Border Collie Scientific Classification
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Carnivora
Family Canidae
Genus Canis
Scientific Name: Canis lupus
Border Collie Locations
Europe
Border Collie Facts
Origin United Kingdom
Height 18 – 22 inches tall
Weight 30 – 45 pounds
Coat Medium in length, smooth or rough
Exercise needs High
Shedding level Moderate
Training Easy
Group Herd
Lifespan 12 – 15 years
Color Brown, Black, White, Red
Skin Type Hair
Diet Omnivore
Temperament Lively and intelligent
Average litter size 6
Pros and Cons of Taking a Border Collie
Pros
Incredibly Smart
The Border Collie is the most versatile breed. It can learn many things besides sheep herding. They are affectionate and love to play with their owners.
Price
The average price of a Border Collie puppy is $300 to $1,000, with an average price of $700 and a minimum cost of $200 in some cases.
Cons
Grooming
Although they have an average shedding rate, they shed more during the winter.
Bark a Lot
When left alone for a long time, they may also show destructive behavior and bark a lot.
Border Collie Dog Breed Overview
Border Collie is the world’s top herding dog and the best brainy and kind breed. It is a moderate-sized herding dog breed initially produced to gather and control sheep on the mountainous edge between Scotland and England. The dogs have intense stares with which they control the flock. The dogs’ unlimited energy, stamina, and working ability make them unique herding dogs. Now, farmers use these dogs to herd sheep all over the world.
Border collies are highly trainable and intelligent. They can participate in various canine sports, including obedience, flyball, agility, and tracking competitions. They can also make good family dogs as they get a lot of physical and mental exercise. Knowing the requirements for a happy life is essential to take a Border Collie home.
If you saw the dogs herd sheep, you know you are seeing a significant craftsman work, with his ability to approach sheep, quick response to the owner’s commands, and skillful mode in which he takes the sheep to the area where the owner desires them to drive. It is a medium-sized dog breed weighing 30 to 45 pounds, with the energy and strength necessary to work the whole day in hills and valleys of the Scottish border country, sometimes running 50 miles or more even in a single day.
The Border Collie is a herding dog, which means he can gather a flock. That flock may include sheep, cats, children, squirrels, and other moving things such as cars. Whether herding sheep or competing in dog sports, the dog must have a task. The dog requires more than a brisk walk or game of fetch daily. Many owners say that the Border Collie is a beautiful dog to live with.
His intelligence and tractable nature make him easily trainable. If well-socialized and trained early, he can adapt to almost all situations that provide the mental and physical exercise he requires. This breed is well suited for an active owner, particularly one eager to participate in dog sports. With proper training, this breed can participate in any activity, such as sheepdog trials, agility, advanced obedience, or tracking.
Border Collie History and Origins
The ancestors of Border Collie dogs have been around since humans in what is now Britain first initiated exhausting dogs to help guard and herd sheep. Herding dogs have become popular on the border between Scotland and England, and the best working dogs were bred. The type varied according to the work required in each region. These herding dogs became linked with their specific parts, identified as Welsh Sheepdogs, Northern Sheepdogs, and Scotch Collies. Their name reveals his partly Scottish heritage; the word Collie, which means sheepdogs, is derived from the Scottish dialect.
The Roman occupation of Britain had a long-lasting effect on British values, including dog breeding. When they arrived, Roman soldiers brought their livestock, introducing a large and robust herding dog. These canines have been present in Britain for more than three centuries.
As the Roman Empire decayed, Scandinavian invaders occupied Britain, taking smaller and faster spits-type herding dogs. These dogs were cross-bred with the Older Roman breeds, producing agile herders that could work livestock in the hilly areas of Scotland and Wales. It was the jerk of the Border Collie. The most expert herders in the world measure them.
They are highly agile and intelligent dogs used in herding sheep in the British Isles for over a century. It was formally identified by the American Kennel Club in the Herding Group in 1995.
Border Collie Personality
Border Collies’ personality is typically attentive, lively, hardworking, and keen. He learns rapidly, so occasionally, it takes work to keep him challenged. This breed is busy. It is busy or becomes bored, which leads to frustrating behavior like yapping, digging, or pursuing cars. The dog was produced to run and work all day herding sheep. The dog is notorious for being very sensitive to his trainer’s every cue, from a whistle to a hand signal to an elevated eyebrow. They have lively personalities. They are hilarious with their knowing behavior.
He can be solid-minded and self-governing, and his obligation to herd can become misallocated. Without sheep or other jobs, he starts to rush children, cars, or pets. He also becomes shy if not appropriately socialized as a puppy. Puppy classes and exposure to different people, places, and things have helped me gain confidence. They are easy to train with consistent and clear messages as they were bred for herding and hunting geese and other birds.
Border Collie Size and Weight
The Border Collie is a medium- to large-sized dog with a long, rough, or short, smooth coat. The typical height of males is 24 – 27 inches tall, while females are 22 – 26 inches tall. Males weigh 30 – 45 lbs when fully mature, while females weigh 27 – 42 lbs when fully mature. Puppies weigh 4–8 lbs at eight weeks, fully grown females at 24 months, and males at 36 months.
Height and Weight of Males
Height (Male) 24 – 27 inches tall
Weight (Male) 30 – 45lbs fully grown
Height and Weight of Females
Height (Female) 22 – 26 inches tall
Weight (Female) 27 – 42lbs fully grown
Maintenance and Grooming
The Border Collie has two coats: an extensive or medium-length bumpy jacket and a short, even coat. Both the coats are double layered. Although short-haired coats are easier to maintain, both coats have normal shedding throughout the year and more so during the winter. They need brushing at least three times a week to reduce the shedding. Long-haired also wants distinctive types of brushes for breaking up tangles. Two lesser famous kinds of coats are curly-coated and bearded.
Border Collie Exercise
Because of their muscular order, Border Collies want to live on spacious properties such as farms, ranches, or houses with large yards. You can help your dog burn excess energy with chew toys and hiding toys. Puzzles also give them the mental stimulation they need. Border Collies also require a minimum of 20 – 30 minutes of running daily.
Training
Border Collies are obstinate in their training and decline to stop training until they learn the task. Unlike other hunting dogs such as Bloodhound and American Bulldog, hoverers’ enthusiasm for gratifying means it is best to train them with admiration and clicker training instead of electronic bands. They were formerly used for hunting birds and herding sheep. They work quickly, relying only on hand gestures and noises from the trainer, even alone or working in a team with other dogs.
When they have seen prey or livestock, they will make a varied limit while out of sight and then herd the livestock toward the owner’s chosen spot. Their intelligent and hardworking nature makes them a typical selection for pursuit and saving work. They bark a lot when bored; they can learn to set their energy into barking on grasp.
Border Collie Puppies
A Border Collie puppy wants dog food that is mainly made for puppies. It must be a quality product for the highest-quality diet possible. Start puppies’ training earlier to replace chewing on household items with chew toys, prevent their herding affinity, and meet their athletic requirements. Distinct colors are black and white, and tricolor colors red, merle, blue, grey, and tan are also present.
Border Collie Dog Breed Best Food
Like other dog breeds such as Chipoo and French Bulldog, Border Collies have different nutritional needs with no exception. Therefore, new owner keep these things in mind when choosing food for their pets.
Puppy Food
Due to their incredible energy, size, and genetic combinations, Border Collie puppies may grow neural, eye, and other concerns. When choosing wet or dry food for puppies, select a quality brand with more excellent calcium and complex nutrients to support development and fatty acids such as DHA and ARA to support mental and eye health. Dog food typically made for puppy growth will have sufficient protein for Collie puppies.
Adult Dog Food
Pet owners select better-quality food for their adult dogs rich in meat-based protein, with meat as the first and central element. As Border Collies stay energetic during adulthood, we recommend an active dog food diversity of at least 25 percent proteins and 15 percent fats to deliver all the essential nutrients. They can also eat a raw diet purchased from a shop or prepared at home. Dogs with dental problems may do best on a kibble-based diet.
Border Collie Health
Border Collie dogs are generally healthy, but like other breeds, such as the Eskimo and Boxer dogs, they are prone to various health problems. Collies don’t get any or all diseases, but it is essential to be aware of them if you consider this breed. If you want to buy a puppy, find a reputable breeder who will show your puppy’s parents health approvals.
Health clearance verifies that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a specific situation. You should presume health consent from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip and elbow dysplasia and hypothyroidism. The Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) declares that eyes are normal. You can also check health approvals by proving the OFA website (offa.org).
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a heredity disease in which the thighbone does not fit properly into the hip joint. Some dogs feel pain and lameness in one or two legs, but some don’t show any sign of discomfort. Dogs with this disease cannot breed. So before buying a puppy, ask the breeder for proof that the parents have tested for this disease and are free of problems.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
It is an eye disease that involves gradual corrosion of the retina. Early in the disease, dogs develop night blindness, which, if not treated, may cause sight loss during the day. Many affected dogs adapt well if their surroundings remain the same.
Epilepsy
This is an inherited neurological condition. Epilepsy may also cause severe seizures that may show themselves as unusbehaviourvior, rigid limbs, and consciousness. Taking your dog to a vet for appropriate analysis and treatment is essential.
Allergies
Dogs can be allergic to several things, such as diet and the environment. Signs of allergies are sneezing, eye and nasal release, irritation, and lethargy. Treatment varies according to the reason and may include dietary limits, medicines, and environmental variations.
Leg Calve Perthes Disease
This is a disease of the hip joint. In this situation, the femur does not receive sufficient blood, which also causes the dog to limp. Many dogs get this ailment at the age of 4 to 6 months. Surgery is also used to cure the disease, usually resulting in a pain-free puppy.
Border Collie Care
Border Collies are highly adaptable dogs best matched for an environment that gives them some prod room, a city home with a firmly enclosed yard, or a country farm. Because he can herd and pursue, he must be secure from his not-so-not-so-cheerful rush cars.
Despite his environment, he needs daily mental and physical stimulation and wants an owner ready to provide everything. This can significantly burden those who don’t know what they receive. If you consider this breed, give him proper passage for his natural energy and positive mind.
Border Collies with Children
Border Collies are affectionate with their families and get well with everyone. They are well with children, even though they may show their herding nature when they don’t stop where the dog wants them to. For the best socialization, familiarize their Border Collie with children while it’s still a puppy. Border Collies are uncertain towards foreigners and should also be socialized early on to study particular behaviors around people they don’t know. Border Collies from a rescue may have behavioral problems owing to humble socialization.
Border Collie Popular Names
- Scout
- Shadow
- Bandit
- Maverick
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How much does a Border Collie cost?
The typical cost of these dogs is about $300 to $1,000, with an average price of $700 and a lowest fee of $200 in certain circumstances. Buying a puppy from a reputable breeder may also cost more.
How long do Border Collies live?
They live approximately 12 – 15 years. But with proper care and nutrition, they may also live even longer, as some have been seen to live for about 17 years.
Are Border Collies easy to train?
They are obstinate and will only stop training once they learn the task. They were formerly used for hunting birds and herding sheep. They work quickly, relying only on hand gestures and noises from the trainer, even alone or working in a team with other dogs.
Is a Border Collie a good family dog?
Yes, they are energetic and excited to gratify, making them good family dogs. If properly introduced, they get along well with children and other pets.
Why are Border Collies special?
It is the world’s top herding dog and the best brainy and kind breed. It is a moderate-sized herding dog breed initially produced to gather and control sheep on the mountainous edge between Scotland and England. The dogs have intense stares with which they control the flock. The dogs’ unlimited energy, stamina, and working ability make them unique herding dogs. Now, farmers use these dogs to herd sheep all over the world.
Do Border Collies bark a lot?
Yes, they can bark, as they are an active and territorial breed, but they are skilled at barking on command to reduce their instinct. They often bark when excited, stressed, anxious, or lonely.
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