Read About Border Collie

Border Collies are agile and intelligent dogs. Here's everything you need to know about this dog breed.

Quick Border Collie Summary:

1. Size:

   Medium Dog Breed

2. Weight:

   27-45 lbs

3. Coat:

   Medium Coated

4. Shedding:

   Medium Shedding

5. Temperament:

   Moderately Aggressive

6. Obedience:

   Good Obedience

7. Ease of Training:

   Easy to Train

8. Way with Children:

   Good with Children

Border Collie - Facts

1. AKC Group/Date Admitted:

   Herding;1995

2. Size & Weight:

   18-22 inches tall, 27-45 lbs

3. Coat:

   Border Collies can have 2 different varieties of coats. One is longer (3 inch) coarse hair and one is shorter (1 inch) sleek hair.

4. Head & Muzzle:

   Their head is fairly flat and medium in width. The muzzle is strong and tapers slightly to the nose. The ears are medium in size and are erect or semi-erect.

5. Body:

   Border Collies have athletic bodies with fairly broad, deep chests.

6. Colors:

   According to the AKC all colors and color combinations are acceptable.

7. Life Expectancy:

   12-15 yrs

8. Popularity:

   In a 2005 popularity ranking by the AKC they were ranked 55 out of 154 breeds.

9. Habitat:

   The Border Collie is not recommended for apartment life. They are very active indoors and will do best with lots of interaction and a safe place to run leash free.

Border Collie - Origins

1. Country of Origin:

   Northumberland on the Scottish / English border.

2. Historical Information:

   This breed is descended from old British droving breeds mixed with Spaniels.

Border Collie - Defining Characteristics

1. Temperament:

   Border Collies are intelligent and sensitive.

2. Behavior:

   They are perfectionists and will always aim to please their masters. Behavior problems can arise if they are left alone for long periods of time.

3. Habits:

   Border Collies are very talented at sports such as Frisbee. They can sometimes be sensitive to loud noises.

Border Collie - Concerns

1. Health Issues:

   They are a generally healthy breed. Some minor concerns are hip dysplasia, PRA and Collie Eye Anomaly.

2. Exercise Needs:

   Border Collies need mental exercise as well as physical exercise. They love hard work and play.

3. Grooming Needs:

   They require a regular brushing and combing. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. Check their ears and coats for ticks on a regular basis.

4. Travel Needs:

   For the safety of yourself as well as your Border Collie, using a safety belt harness is best while traveling in the car. This will keep him comfortable while preventing him from roaming around the car possibly causing injury to himself or others.

5. Getting Along With Other Pets and Children:

   Border Collie's can sometimes be snappish with children. When socialized at an early age they will do fine with children as well as other animals. Most get along fine with cats but they should be watched around other non-canine animals to see how they will react.

Border Collie -- How to Choose

1. What to Look for in a Healthy Puppy:

   Look for bright and clear eyes, healthy coat and skin and clean ears that are free of parasites.

2. What You Will Need For A New Puppy:

   Things to have on hand for your new puppy are: a good puppy food, a brush for grooming, toys and a crate or kennel.

3. Puppy-proofing your house:

   Keep all small objects out of reach.

4. How to make your new puppy feel at home:

   Your new puppy may seem shy and intimidated at first. Provide them with a quiet and comfortable place to sleep. Let them explore their new surroundings and get familiar with their new home. Use interactive dog toys to play with your new puppy so you can get to know each other. With lots of love and interaction your new puppy will feel at home in no time.