Description

The Border Collie is a highly intelligent, hard-working dog that responds quickly and eagerly to training. Border Collie is the world’s premiere sheepdog unsurpassed as a sheepdog in terms of patience, agility and stamina. Border Collie thrives on games and are willing to please. The Border Collie is even tempered, but he needs constant physical and mental activity for a well-balanced dog. The border collie if trained properly will excel in obedience competitions. They are very agile, and have a well-proportioned body of lean muscle. He can spend hours stalking sheep, cattle, goats, ducks, chickens, large ants or anything that congregates into a herd or flock. If they have insufficient activity they will find work to do. Don’t be surprised if you find that it is herding your children!

Size of Male: Height: 20-23 inches Weight: 30-45 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 18-21 inches Weight: 30-45 pounds

Temperament

The Border Collie is a very intelligent and responsive dog. Border Collie excels at obedience, agility and Frisbee. Border Collie thrives on praise, is sensitive and very trainable. The Border Collies are commonly used in the agility competitions, as sports like agility are right the this intelligent dogs alley. The Border Collie is highly energetic with great stamina. Provided it gets sufficient activity to keep it occupied and ample exercise, the Border Collie will get along quite happily with other dogs, and children. However, the Border Collie may be aggressive with other dogs of the same sex. They should not be trusted with small non-canine pets, but there are plenty of Border Collies that live and get along with family cats. This breed should be very well socialized as a puppy to prevent shyness. To be truly happy, it needs a lot of: ongoing attention, extensive daily exercise, and a job to do. For those who wish to reach high levels in dog sports, the Border Collie is a gift from heaven. They are not ideal pets for people who have no plans to spend a lot of time with them. These dogs are too intelligent to lie around the house all day with nothing to do. They can become neurotic if they are left alone for long periods, leading to many behavior problems. They do best with an experienced owner that has lots of time to spend with the dog. The adolescent Border Collie often goes through a phase where he challenges his master’s authority. Some are highly reactive and sound sensitive, making them a poor choice for families with young children.

Living Conditions

The Border Collie is not recommended for apartment life. Border Collies are very active indoors and do best with increased amount of space. Border Collie will do fine in a kennel provided it has daily activity and can see plenty of its handler. This breed is not suited to life chained up in the back yard all day.

Upkeep

Few dogs are as work-oriented as the Border Collie. Border Collie is a dog that needs a job. Border Collie needs a lot of physical and mental activity every day to satisfy its quest for work. It can live outdoors in temperate to cool climates, but it enjoys being with its family inside as well. This is a dog that cannot live in an apartment and that should preferably have ready access to a yard. Its coat needs brushing or combing about twice weekly.

Health

Major concerns: Hip dysplasia

Minor concerns: Progressive retinal atrophy, lens luxation, Collie eye anomaly, Heart problems, Osteochodrosis dissecans

Life expectancy: 10 – 14 years