Border collie

Some people say the Border Collie is the smartest dog breed. His ability to impose his will on sheep makes him the best sheepherding dog in the world — but watch out, because he’ll try to impose his will on you, too. Arguably considered the world’s best herding dog, the Border Collie is a smart, intense workaholic who lives for order and values employment above all else. His focus is legendary — and so is the havoc he can wreak when he’s bored. Popular for his good looks and medium size, the Border Collie’s drive to work and strong desire to keep his people together at all times can come as an unpleasant surprise to families who may know him only from his charming starring roles in movies such as “Babe” and “Hotel for Dogs.” A good Border Collie can be the companion of a lifetime, but only if he is paired with a clever owner who can keep him busy with dog sports — agility, flyball, flying disc games, herding trials, obedience, tracking — or who will teach him to do chores around the house or farm. If you want the talented Border Collie you’ve seen starring on the silver screen, be aware that it takes a lot of time and effort to keep him occupied to his satisfaction. If you’re ready to provide loving leadership to your dog, train him consistently and fairly, and give him plenty of exercise and an outlet for his considerable intelligence, then yes, the Border Collie can be right for you. Don’t underestimate that intelligence, either. This is among the smartest of all dog bre...

The enduring appeal of the Border Collie isn’t just down to their stunning good looks, though. Known for its advanced and unmatched herding abilities informs many of this breed’s personality traits and behaviors. Border Collies originate from Scotland and the northern counties of England (hence the ‘Border’ part of their name) and appear to have come into prominence in the early 19th century. That’s also when the name ‘Collie’/’Colley’ came about. Most of us know that Border Collies are extremely smart and particularly athletic. But, there’s so much more to the temperament of your average Border Collie. In this article, let’s take a deep dive into Border Collie temperament. The Typical Border Collie Temperament Border Collies are quite unlike most other breeds of dog when it comes to temperament. They really are quite unique and individual dogs, with their own little idiosyncrasies. It’s good to be knowledgeable about this fabulous breed’s traits, attitudes, personality and behavior. Especially if you’re seriously considering welcoming one into your family home. Border Collies’ temperaments are closely linked with their ‘jobs’ as herders, so, nearly everything they do comes from their instinct to herd other animals. An inescapable fact about any Border Collie is that they have bags of energy. Bags and bags! It’s almost impossible to tire out one, such is their incredible stamina. This energy leads to typically What we’re saying is – you better like walking and throwing a f...

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more admired, celebrated, and all-around adored dog breed than the border collie. Known for its tireless energy, unmatched intelligence, and fierce loyalty, this breed is a favorite among dog owners who want a constant companion to adventure through life with. But what about grooming? The border collie, like all breeds, has a specific set of grooming needs. But while this dog might be high energy, they’re not that high maintenance when it comes to grooming. This is great news, but “low maintenance” doesn’t mean “no maintenance.” If you want your pet to look and feel their best, you need to give them the proper grooming TLC. Let’s take a look at all things border collie grooming, from shedding to bathing to why you don’t need trimmers to keep this dog healthy. Border collie shedding The border collie has a double coat, with a long, smooth, and feathered outer coat and a shorter, rougher undercoat. In terms of shedding, the BC falls somewhere in the middle of the pack. During most of the year, the border collie sheds a moderate amount. Brushing your dog two to three times a week to remove dead hair is typically plenty to keep the shedding under control. Twice a year, however, that shedding goes into overdrive. During the spring and fall, your dog will completely blow their coat in preparation for the upcoming season. Shedding will be at an all-time high, so plan to brush your dog on a daily basis to keep up. Bathing a border collie While the B...

Size: Weight Range: Male: 30–45 lbs. Female: 30–42 lbs. Height at Withers: Male: 22 in. Female: 20 in. Features: Upright ears (naturally) Expectations: Exercise Requirements: >40 minutes/day Energy Level: Very Energetic Longevity Range: 10–14 yrs. Tendency to Drool: Low Tendency to Snore: Low Tendency to Bark: High Tendency to Dig: Low Social/Attention Needs: Moderate Bred For: Sheep herder Coat: Length: Medium Characteristics: Double coat, straight Colors: Black with or without white, red and white, solid color, bi-color, tri-color, merle, sable Overall Grooming Needs: Moderate Club Recognition: AKC Classification: Herding UKC Classification: Herding Dog Prevalence: Common Border collies are medium-sized dogs. Males stand as tall as 22 inches and weigh up to about 45 pounds (20 kilograms). Females stand as tall as 21 inches and weigh up to about 42 pounds (19 kilograms). They look like a lighter-weight Australian shepherd, but instead of the bobtail characteristic of the Aussie, border collies have a feathered tail that reaches to the hocks. The head is like that of a collie, and the body is slightly longer than the dog is tall. The ears stand but the tips drop over, giving them a jaunty appearance. Some border collies have a coarse coat about three inches long, while others have a sleek coat about one inch long. A variety of colors are seen including black and white, red and white, black and gray, all black and tri-color. The longer-haired border collie usually has...

This working farm dog is famous for his intimidating "eye" – a fixed, hypnotic stare as he crouches low and creeps up on the sheep. One of the most intelligent of all breeds, the Border Collie is also one of the most challenging to live with. His superior intellect, combined with his intensity and obsessive zeal for working, are his most impressive features – and also the ones that make him unsuitable for most homes. This sharp-eyed, quick-thinking, fanatical workaholic has been bred for endless miles of sprinting and stop-and-go action. If it isn't possible for him to work livestock, you must substitute several LONG (45 minute) walks per day, plus off-leash romps in a safe area like a dog park. Plus fetching balls or frisbee. Plus weekly classes in advanced obedience or agility (obstacle course for dogs). Yes, this is a lot! Without physical and mental stimulation, Border Collies become hyperactive and will drive you up the wall with obsessive and destructive behaviors as they seek creative outlets for their physical and mental energy. High intelligence does mean they learn very quickly - but that includes learning how to do anything they set their minds to. They are master escape artists who can virtually pick the lock on your gate. Trying to train a Border Collie, in fact, can be frustrating, because they are constantly thinking, analyzing, and reacting to every tiny movement you make. They can be a bit high-strung and oversensitive to sound and touch. Border Collies ar...