The Border Collie is a very hardworking, extremely intelligent breed that is full of energy! This breed originated from the Scottish and English border back in the 19th century. Traditionally their great energy was put to work herding sheep and cattle, but they have also been known to herd more unusual animals such as pigs, deer, and even ostriches! They are also used to collect deceased birds from unwanted areas (ie. golf courses and airport runways). The Border Collie was originally bred solely for the purpose of work. Color was not an important trait to consider in breeding, which explains why this breed comes in such a wide variety of colors!
The Border Collie loves to work and must be able to use their boundless energy or they will misbehave and become destructive. They are also talented escape artists and may be hard to contain in a fenced yard and should not be left alone for long (unless they have been put to work on a farm). Border Collie's are not ideal for people who do not have a lot of time and energy to put into them. To prevent shyness, this breed must be socialized at a young age. During their adolescent stage many Border Collie's try to challenge their owner’s authority; owners must stay firm and consistent in training to regain their authority. This breed is often suspicious towards strangers, and may not be best for homes with small children. They get along with other dog breeds, but usually show aggression towards dogs of their same sex. Today the Border Collie remains a common farm breed, and has become a dominant and respected competitor in dog agility competitions!
Border Collie Breed Information
Breed Group
Herding Group
Coat
Dense, weather resistant double coats. Inner coat is soft and short and the outer coat may be either wavy or straight.
Color(s)
All colors and combinations
Size
18-22 inches
Weight
27-45 lbs
Exercise:
They are very high energy and require a lot of exercise
Temperament
Intelligent, responsive, high energy,
Trainability
Very trainable
Average Lifespan
12-15 years
Common Health Problems
Hip dysplasia, Epilepsy, Deafness, Hypothyroidism, Osteochondritis
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