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Border Collie

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The Border Collie Pet Guide

● Key Characteristics Of Border Collies
● How Can I Take Good Care Of A Border Collie Puppy?
● Most Asked Border Collie Questions
● Similar Dog Breeds

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Temperament

Border Collies are one of the smartest dogs out there. They are very trainable and know what you are going to ask of them before you do. They are responsive to commands and are always waiting for their next task.

Originally bred for herding livestock, Border Collies are full of energy and like to be busy. They are workaholics and excel in various canine sports.

 

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The Ultimate Guide to Border Collies

A purebred, Border Collies are well known for their intense stare and ability to move while staying low to the ground. Also called Borders, they are medium-sized with a lean frame and good muscle tone.

Born with an instinct to work, they make great mountain-rescue or sniffer dogs. They love a good challenge, so make sure they get plenty of mental stimulation.

Border Collie Origins

Border Collies are a mix of the Roman herding dogs and the Viking Spitz variety. They trace their roots back to one common ancestor, a dog named Old Hemp.

Born in the late 1800s in the northernmost county of England, Old Hemp was intelligent and had natural herding abilities. His owner and breeder, Adam Telfer, made him the top working dog on the farm.

With a reputation as an outstanding herder, Old Hemp became a sought-after stud dog. Estimates say his offspring totalled more than 200, making him the foundation sire of the Border Collie breed.

 

Key Characteristics of Border Collies

Are Border Collies family-friendly? Yes, they are. Because of their herding instincts, they are protective of their humans and can be good with children. They are also wary of strangers, making them a great family watchdog.
Daily exercise needs? At least 90 minutes of strenuous exercise per day
Common health issues & considerations While generally healthy, Border Collies are still prone to certain health conditions. These include:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Collie eye anomaly
  • Osteochondrosis dissecans
  • Allergies
  • Epilepsy
Lifespan 12 to 15 years
Nature / Temperament Tenacious, intelligent, energetic, alert, loyal, and athletic
Size Weight

Male: 15.9 to 20.4 kg

Female: 13.6 to 18.1 kg

Height

Male: 48.26 to 55.88 cm

Female: 45.72 to 53.34 cm
Suitable Environment  These pups are happiest on a farm or ranch where they can run all day. An adaptable breed, they are also suited in fenced city homes where they have some elbow room.
Grooming Brush your pup’s coat once or twice a week. Daily brushing is required during shedding season.

Other Considerations:

  • Border Collies need a great deal of time and attention, so you should stimulate them physically and mentally daily.
  • These pups are clever escape artists, so make sure your fence is at least six feet high with a wire along the fence line to prevent them from digging.
  • They won’t usually exercise on their own and will need their human to join them.

How can I take care of my Border Collie?

Nutrition

Any high-quality dog food will do well with a Border Collie regardless of his age. The recommended daily amount is 1.5 to 2 cups of dry food per day, divided into two meals.

These pups are prone to getting overweight, so you must watch out for their calorie consumption.

Grooming

A Border Collie’s coat can be brushed bi-weekly to remove dead hair, prevent tangling, and keep shedding under control. During shedding season, however, his coat needs to be brushed daily.

Recommended Grooming Tips

  • Border Collies tend to shed, so brush their coat first before putting them in the bath.
  • Use warm water to bathe your dog as hot water can cause his skin to dry.
  • Clip your pup’s nails at least once a month to prevent him from feeling discomfort.
  • A Border Collie’s hair doesn’t grow past a certain length, so there is no need to give him a haircut. His coat rarely needs trimming.
  • Typically, they only need to be bathed every three months or so. Otherwise, their skin will get irritated.

Exercise

With a high energy level, Border Collies need vigorous exercise daily. This means, an hour or more a day. They are perfect for active owners who will support their need for mental and physical stimulation.

Training

Border Collies are one of the most trainable dogs in the world. While quick to learn, they need a patient and dedicated owner to coach them as they are very independent and strong-minded. When properly trained, they can be very great at herding and sports.

Early socialisation is important to Border Collies, so obedience training should start from puppyhood through about seven months. They respond well to positive reinforcements, so reward them with treats.

This is basic information, and it should not be used to make adoption or purchasing decisions. Be sure to consult an expert if you’d like to learn about the breed’s care and requirements.

This is general information and should not be relied on for adopting or purchasing advice.

Most Asked Border Collie Questions

What do Border Collies look like?

Border Collies are medium-sized dogs that have an athletic build. They come in all colour combinations and markings, including solid, bi-colour, tri-colour, merle, and sable. Their coats can either be smooth or rough.

Do Border Collies shed a lot?

Border Collies shed moderately during most of the year. However, they shed a lot during spring and fall.

What’s the price of a Border Collie puppy?

The price of a Border Collie puppy for sale depends on his age, sex, and pedigree. The typical price is between AUD $1,000 and $2,000. A top-quality dog from a reputable breeder can cost $4,700 or more.

Similar Breeds

● Australian Cattle Dog

● Australian Shepherd

● Bearded Collie

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