Border Collie Page

The Border Collie

The Border Collie derives his name from the border between Scotland and England where these dogs first came to prominence, although the breed was very much developed in Australia.

One of the supreme sheepdogs of the world, the agile Border Collie has no peer as a working dog. He can run more than 80 km in a day, doing the work of several men

Acknowledged star of the sheepdog trials, and a brilliant performer in the obedience ring, the Border Collie is never happier than when he is working. As befits a practical working sheepdog, the Border Collie is a healthy, hardy and active breed. Regular and extensive daily exercise, incorporating activities like ball chasing, is highly recommended. The get-up-and-go enthusiasm of this breed, along with its devotion to duty and desire to serve its master, have won it a loyal following but its energy levels may be too high for many owners. Unless its energy levels are met, it may become destructive and/or noisy. Due to its strong herding instinct, this breed should be supervised with children.

The Border Collie's medium, weather-resistant coat is usually black and white, but black, white and tan, chocolate and white, blue and white plus red and white are also correct colourings.

Ideal height: Dogs 48 - 53 cm Bitches 46-51cm Weight approx 23 kg.

The Border Collie is one of the most versatile of all breeds of dog, it has been bred as a working dog for many years and it's willingness to please, intelligent and active mind , combined with an agile and athletic body make the breed unbeatable in many areas of working activities today

The breed was recognised by the British Kennel Club in 1976, and has graced the conformation rings in the UK since that time, proving that it can be a beautiful and graceful dog in the show ring as well as excelling in the many working areas it is occupied in.

As a show dog, there are many acceptable coat colours of the Border Collie. The breed usually has classic white markings, but the main body colours are Black and White, Black Tricolour (Black, Tan and White) , Red and White, Red Tricolour (Red, Tan & White), Blue and White, Blue Tricolour, Sable and White, Blue Merle, Blue Tricolour, Red Merle, Red Tricolour.

The Border Collie may have either a rough coat (of medium length) or a short coat.

Today, apart from the sheep and stock herding work the breed was originally bred for, Border Collies often out-perform other breeds in obedience, flyball, agility, working trials, search and rescue, and are also being used as sniffer dogs, guide dogs, hearing dogs, etc. They are also excellent human companions, but it must always be remembered that this breed's active mind and endless energy make it unsuitable for anyone who has not the time or inclination to devote to exercising and training this breed.

Indeed, they can be likened to highly intelligent, hyperactive children, who need to be adequately occupied to be happy and easier to tolerate. THIS BREED IS NOT FOR THE OWNER WHO IS LAZY OF BODY OR MIND.