The Border Collie is one of the most popular dog breeds around. They are categorized as AKC’s herding group but they also prove to be great companions dogs. Border Collies are known for their intense stare with which they control their flock.
If you are looking for high energy, friendly, and intelligent dog, then Border Collies are the perfect breed for you. This article explains the breed characteristics, vital stats, history, size, temperament, and general health of a Border Collie.
Let’s begin our ride!
Border Collie Breed Characteristics
Border Collie is the 35th most popular dog breed according to the AKC breed popularity index. These dogs are intelligent and highly trainable.
We have listed below the breed characteristics of Border Collie. This is meant to be a general guideline for Border Collies.
Adaptability
Border Collies are moderately good at adapting to some environments.
- Border Collies are not good apartment dwellers. They need regular exercise and a fenced yard to run and play.
- They are not suitable for novice or first-time parents.
- Border Collie is a highly sensitive breed. These dogs cannot handle inconsistent routines and noisy and chaotic households. Punishments, shouting and yelling at them can affect them emotionally.
- These dogs have a low tolerance for extreme hot and cold temperatures.
Friendliness
Border Collies are among the friendly dog breeds. They can form solid-bonds with human companions.
- Border Collies are loving and affectionate dogs and shower the whole family with love and affection.
- Border Collies are known to be gentle and friendly with children but should still be supervised during playtime.
- Border Collies are moderately friendly with other pets in your house. Early socialization will improve this behavior.
- Border Collies are stranger-friendly dogs and always greet your guests happy.
Health and Grooming
Border Collies have double coats, with a coarser outer coat and soft undercoat.
- Border Collies are average shedders and are moderately easy to groom.
- They have very low drooling potential. If you’re a neatnik, Border Collies are a good choice for you.
- Border Collies have the potential to put on weight easily.
- They are medium-sized dogs and are prone to many health problems.
Trainability
Border Collies are highly trainable dogs. They should be trained gently, but with determination.
- Border Collies are easy to train as they have good memory retention and are eager to please.
- These dogs have high intelligence and concentration levels.
- Border Collies have a moderate prey drive.
- They have an average potential for mouthiness. Border Collies have a moderate tendency to nip, chew, or play-bite people.
- They do not have a high tendency to bark frequently.
Physical Needs
The Border Collie is a playful and highly energetic dog.
- Border Collies are high-energy dogs who are always ready and waiting for action.
- They are workaholic dogs that need regular exercise and physical activities to maintain good health and condition.
- Border Collies are highly playful dogs who are always ready for games.
- Border Collies are moderately vigorous dogs.
- The Border Collie doesn’t usually have high wanderlust potential, but their curiosity and intelligence can lead them to become an escape artist.
Vital Stats About Border Collie
Let’s have a look at some vital stats of Border Collies:
| Stats | Description |
| Dog Breed Group | Herding dogs |
| Bred for | Sheep herder |
| Temperament | Affectionate, Alert, Smart, Energetic |
| Average Height | 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight Range | 30 to 45 pounds |
| Energy level | Very energetic |
| Exercise requirements | Greater than 40 minutes per day |
| Overall grooming needs | Moderate |
| Life Expectancy | 12 to 15 years |
History of Border Collie
Border collies are herding dogs with a very interesting history. They were around when Britain began using dogs to help guard and herd sheep. The breed originated in the 1700s in the border counties of England and Scotland.
The word Collie refers to sheepdogs and is derived from Scottish dialect. The ancestors of Border Collies are known as Welsh Sheepdogs, Northern Sheepdogs, Highland Collies, and Scotch Collies.
During the 19th century, this breed became popular among the English gentry. They were used to herd livestock and also became excellent family pets. Border Collies are also used as police dogs, rescue dogs, and guide dogs for the blind.
The Border Collies are recognized as the premier sheepherding dogs. They are a relatively new addition to the official AKC list and were registered in 1995.
Temperament and Personality of Border Collie
Border Collies are working dogs who are alert, friendly, and intelligent. They are bred to run and work all day herding sheep.
- Loyal: The Border Collie is extremely loyal to the family. No matter what happens in your life, this amazing dog will remain by your side.
- Playful: Border Collies are playful dogs. They enjoy playing and spending time with their human companions. If confined without activity and company, Border Collies can become unhappy and destructive.
- Intelligent: The Border Collies are very intelligent and highly trainable. They have a good memory, understand human voice commands, and have a desire to please their humans.
- Affectionate: The Border Collie is an affectionate companion. If socialized properly in puppyhood, this breed makes a superb family dog.
- Independent: Border Collies can sometimes be willful, dominant, and independent. Their compulsion to herd can often become misdirected. They must be taught at an early age and should be given some activity or job.
Like all dogs, Border Collies need early socialization and exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences during puppyhood.
Size of Border Collie
Border Collie is a medium-sized dog that possesses an amazing amount of energy and stamina.
Male Border Collies have an average height of 19 to 22 inches while females have an average height of 18 to 21 inches. The average weight of male Border Collie is 35 to 45 pounds while females have an average weight of 30 to 40 pounds.
Major Health Concerns of Border Collie
Border Collies are moderately healthy but are prone to certain health issues. It is important to be aware of these health conditions. Let’s have a look at them:
- Hip Dysplasia: This is an inherited and degenerative condition. Border Collies with hip dysplasia show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): It is a genetic eye disease that causes a gradual deterioration of the retina. Border Collies may become night-blind or have limited or complete loss of vision.
- Epilepsy: A neurological disease that causes cause mild or severe seizures.
- Collie Eye Anomaly: This is an inherited eye condition that causes abnormalities in the eye. In severe cases, this condition might lead to blindness. There is no treatment for Collie Eye Anomaly.
- Allergies: There are three main types of allergies in Border Collies including food allergies, contact allergies, and inhalant allergies. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes.
- Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD): It is an orthopedic condition that is caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints. It causes a painful stiffening of the affected joint of Border Collie.
How to Take Care of Border Collie
Border Collies heavily rely on our care as pet parents! Taking care of your Border Collie involves a lot of things including feeding, grooming, training, and exercises.
Feeding Your Border Collie
A healthy and nutritious food contributes to the overall health of your Border Collie. The recommended daily amount for Border Collies is 1.5 to 2 cups of dog food a day, divided into two meals. Select good sources of protein and fats for your Border Collie.
The amount of food that Border Collie should eat varies with age, gender, metabolism, and physical activity. Clean and fresh water should be available for your Border Collie at all times.
Training Your Border Collie
Border Collie is an intelligent and easy-to-train dog. They perform well in canine activities such as herding, obedience, and agility.
Early socialization is important for Border Collies. These dogs do not respond well to harsh training methods. Start training as early as possible, ideally when the pup is between 8-12 weeks of age.
Grooming Needs of Border Collie
Border Collies have two types of coats. The first one is the rough coat that has medium length and is feathered. The second type is the smooth coat that is shorter and coarser. These dogs are moderate shedders and are moderately easy to groom.
Let’s get down to the grooming needs of Border Collie:
- Border Collies have a weather-resistant coat that needs weekly brushing.
- Bathe your dog only as needed or when it’s really dirty. While bathing them, use a high-quality dog shampoo.
- Brush your Border Collie’s teeth at least two or three times a week to prevent tartar buildup.
- Trim their nails once a month if needed.
- Check your Border Collies’ ears once a week for any signs of infection.
You should have lots of treats ready for your Border Collie during grooming sessions.
Exercise Requirements of Border Collie
Border collies are extremely energetic and athletic dogs. They should be provided with vigorous exercise every day. They are best suited for country living.
Exercising your Border Collie should not be a burden for you or your dog. You can meet their exercise requirements through activities and games like:
- Running, biking or skating
- Flying disc and flyball
- Make use of a treadmill
- Self-play with interactive and puzzle toys
- Visit dog park and play with other dogs
- Backyard agility
- Swimming
Parting Shot on Border Collie
Border Collies are truly amazing dogs. They are affectionate companions and make great pets. Border Collies come with high activity and socialization requirements.
If you have any comments, please do let us know. We would be happy to hear from you.