Dog Breed Blog

Border Collie Appearance: The Border Collie is a medium sized dog, a bit longer than it is tall with a height range of 18 to 23 inches. This breed is very athletic, energetic, intelligent and is typically used to herd livestock. The coat of the Border Collie is either rough or smooth and normally black and white in color. Other colors include red and white, tan, black, white, merle, black and gray and sable to name a few. They may also be found in a variety of these colors. They have a weatherproof double coat. Their eyes are brown or blue and sometimes each eye is a different color. Their muzzle tapers to a black nose and their ears are medium sized - usually folded over a bit but sometimes erect. Their tail is medium to long in length and usually stays low unless excited. They shed on an average basis. Overall, Border Collies have been bred for working and appearance is considered a secondary concern.

Border Collie Temperament: The Border Collie is a very high energy, intelligent dog breed that loves to work. You could say this is a high maintenance dog, as they thrive on human companionship and need regular exercise and preferably a job to do. This is not a good breed if you have a two career household or if you think you want to take your Border Collie out for play or exercise when you’re in the mood for it. The Border Collie is best suited for the person or family that has the time to give it plenty of attention. A good example is if you are a farmer and need a dog to herd your livestock, or if you are interested in having a dog to train for competitions such as frisbee. They are easily trained and desire praise in return. Border Collies get along with other dogs but may display aggressive behavior with dogs of the same sex. They have been known to get along with cats. They are not recommended for children - unless they are supervised or well behaved, older children. They make great watchdogs. If you let them get bored and don’t give them enough attention, they will find something to do on their own…something that could be destructive. I think you get the point now - the Border Collie is best suited for someone who has the time, energy and desire to provide them with the attention, exercise, work and praise they desire. Are you up for the challenge?

Border Collie Health: The Border Collie has a weight range from 27 to 45 pounds and has a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. Border Collies are considered to be one of the healthier dog breeds, but no dog is immune from health problems, so the concerns of this dog breed include deafness (in elderly dogs), hip dysplasia, PRA, CHD, epilepsy and eye disorders.

History of the Border Collie: The Border Collie originated on the border of Scotland and England, and because of this, this is where the Border part of its name came from.  The breed is believed to come from British droving breeds in the 19th century.

Border Collie Breed Group: Herding,  AKC Herding, Working

Video: Two very energetic Border Collies playing in Madison, Wisconsin.

Are you the proud owner of a Border Collie? Please leave a comment below to add your thoughts about this dog breed. Also, if you have a web site or video featuring your Border Collie, leave that as well.