Border Collie Breed description: Character & Co
Border Collie
Facts & Origin
When most people think of buying a Border Collie, they have a very specific picture in mind: that of a beautiful looking dog with an exceptionally high ability to learn new things, a dog which is both alert and gentle at the same time. But in order to train a Border Collie puppy appropriately, a great deal of empathy and consistency is required, since these highly intelligent animals are extremely sensitive and will put their extraordinary ability to learn to use, for good or bad purposes.
Name and pedigree of the Collie
When John Caius described a dog in 1576 that would herd up animals at lightning speed and communicate with its master just via eye contact, the breed Border Collie did not yet exist. There is no doubt, however, that he must have been observing its ancestors, since there is no other animal Caius' descriptions fit as well as this medium-sized bundle of energy from the Border Country, the Scottish-English borderland.
Its current breed name on the one hand describes its geographical origin, on the other hand the original task of the dog, because the term "colley" means so much as "to be useful". As a herding dog, the Border Collie shows incredible abilities. Its special 'strong-eye' technique enables it to keep even large herds or many grazing animals in check all by itself - all while keeping eye-contact with its reference person at the same time.
The undisputed champion in this field is Old Hemp, a dog who has already passed away, but was known for its extraordinary herding ability and his seemingly ability to sense its master's wishes. These characteristics made it the progenitor of a targeted Border Collie breeding, from which all other animals of the breeding emerged.
| Alternate Name | - |
| Origin | UK |
| Life expectancy | 10 - 15 years |
| Care requirements | high-maintenance |
| Activity level | high |
| FCI group | Sheepdogs |
| AKC group | Herding Group |
| KC group | Pastoral Group |
Border Collie mixes
Attitude, character and temperament of the breed
Character and mannerism of the Border Collie
The heritage of Old Hemp is still reflected in these dogs today. They are strongly fixated on people and in individual cases they establish a very close relationship with their owner. But they also meet strangers in a friendly and open way. They always appear to be balanced, they like to be stroked and are regarded as especially fond of children.
However, these dogs are not cuddly toys. They constantly need new challenges and ask you for them too. Due to their high intelligence, Border Collies are able to analyse problematic situations independently and react to them in a problem-solving manner. What they learn in the process remains in their memory for the rest of their lives - no matter whether it was positive or negative.
Keeping and training of the Border Collie
The more performance you demand from a dog of this breed, the more it will want to do for you and the more you encourage them to do activities, the more often they will demand them. When it is still a puppy, you have a fundamental impact on the development of your Border Collie - but you have to sick to the rules you have chosen to play by.
Inconsistency causes these sensitive animals great distress - which is why they are definitely not "beginner dogs". Their high intelligence and their distinctive sensitivity require experienced owners. You must always be present for the Border Collie, because they like to keep "their" human within viewing distance. This gives them the certainty that they can react immediately to your wishes and problems and therefore always act accordingly.
How to keep you Border Collie occupied and life together
Away from their work life, they show a great urge to stay occupied. However, the Border Collie is much too clever for simple games of hide-and-seek. Repeating the same actions or continuously retrieving the same stick over and over again bores this intelligent dog.
They are much more interested in achieving a goal. Border Collies are the ideal partners for ball games involving a goal and they love to manoeuvre themselves through obstacle courses. When retrieving, your dog will amaze you with its ability to learn different terms for one and the same object and recognise it with confidence.
But even when playing, the Border Collie always keeps eye contact, so it won't miss any need you might have. Due to this permanent "watch out! - position" it lacks a feeling of self awareness. They want to be available to you and ready to go at any time, even when already tired or physically exhausted. As their owner you have to make sure your dog gets the rest it needs which can sometimes mean you have to make them take a break.
Character
Usage
Health and breeding information
Health and Border Collie breeding
However, their strange tendency of always being restless is not the only thing that provides a risk for the Border Collie. Many representatives of the breed suffer from the MDR1 defect and therefore react hypersensitively to drugs, so that the treatment of sick animals can become difficult.
In addition, Border Collies inherit the disposition for certain diseases. These include
- the eye disease Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)
- the fatal metabolic disease Canine Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (CL)
- the bone marrow disease Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome (TNS)
To prevent this, you must have your Border Collie tested for predispositions accordingly before breeding.
Less pathological, but rather undesirable is a high percentage of white colour in their coat. They should show numerous colours or colour combinations and their hair should be short to moderately long.
A Border Collie costs about 1200 Euros.
To maintain the natural sheen and protection of their coat, your Border Collie needs to be brushed regularly and has to be fed a balanced diet. However, as their owner you will discover a certain particularity: As the dogs have only been fed meagre foods for centuries, they have developed into real omnivores.
Diet and coat
Like everything else, nothing bores the Border Collie more than monotony, this also applies to the food you feed it. They love variety in taste, consistency and presentation. You can please them even more by hiding their meals or making them work for it. This docile dog will show its appreciation for ideas like this by showing great interest and coming up with incredible solutions.
For specimens with a more pronounced coat, the neck, ears and legs should have denser fur, so that the dog has a distinctive mane and waving flags or trousers. The tail should also be more feathered according to standards, but should never be carried over their backs.
| Fur length | medium |
| Fur | flat coated |
| Ear shape | Standing Ears |
| Tail | fanned out |
| Anatomy | slim, sporty |
| Size ♀ | 46 - 53 cm |
| Weight ♀ | 12 - 19 kg |
| Size ♂ | 48 - 56 cm |
| Weight ♂ | 14 - 20 kg |
| Suitable For | - |
Colors
Known Diseases
Eye diseases
Often occur with allergies and intolerances.
Epilepsy
Definition: Dog has epilepsy if, for example, at least two epileptic seizures occur more than 24 hours apart.
FAQ
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The Border Collie is suitable for farms, sporty people and families and people who like to go into dog sports.
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No. The Border Collie is a demanding dog breed that needs a lot of exercise and mental workout.
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Any other active dog breed goes well with a Border Collie. Especially other herding dogs / sheepdogs.
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Yes, a Border Collie can be kept in an apartment without any problems. It is important that you have a few hours a day for the dog and take him for endurance walks, running or cycling and that you give him enough mental exercise.
Sources and relevant links
American Kennel Club
Accessed on 25.01.2023
Offizielle Seite des FCI
Accessed on 25.01.2023
Gabriele Lehari (2004). Ulmers Großes Lexikon der Hunderassen. Ulmer.
Horst Hegewald-Kawich (2015). Hunderassen von A bis Z: Über 200 beliebte Rassen aus aller Welt. Gräfe und Unzer Verlag.
Other medium dogs
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