Border Collie Breed Information and Facts

Considering getting a Border Collie? Makes sure you know the characteristics of the breed. We've put together the following Border Collie breed information and facts to create a profile of this dog so you have the critical information necessary to make a decision.

Border Collie

The athletic and alert Border Collie has a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years.

Origin
When the Romans invaded the British Isles in the first century B.C., they brought along sheep and dogs, thereby introducing the practice of sheepherding to the area. Over time, the Roman dogs were cross-bred with other dogs to create a handful of new sheepdogs like the Scotch Collie, Welsh Sheepdog, Northern Sheepdog and Highland Collie.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, sheepdogs could be found throughout the British Isles. In 1893, a collie named Old Hemp was born near the border of Scotland and England. Old Hemp is considered to be the father of the modern Border Collie and was unmatched in his herding abilities.

Size
The Border Collie is a medium-sized dog that weighs 30 to 45 pounds and measures 18 to 22 inches.

Grooming Needs
The Border Collie has a double coat that is either smooth or rough. The smooth-coated Border Collie has short, coarse hair and slight feathering. The rough-coated Border Collie has longer hair and more feathering. The Border Collie sheds lightly most of the year, but heavily during the change of seasons in the fall and summer. They should be brushed once a week and bathed every few months.

Like all dogs, the Border Collie also needs basic grooming. Brush their teeth, clean their ears and trim their nails on a regular basis.  

Character
The Border Collie is an energetic working dog.

Temperament
The Border Collie was bred to be a watchful herder. Modern members of this breed retain the desire to herd and thrive on activities and tasks. Without proper training and socialization, the Border Collie may try to herd other pets, children, cars and anything else that moves.

The Border Collie is deeply devoted to their family and loves interacting with them. With strangers, the Border Collie can be aloof and reserved. They have keen instincts and are always on the alert.

Training Needs
The Border Collie is among the most intelligent dog breeds. The Border Collie likes to learn, but also likes to be in charge. They require a firm, assertive leader who is also gentle and calm. Border Collies are sensitive and can detect even the slightest change in tone and demeanor. Harsh treatment can lead Border Collies to shut down.

With proper training and positive reinforcement, the Border Collie can do quite well in agility, obedience and tracking tests.  

Activity Level
The Border Collie is high energy and requires lots of physical activity. The Border Collie is especially well suited to life on a farm or ranch where they have lots of room to run and can be given a job to complete. Border Collies need around two hours of activity a day in the form of long walks, runs, hikes, playtime and training. Without enough physical and mental stimulation, Border Collies can act out and become destructive.
 

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