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Border Collie
Other Names: The Border, Farm Collies, Working Collies Country of origin: Great Britain Dog Group Kennel Club: Pastoral General Appearance: The Border Collie is a well proprotioned medium sized breed of working dog. They have a top coat and under coat but, in general, there is a lot of variation in the appearance of these dogs as they were bred for their working ability rather than looks. This breed comes in 2 coat varieties, rough coated and smooth coated. The rough coat variety has fur of medium length. 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 fur of short length over the entire body and there may be slight feathering on the chest, ruff, haunches, and forelegs. Border Collies are average shedders. Their ears are medium-sized, set well-apart and carried either erect or semi-erect. The neck should be of good length, strong and muscular, broadening to the shoulders which are well laid back. Their bodies should be slightly longer than their height at the withers. Colour: The most common colour is black and white but there are a range of colours available. Size: Bitch 51cm - 53cm Dog 53cm - 55cm Weight: Min Max Temperament: Border Collies are intelligent, alert and active dogs and like to herd. They're responsive and keen but are extremely energetic and require a lot of attention and exercise. They are good as family pets but not so good with very small children as they like to herd, and this may include your hildren (only if not exercised enough). They are very energetic physically, as well a mentally, so you must keep them stimulated as they can bore easily and can become mischievious. This breed is a very devoted dog and they will be loyal to their master as well as their family. Movement: Due to their herding instincts and upbringing, Border Collies have a stealthy movement with minimum lifting of feet. They show great agility and have a smooth and free movement. Care and Training: The Border collie needs a weekly brush and maybe more during its shedding season, bathing should be done when needed. The Border Collie is easily trained and does best with praise, consistency, fairness, respect, and firmness. They are exceedingly talented in herding, police work, competitive obedience, search and rescue. Overall Exercise: 2 hours per day Feeding Requirements: It costs relatively little to keep Borders once they are fully-grown, but as puppies, they must be given the correct feeding, without over supplementation, during the growing period of 4 to 8 months. Exercise: High Grooming: Med Noise: Med Personal Protection: Medium Suitability As Guard Dog: Medium Level of Aggression: Low Compatibility With Other Animals: Medium Suitablity for Children: Low Often docked? No Average litter size: 6-8 Life expectancy (yrs) 11.5 History: Border Collies were developed from such breeds as the Bearded Collie, Harlequin, Bob-tailed Sheepdog and Smithfield. It is a descendant of the collies developed along the border of England and Scotland, and were named for the Border counties of England and Scotland. Bred for stamina and intelligence, the Border Collie has the natural instinct to herd. They have been in sheepdog competitions since 1873 in England and have since participated in the United States. Of the herding dogs the Collie was said to have descended from, they often used nipping and barking to encourage sheep to move, but a young dog named Hemp developed the skill of "eyeing" the sheep, not barking or nipping, to get them to move. Hemp is considered to be the father of the Border Collie breed. It wasn't until the mid 1960s that the Kennel Club began to register the Border Collie, and in 1995 the breed was finally registered. Great Britain registered the breed in the British Kennel Club in 1976. The Border Collie quickly amazed shepherds and regular civilians alike with its hypnotizing gaze that moved even the most stubborn of sheep.
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