Border Collie

The border collie dog breed was a cross between old Roman dogs and Viking spitzes. It was established to be a superb shepherd dog. Border collie dogs are also popular for their athletic and smart personalities. They are well-socialized and get along well with cats and other dogs. The International Stock Dog Federation also recognizes them as the prime sheepdog.

Prime sheepdogs have unlimited working drive and energy, making them premier herding dogs. This dog breed is considered the most intelligent. They are often used as sniffer dogs. Additionally, Border Collie dogs are wonderful family pets due to their obedient nature and friendly temperament. 

They are extremely high-maintenance and a lot of attention is required in their care routine. If you are considering adding one to your home, make sure to know about their grooming and diet requirements along with other aspects of their care routine. In the following, we have discussed some detailed information, so don’t forget to check that out.

They are extremely high-maintenance and a lot of attention is required in their care routine. If you are considering adding one to your home, make sure to know about their grooming and diet requirements along with other aspects of their care routine. In the following, we have discussed some detailed information, so don’t forget to check that out.

Name:

Border Collie

Other Names:

Sheepdog, Farm Collie, Working Collie

Origin:

Popularity:

Popular (Exactly not Specified)

Size:

Medium

Lifespan:

12-15 Years

The breed was first developed in the border regions of Scotland and England. The name of this breed also comes from their home region. The mention of the “collie” comes from a scotch word used to describe sheepdogs, however, the breed developed in the border region so it is known as “Border Collie”.

We don’t have the exact figures to provide regarding the population of this dog breed, however, 2115 dogs of this breed were registered in the United Kingdom in 2013. In 2014, their numbers revolted slightly to 2142. According to the American Kennel Club, prime sheepdogs ranked 31st as the most popular breed in the United States.

When you own prime sheepdogs, you will have the option to buy them from a breeder or adopt them from an animal shelter. Purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder may cost up to $700 – $2500. However, their price mostly depends on several factors including pedigree, breeder reputation, location, and coat color. The puppy with the blue merle coat will be more expensive than other colors.

Adopting these dogs from a rescue organization or a shelter would be an affordable option. The adoption fees will be anywhere from $100 to $ 300. It may also include the cost of some vaccinations with spaying or neutering microchipping.

This dog breed is a mix of a Vikings-variety herding breed and a Roman herding breed. Adam Telfer of West Woodburn, Northumberland, England, bred the first prime sheepdog in 1983. The dog was named Old Hemp. 

In 1915, the term “Border Collie” was used for the first time to describe the breed by James Reid, secretary of the International Sheepdog Society.  Prime sheepdogs gained popularity among the English gentry during the 19th century. Also, they were bred to herd livestock in Great Britain farms. 

Nowadays, they are famous family pets but you can still find them herding on farms. Prime sheepdogs are considered energetic, athletic, and the most intelligent breed. Giving them training is always easy due to their intelligence that’s why they are used for police work, bomb detection, and rescue missions.

They have been established over centuries for herding sheep. However, they can handle almost any type of herd, including family children. Additionally, prime sheepdogs are good guide dogs for the blind.

Lifespan 

The average lifespan of Border Collie is between 12 and 15 years. They often live as long as 17 years or more, depending on their health and care routine. Some steps can be taken to ensure their longevity such as understanding what impacts your dog’s lifespan. Their lifespan can be enhanced if you give them a healthy diet and a good environment.

Size & Weight 

Border Collie dog breed is a medium-sized herding breed. The adult males of the Border Collie breed are taller, heavier, and wider than the adult females. Adult male dogs weigh between 40 and 55 pounds while adult female dogs weigh 30 to 45 pounds. The table below provides detailed information about both gender size and weight.

Click here to visit a detailed Border Collie Growth Chart.

Appearance 

Even though prime sheepdogs are easy to recognize, you still need to know their overall appearance to identify them well. If we talk about their facial features, they have wide or narrow heads. Their eyes are almond shape while their noses can be long and wide. The ears of these dogs are perched high with the tips partially folded. Moreover, these dogs come with medium-sized double coats with various patterns. They have long, bushy tails that never curl but extend over their backs. 

Colors & Patterns 

This dog breed exists in all colors and combinations of colors with patches or markings. The most common colors found in Border Collie Dogs are black and white. They also can be seen in other colors including blue, gold, chocolate, etc. Moreover, The American Kennel Club recognized 17 colors for the Border Collie breed.  

• Gold
• Black
• Lilac
• Blue
• Red
• Brindle
• Sable
• Blue merle
• Red merle
• Sable merle
• Saddleback sable
• White and black
• White and red
• White and blue
• White and red merle
• White and blue merle
• White ticked 

Temperament 

Border Collie breed is known for their active and athletic nature. They are mentally and physically quick, making them an alert, agile breed. Just like normal dogs, they are loyal and friendly pets. They are well-socialized dogs who enjoy the company of humans and other pets including dogs and cats. 

Additionally, they are highly intelligent and brimming with energy. You have to provide them with a lot of exercise and fun activities. These dogs love to run and enjoy playing games. Also, they are quick learners and respond well to praise.

Intelligent 

When it comes to intelligence, prime sheepdogs are hard to beat. This dog breed is well-known for its intelligence. These dogs are fast learners and adaptable due to their high instinctive intelligence. Prime sheepdogs are capable of learning different commands and a remarkable number of words in a short time.

Energetic 

Prime sheepdogs are highly energetic and need plenty of exercise to remain healthy and happy. This dog breed was originally bred to be hard-working, herding dogs, that’s why they never run out of energy. They are always ready for playtime, outside walks, and exercise sessions. Owners often find it easy to train these dogs due to their athletic nature. 

Loyal 

These dogs are extremely loyal to their owners. If they are living as pets, they form a strong bond and attachment with all family members. Their loyal and affectionate nature makes them amazing family pets. Your dogs may also get separation anxiety if they are kept alone for too long.

Protective 

Dogs of this breed are not aggressive but very protective of their families and owners. They become alert when they sense any danger. These dogs are capable of saving their owner’s lives. Their core instincts concentrate on working closely with people to keep their flock safe.

Vocalization 

These dogs tend to bark excessively. They are more vocal than other dog breeds. These dogs often bark when they are excited, stressed, or alone. They also express themselves through barks and yelps. The barking habits of these dogs stem from their herding instincts. They might not be the perfect choice for people who want to own a quiet pet.

Grooming

Border Collie dog breed has a specific set of grooming requirements. If you want your dog to look their best, be sure to complete their grooming requirements. These dogs come with a double coat that requires weekly 2 to 3-time brushing to remove dead hair and keep the shedding under control.

This dog breed requires less frequent bathing, as regular baths might irritate its skin. It should be bathed every 2 to 3 months or when it gets dirty. Also, brush its coat before bathing and use only dog-formulated shampoo and conditioner. 

Moreover, nail trimming is an important part of grooming, along with brushing and bathing. Too long nails may cause discomfort for your Border Collie dog. You can clip your pet’s nails every month or when they get too long. Avoid cutting their nails too short, as this might result in bleeding or pain.

Quality Nutrition

Diet is the most essential aspect of caring for your pet whether it’s a dog, cat, or any other pet. Along with their delicious taste, these dogs’ diets must be based on quality nutrition. Raw foods are always best for these dogs to keep them healthy and happy. It’s also important to make a diet plan for your dog while considering their energy needs and life stage. Here we mentioned some nutritional requirements of this breed of dog.

• High-quality meat sources for protein.
• Small amounts of carbohydrates from sources like herbs, vegetables, and berries.
• Omegas and fatty acids.
• Vitamins and minerals from plant sources.

Fresh Water

Clean and fresh water should be available for these dogs, especially after exercise or play sessions. The daily water intake of your dog depends on his body weight. Dogs require 1 ounce of fluids per pound of body weight. If your pet weighs 30 pounds, he needs to drink 30 fluid ounces per day. Also, avoid providing them with water from lakes or rainwater puddles because that water might contain dirt and germs which can cause several health problems including diarrhea. 

Exercise

Regular exercise is crucial to keep your dog more active and healthy. These dogs even require more exercise than other dog breeds as their energy levels are very high. 90 minutes of exercise is often enough for normal dogs but for this dog breed, you need to aim for two hours of activity every day. If you already own a prime sheepdog, you would know these dogs never run out of energy. 

Moreover, daily exercise doesn’t mean you always have to take them for a walk or running. Your dog may get bored while performing the same thing every day. Apart from daily walking and running, make sure to add some more physical activities including frisbee, swimming, playing fetch, flyball, etc.

• Celebrities raised them: Many celebrities owned Border Collie dogs due to their smartness. This list includes Tiger Woods, Anna Paquin, James Dean, James Franco, Ethan Hawke, and Bon Jovi. Moreover, Robert Burns and Queen Victoria have also owned these intelligent dogs. 
• Appeared in movies: Border Collie dogs appear in the film “Babe” which was released on 4 August 1995. Additionally, we have seen them in movies like “Snow Dogs”, and “Animal Farm”. They also featured in the television series “Mad About You”.
• World’s smartest dogs: One of the dogs of this breed named “Chaser” has a vocabulary of 1,000 words. Chaser knows verbs and nouns and can understand them in tandem to form an action. Her owner Dr. Pilley, a psychologist, trained her every day to recognize the name of toys.

Now after reading the article, you would know how intelligent and smart this dog breed is. They are not only good for becoming a family pet but can also be fit for any job. As we know they are good guide dogs for the blind and can handle almost any type of herd. Also, these dogs are quick learners and adaptable to every environment. They are easy to train as well.