Border Collie
● Key Characteristics Of Border Collies
● How Can I Take Good Care Of A Border Collie Puppy?
● Most Asked Border Collie Questions
● Similar Dog Breeds
Border Collies are a gentle and sweet-natured dog breed. They are lively and friendly dogs that are very sociable. This is not surprising since both of their parents have these traits.
Even though they look like teddy bears, these dogs are intelligent as they are trainable.
● Key Characteristics Of Border Collies
● How Can I Take Good Care Of A Border Collie Puppy?
● Most Asked Border Collie Questions
● Similar Dog Breeds
Border Collies are the fanatical black and white beauties famous for their herding instinct. These dogs are some of the most affectionate souls. They love to please their owners and receive approvals through treats and cuddles.
The exact origins of Border Collies are still shrouded in mystery. But it’s alleged that this breed developed from various sheep-herding dogs. The latter were used along the border of Scotland and England.
In the 1800s, there were different herding dogs in the Great Britain. Among them were ‘fetching dogs’, skilled at organising cattle. These dogs would also lead livestock back to their herders. They achieved this by barking or nipping at the animals; hence keeping them in line.
In a sheepdog trial conducted in 1873, Old Hemp, who is regarded the progenitor of the Border Collie, emerged triumphant. This pup was able to gather livestock in a calm and skilful manner without even barking at them.
The breed continued to be referred to as a sheepdog until 1915. After this time, their name was changed to Border Collies.
The breed gained massive popularity across the world. This aspect can be attributed to their herding skills. Currently, the Border Collie is admired for its many characteristics. These including the breed’s strong instinct and capacity to reason.
| Are Border Collies Family-Friendly? | Yes, they are a gentle and extremely intelligent breed. They are easily-trained. |
| Daily Exercise Needs? | They need 60 minutes of walking or running every day. They also need mental challenges, which keep their minds stimulated. |
| Common Health Issues & Considerations | Border Collies can be prone to health problems like: ● Seizures. ● Retinal atrophy. ● Hypothyroidism. ● Canine Hip Dysplasia. |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
| Nature & Temperament | They are a lively and active dog breed. Their playfulness is off the charts. They’re also very tenacious and quick at picking up training commands. |
| Size | Weight 12 - 20 kg Height 48 - 56 cm |
| Suitable Environment | They are best suited for country living. They thrive in outdoor environments that have pastures and farm animals. |
| Grooming | Border Collies are moderate shedders; so they need weekly brushing. |
● Border Collies are go-getters they are born athletes with focus, stamina and enthusiasm.
● As herding dogs, it’s in their nature to get tasks done.
● These dogs are highly sensitive, they respond to the subtlest command.
● They herd anything that is mobile: kids, dogs, sheep, cats etc. It’s advisable to keep your Border Collie in a securely fenced yard.
● These are workaholic canines so they thrive on physical and mental stimulation.
● The Border Collie is not the typical couch potato dog.
Nutrition
As these dogs are a high-energy working breed, they need a diet that is rich in protein and calories. But, each Border Collie will have unique dietary needs. For instance, Collies that spend most of their time playing need a higher calorie intake.
Grooming
Like any other breed, Border Collies shed. They have hair of medium length and shed twice every year. But, it’s not unusual to find their hair around your home all-year-round.
The easiest way to reduce their shedding is by brushing them down. Weekly brushing is necessary to reduce loose hair as well as to improve your pup’s coat.
Recommended grooming tips:
● More frequent brushing during the shedding season.
● Bathe only as often as needed, e.g once every month.
● Brush your Border Collie’s teeth one or two times each week.
● Trim their nails monthly.
● Check their ears every week for dirt or redness.
● Conduct a weekly examination to help you identify health problems early.
Exercise
By nature, Border Collies are a bundle of energy. These dogs are always waiting for a chance to be unleashed. The best way to exercise them is through walking, playing a game of fetch and running in open fields.
Training
Border Collies are one of the smartest breeds. They are easy to train. Yes, they learn new tricks pretty fast. But they can pick up bad habits as easily as the good.
To prevent this, adopt from reputable Border Collie registered breeder.
Border Collies for sale cost between $600 to $2000 approximately.
Yes, they make excellent swimmers if encouraged to do so when they’re young. Swimming is a great way to exercise these high-energy dog breed.
Yes, they are very agile. They can jump as high as 1.5m, especially if they notice something interesting on the other side.
Border Collies were bred to help in herding livestock rather than protecting them. As such, they are not very reliable guard dogs.
Most dogs bark when they are bored, and the Border Collie is no different. But with enough training and exercising, Border Collies are relatively quiet.
They are a low-maintenance dog breed. These dogs shed very nicely so a 10-minute brushing once or twice a week is all they need.
This is general information and should not be relied on as adoption or purchasing advice.