the coat daily to reduce shedding.

Socialization and family friendliness

The border collie is social and can be a great family dog ​​if properly socialized from an early age. It is important to introduce it to different people, situations and other animals. Always supervise interactions with small children and other pets.

History

This sheepdog was bred in the border area between Scotland and England. Only after 1900 was the name “border collie” used. Before that, it was probably called the “working collie dog” because of its impressive work effort. The breed is the most widely used herding dog in the world and is mainly used for herding sheep.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Due to the Border Collie’s high intelligence and willingness to work, exercise and mental stimulation are essential. Training with positive reinforcement, varied exercises such as obedience, agility and problem solving games will help keep the dog engaged and happy. The Border Collie also has no tendency to bark.

Herding instinct and applications

The border collie has an innate herding instinct, but it is important to channel this instinct correctly. Many Border collies are still used as herding dogs today, but the breed has also proven adept in a number of other activities, including dog sports, service dog work and therapy dog ​​work.

Want to learn more about the breed?

Good luck! 🙂 Sources:  wildlife , Anicura , Wikipedia , Precious