A working dog that was developed to have excellent herding skills, the Border Collie’s origins lie in England and Scotland. Border Collies are considered to be the most intelligent breed of dog in the world. Keen and alert dogs, their intelligence has seen them excel at many tasks.

The Border Collie comes from older breeds of working dog which were bred for many years on the border of England and Scotland, hence the name Border. The history of all Border Collies traces back to one stud dog known as Old Hemp. This well mannered dog was a keen shepherd and excellent worker. Many local farmers noticing his good temperament and working skill asked his owners to use him when they were breeding new pups. These pups were the beginning of the Border Collie breed.

Appearance

The Border Collie is a medium sized dog with a strong and muscular physique. It is agile for speed yet still a strong dog. Height varies from 18 inches to 21 inches, the male dog always slightly taller than the females. They are slightly longer in body than in height.

Border Collies are known for their alert expression. They have oval eyes which can appear in various shades of brown. The ears are set apart and usually erect. The head is a domed shape and the muzzle medium in length.

Their weather resistant double coats are dense, the top coat is long and either straight or wavy. There are many variations on colour, but the most popular is the black and white variation.

Temperament

When not at work, Border Collies are gentle dogs that enjoy spending time with their family. They can be very loving and affectionate towards their owner. Often, they will be hostile towards strangers, unless they see that their master is at ease with any guests or visitors. They are rarely aggressive dogs, and greet new situations with an alert sense of wonder and curiosity.  

Never short of energy, Border Collies can work all day and still come home eager to play with their master some more. They have a happy demeanor, and make a perfect pet for an active family.

Working and Tasks

The Border Collie is in its element as a working dog. It has no fear at a hard day’s work and will always put its best into whatever task it is assigned. They love the rural lifestyle and open spaces. Their high levels of intelligence means that they need to have a task to keep them occupied. When bored, these dogs will become destructive quickly. If being kept as a pet in a backyard they will need regular walks.

Health

There are several genetic disorders that occur in the breed. Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia as well as Collie Eye Anomaly should be looked out for. When choosing a puppy it is important to be aware of the history of the parents.

As they can be reserved around dogs and people they do not know, socialization is important throughout the life of a Border Collie.