Dog Breeds - Border Collie Dog

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed tends to display towards its family members or familiar individuals. Certain breeds may appear distant from everyone except their owner, whereas other breeds treat all acquaintances with the same warmth as they would a close friend.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The extent to which a particular breed is tolerant and patient with the behavior of children, as well as its overall friendliness towards families. It is important to always supervise dogs around young children or children who have limited experience with dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The inherent friendliness of a breed towards other dogs, both in home and public settings. While supervised interactions and introductions are necessary for all dogs some breeds exhibit a higher likelihood of getting along with other dogs naturally.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur or hair a breed is likely to shed, which would impact the frequency of brushing, potential allergy triggers, and the need for more frequent vacuuming and lint-rolling. Breeds that shed heavily may require more maintenance to manage the amount of loose hair.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The grooming needs of a breed, including the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming, and other maintenance tasks for their coat. It is essential to consider the time, patience and budget available for such care when deciding on a breed. Additionally, regular nail trimming is necessary for all breeds.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The tendency of a breed to drool, which can vary from minimal to excessive. For individuals who prioritize cleanliness, breeds that tend to leave slobber on arms or create wet spots on clothes may not be the ideal choice.
COAT TYPE +
Double, Wavy
COAT LENGTH +
Medium

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The general disposition of a breed towards strangers, ranging from being reserved or cautious around all strangers irrespective of the setting, to being friendly and enthusiastic when meeting new people. Some breeds may exhibit caution or reservation towards unfamiliar individuals, while others are more welcoming and enjoy interacting with new humans.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The level of enthusiasm a breed exhibits for play, even beyond puppyhood. Some breeds will maintain a strong desire to engage in activities like tug-of-war or fetch throughout their adult years. They enjoy active play and may seek regular opportunities for such games. On the other hand, there are breeds that have a more laid-back nature and are content with relaxing on the couch or being more low-key companions most of the time.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
The inclination of a breed to alert their owners when strangers are present regardless of the nature of the perceived threat such as the arrival of the mailman or the presence of a squirrel outside a window. These breeds are more likely to react to potential threats and notify their owners. However, they can still become accepting of strangers who enter the house and are accepted by the family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to handle changes in various aspects of life, including living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedule and other variations. Some breeds are more resilient and flexible, adjusting easily to new situations, while others may find it more challenging to adapt to change.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The level of ease in training a breed and their willingness to learn new things. Some breeds exhibit a strong desire to please their owners and are highly trainable showing eagerness to learn and follow instructions. They focus on making their owners proud and are cooperative in training sessions. On the other hand, certain breeds may be more independent-minded preferring to do things their own way, when and where they want. They may require more patience and creative training approaches to motivate them.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The level of exercise and mental stimulation a breed requires. High-energy breeds tend to have a strong desire for physical activity and mental stimulation throughout the day. They are ready for adventures, enjoy running, jumping, and engaging in playtime. Meeting their exercise needs is essential for their overall well-being.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency of vocalization in a breed, which includes barking, howling, or other vocal expressions. Some breeds are known to bark frequently at various triggers such as passers-by or birds outside the window. In contrast other breeds may only bark in specific situations or to communicate specific needs. It is worth noting that even barkless breeds may still exhibit vocal behaviors using other sounds to express themselves.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The level of mental stimulation a breed requires to maintain their happiness and overall well-being. Purpose-bred dogs, designed for specific jobs, often require mental challenges to keep them engaged. These challenges may involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration, or other qualities. Without adequate mental exercise these breeds may resort to creating their own activities, which may not align with the owner's preferences. Providing appropriate outlets for mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys training sessions or interactive games is crucial for their contentment and to avoid unwanted behaviors.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection a breed tends to display towards its family members or familiar individuals. Certain breeds may appear distant from everyone except their owner, whereas other breeds treat all acquaintances with the same warmth as they would a close friend.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The extent to which a particular breed is tolerant and patient with the behavior of children, as well as its overall friendliness towards families. It is important to always supervise dogs around young children or children who have limited experience with dogs.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The inherent friendliness of a breed towards other dogs, both in home and public settings. While supervised interactions and introductions are necessary for all dogs some breeds exhibit a higher likelihood of getting along with other dogs naturally.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur or hair a breed is likely to shed, which would impact the frequency of brushing, potential allergy triggers, and the need for more frequent vacuuming and lint-rolling. Breeds that shed heavily may require more maintenance to manage the amount of loose hair.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The grooming needs of a breed, including the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming, and other maintenance tasks for their coat. It is essential to consider the time, patience and budget available for such care when deciding on a breed. Additionally, regular nail trimming is necessary for all breeds.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The tendency of a breed to drool, which can vary from minimal to excessive. For individuals who prioritize cleanliness, breeds that tend to leave slobber on arms or create wet spots on clothes may not be the ideal choice.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double, Wavy

COAT SPECTRUM

Medium

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The general disposition of a breed towards strangers, ranging from being reserved or cautious around all strangers irrespective of the setting, to being friendly and enthusiastic when meeting new people. Some breeds may exhibit caution or reservation towards unfamiliar individuals, while others are more welcoming and enjoy interacting with new humans.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The level of enthusiasm a breed exhibits for play, even beyond puppyhood. Some breeds will maintain a strong desire to engage in activities like tug-of-war or fetch throughout their adult years. They enjoy active play and may seek regular opportunities for such games. On the other hand, there are breeds that have a more laid-back nature and are content with relaxing on the couch or being more low-key companions most of the time.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

The inclination of a breed to alert their owners when strangers are present regardless of the nature of the perceived threat such as the arrival of the mailman or the presence of a squirrel outside a window. These breeds are more likely to react to potential threats and notify their owners. However, they can still become accepting of strangers who enter the house and are accepted by the family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to handle changes in various aspects of life, including living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedule and other variations. Some breeds are more resilient and flexible, adjusting easily to new situations, while others may find it more challenging to adapt to change.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The level of ease in training a breed and their willingness to learn new things. Some breeds exhibit a strong desire to please their owners and are highly trainable showing eagerness to learn and follow instructions. They focus on making their owners proud and are cooperative in training sessions. On the other hand, certain breeds may be more independent-minded preferring to do things their own way, when and where they want. They may require more patience and creative training approaches to motivate them.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The level of exercise and mental stimulation a breed requires. High-energy breeds tend to have a strong desire for physical activity and mental stimulation throughout the day. They are ready for adventures, enjoy running, jumping, and engaging in playtime. Meeting their exercise needs is essential for their overall well-being.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Likes To Be Vocal

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The level of mental stimulation a breed requires to maintain their happiness and overall well-being. Purpose-bred dogs, designed for specific jobs, often require mental challenges to keep them engaged. These challenges may involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration, or other qualities. Without adequate mental exercise these breeds may resort to creating their own activities, which may not align with the owner's preferences. Providing appropriate outlets for mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys training sessions or interactive games is crucial for their contentment and to avoid unwanted behaviors.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Black	007
Blue	037
Blue Merle	050
Red	140
Red Merle	276
Sable	164
White & Black	202
White & Blue Merle	363
White & Red	214
Lilac	504
Saddleback Sable	505
Sable Merle	166
Gold	091
Brindle	057
White & Blue	288
White & Red Merle	506
White Ticked	507
Seal	261
White & Seal	294
White & Gold	208

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Tan Points	029
White Markings	014
White Markings, Tan Points	030
White Markings, Ticked	439
White Mkngs, Tan Pts, Ticked	440
White Markings, Brindle Points	441
White Mkng, Brindle Pt, Ticked	442
Merle Markings	035

About The Breed

Border Collies are remarkable dogs known for their high intelligence and workaholic nature. They excel in various tasks, especially herding, obedience work, and agility training. However, their exceptional energy levels and intelligence require dedicated time, effort, and means to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Border Collies are medium-sized, athletic dogs typically measuring between 18 to 22 inches at the shoulder. Their appearance is characterized by a muscular but agile body with both rough and smooth coat varieties available in different colors and patterns. The breed's almond eyes showcase their intelligent expression, highlighted by the famous "herding eye." When given sufficient mental and physical exercise Border Collies are satisfied and can relax for cuddle time. While they are amiable with friends, they may display reservation towards strangers.

What to Expect When Caring for a Border Collie

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs, as sentient beings, require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health, emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Border Collie Dog: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	The Border Collie is known to be a generally hardy and healthy breed. Responsible breeders prioritize the health of their breeding stock and often conduct screenings for various health conditions. Some of the conditions that breeders may screen for in Border Collies include hip dysplasia, progressive renal atrophy, deafness, epilepsy, collie eye anomaly, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis and trapped neutrophil syndrome. Consistent ear checks are also important to detect and prevent any signs of infection, while regular teeth brushing helps maintain good oral hygiene. These practices contribute to the overall well-being and health of the Border Collie. Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club: Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	The Border Collie comes in two types of coats: rough and smooth. The rough coat is medium-length, feathered, and requires regular grooming to keep it free of mats, tangles, dirt, and debris. The smooth coat, on the other hand, is shorter and coarser but still dense and weather-resistant. Both coat types have a double coat that provides protection in various weather conditions. For grooming, it is recommended to use a pin brush to go over the dog's coat once or twice a week. However, if needed, more frequent brushing sessions may be necessary. During shedding seasons which typically occur twice a year daily brushing becomes essential to manage the increased hair loss. This helps prevent excessive shedding and keeps the coat in good condition. Regular nail trimming is crucial for all breeds including Border Collies to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. Trimming the nails once every few weeks or as needed keeps them at an appropriate length.

Exercise

	You are absolutely right about the Border Collie's high energy levels and need for daily exercise. This breed is known for its athleticism and drive, requiring more than just a casual walk or short play session in the yard. Border Collies thrive when they have a job to do and space to run. Regular exercise is crucial for the well-being of Border Collies and they are happiest when they can engage in activities that stimulate both their body and mind. Along with physical exercise, mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys, or participating in various sports and competitions is highly beneficial for this breed. Border Collies often excel in herding events, obedience trials, agility competitions, rally obedience and tracking. They can also thrive in sports like flying disc (frisbee) and flyball. These activities not only provide outlets for their energy but also fulfill their innate desire to work and engage in activities that challenge their intelligence and physical abilities. It’s important for potential owners to be aware that Border Collies require an active lifestyle and a dedicated owner who can provide the necessary exercise and mental stimulation. This breed may not be suitable for individuals who prefer a more sedentary lifestyle or frequently travel away from home.

Training

	You're absolutely right about the importance of early socialization for Border Collies. Early exposure to different people, animals, and environments in a positive manner is crucial to help them become well-rounded and confident adults. By providing such experiences from early puppyhood up to around seven months, you can help prevent any potential behavioral issues and ensure they grow into social and adaptable dogs. Obedience training is another crucial aspect of raising a Border Collie. Starting training early and continuing it throughout their lives not only helps establish good behavior and manners but it also provides important mental stimulation for this highly intelligent breed. Border Collies thrive when they have a job to do and enjoy activities such as herding, obedience, and agility where their trainability and intelligence shine. When it comes to living with a Border Collie, it's important to consider their herding instincts. Due to their strong herding drive, they may try to herd animals or even people. For this reason, it is generally recommended that Border Collies be placed in homes with older well-behaved children who can understand and respect their boundaries. Although they are loving towards their families Border Collies may exhibit reserved behavior towards strangers. This natural caution is in line with their herding background and proper socialization and training can help them become more comfortable and well-mannered in different social situations.

Nutrition

	You've provided excellent advice regarding the diet and nutrition of Border Collies. A high-quality dog food, whether commercially produced or home-prepared under the guidance of a veterinarian is essential for their health and well-being. It's important to choose a diet that is suitable for their specific life stage, whether they are puppies, adults or seniors. Border Collies can be prone to weight gain, so it is important to monitor their calorie consumption and maintain a healthy weight level. Obesity can lead to various health issues, so it's crucial to keep them on a balanced diet and avoid excessive treats. Treats can still be used as a useful tool for training but portion control is key to prevent weight gain. Familiarizing yourself with safe human foods for dogs and knowing which foods to avoid is also important. Some human foods can be harmful or toxic to dogs, so it is crucial to be aware of what is safe and what is not. If you have any concerns about your Border Collie's weight or diet, it is best to consult with a veterinarian. They can provide personalized recommendations based on the specific needs of your dog. Finally access to clean and fresh water should be available to your Border Collie at all times to ensure proper hydration and overall health. Taking these dietary considerations into account will contribute to the optimal health and well-being of your Border Collie.

Historiography

The historical context you mentioned regarding the Roman and Viking invasions and their impact on dog breeding in Britain is accurate. The Roman occupation of Britain introduced large, heavy-boned herding dogs, while the Viking raiders brought smaller and quicker spits-type herders. Crossbreeding between these two types of dogs resulted in the development of compact and agile herding dogs well-suited for working in the challenging terrains of Scotland and Wales.

This marked the beginning of the Border Collie's history. Border Collies are often regarded as the world's greatest herders, known for their remarkable abilities demonstrated in sheepdog trials and agility competitions. Their sweeping outruns, stealthy crouching and bursts of focused energy have made them highly successful in these fields. The film "Babe" showcased their herding skills further influencing their recognition and popularity.

In competitive sheepdog trials Border Collies have held dominance in the British Isles for over a century. They also excel in agility competitions, consistently ranking at the top levels. Additionally, Border Collies are widely recognized for their high intelligence consistently appearing on lists of the world's smartest dog breeds.

The Border Collie was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and placed in the Herding Group in 1995.The history and accomplishments of the Border Collie exemplify their exceptional herding abilities, intelligence, and agility, making them highly prized working and competitive dogs.