Border collies are smart dogs with gobs of energy and a lustfulness for hard work . This ferment breed packs a powerful punch in a compendious body ( most only reach 45 pounds max ) , but , achievable as their size might be , that does n’t inevitably make them a good tantrum for metropolis life .
Because of their intelligence and extreme energy , delimitation collies will be happiest living with a highly active proprietor ( possibly one looking for a raw daily running buddy ) , living on a farm or ranch , or competing on the nimbleness course . If you ’re bet for a playful , well - mannered , and heavily - working heel , the perimeter collie may be right for you .
Appearance
perimeter collie were bred to employment , and their show fit the bill . Thismedium - sized herding doghas a substantial , agile body on a lean frame , typically weighing up to 45 pounds . They can have two types of coats : smooth ( light and coarse ) or rough ( average - distance and feathered ) . Both types are double coats to protect against coarse weather and come in a wide variety of colors and shape , but pitch-black - and - white or a tricolor pattern of sinister , white , and tan are most normally see .
Border collies can be merle — which makes them take care very similar to anAustralian shepherd — or even brindle in pattern , though these are less plebeian . Border collies always look alert , with their spike perched high up atop their school principal and often partially folded over at the peak . Unlike some working breed , their tails are left long and bushy — and never block wagging .
One of this strain ’s most famous features is her eyes . Oval in shape and coming in shades of browned or low-cal blue , the moulding collie ’s eye are always alert and focused . This vivid gaze is more than just practiced looks — their cracking visual sensation serve the breed when working in the landing field . edge collies are known to stare intently into an beast ’s eyes , seemingly using mind tricks to contain the flock .
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Temperament
A border collie is an reasoning domestic dog full of push and a potent desire to crowd anything around her . She ’ll be happiest on a farm or ranch , where she has plenty of room to run all day and can even be put to task . This beloved strain can alsomake a majuscule menage petfor the active owner uncoerced to put daily effort intoexercising their frank .
" A border collie is like living with a Mensa educatee on meth , " say Brian Kilcommons , founder ofThe Great Dogs Resort , a training readiness in Bethlehem , Conn. " It ’s often considered the smartest dog , which also means a high vigour point that requires tons of employment every twenty-four hours , both mentally and physically . Without right utilization , the dog more than likely is going to become a source of discomfort . "
Today , border collie are perhaps most well known for their agility and power to take elusive directions in various dogtooth mutation . This eager breed is quick to take and is one of themost trainable dogs in the man . Despite their pursuit inlearning obedienceandtricks , border collie can be hard - minded and independent . It take a affected role , dedicated proprietor to get the best out of a border collie .
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" With the really smart , active dogs , such as border collies , you want to start a relationship and connection as soon as you get them , where you ’re starting to instruct them , " Kilcommons sound out . " Dogs learn . We get to decide what they get a line . And if we ’re not learn them , they ’ll develop their own games . "
Proper exercise and mental stimulation are key to consume a delimitation collie and stamp down potential undesirable conduct . A well - adjust edge collie canmake a fine friend for childrenand other positron emission tomography , but it ’s important to commemorate that border collies are herd dogs by nature and they may attempt to employ their ability on kids and other animals likewise . It ’s important to instruct children how to right interact with andiron andalwayssupervise them when play with any pup .
A delimitation collie will be friendly and playful with those in her circle but can be hesitating with strangers . As with any stock , it ’s important toproperly socializeand groom your border collie from a young age so she is easy around new people and in unexampled situations .
Living Needs
delimitation collies can be quite the handful and involve daily straining employment and mental stimulation . Though bred for the unresolved expanses of a farm or ranch where they can run all day and herd to their heart ’s content , moulding collies can accommodate to city living with an fighting possessor . This stock needs plenty of exercise — at least an hour of strenuous play per day — and wo n’t be happy cooped up in spite of appearance . A border collie who is provide unexercised and blase might protest by take away the stuffing from your pillows .
" You ’ll see a lot of border collies on agility courses because they do n’t have any sheep to crowd , " Kilcommons order . " Dogs are transmissible packages , they ’re hardwired for this material . Take a herding class with the dog — that ’s what they were made for , and they need that fulfillment , they demand that workout , and they by all odds need the psychological stimulation . "
Though sovereign Herder in the field , border collies demand tenderness and companionship , and — like all dogs — should be consider part of the family . Because of this , this breedshouldn’t be leave alone for long period . moulding collie are more than eager to tag along for a run , wheel ride , orlong hike , and are content to curl up on the couch after a tenacious 24-hour interval of exhaust exercise . Because of their intelligence and energy floor , border collies can be a handful for the average wiener proprietor .
" They have that center with that intense stare and when they ’re bored , they ’ll haunt you , " Kilcommons says . " They need attention and they need something to do . If you cerebrate you require a border collie , do your research on the strain . Go to a breeder and hang out with some to see what they ’re like . " talk to a border collie breeder or deliverance group can help determine if this is the breed for you .
Care
The moulding collie ’s treble coat was mean to withstand long working hour in all weather condition , and because of that , it ’s passably low maintenance . The top coat comes in two lengths and texture , but both are pretty good at ego - cleaning ( which intend fewerfull baths ) . A typical border collie simplyrequires weekly brushing — possibly more if she has longer pelt — with a slicker brushing to control shedding and matting , clear out any debris , and advance healthy tegument . Thesedogs moult heavilytwice a year , which is when you ’ll want to increase your brush unremarkable to at least once a day to keep up .
Regular brushing sessions are the perfect fourth dimension to check for things like coat sheen ( dull haircloth can mean a deficiency ofnutrients in her diet ) , nail length , and ear and dental health . Nails should be trimmedif you could find out them tapping against the level . Clean her earsso the canal are pale pink with very piffling — and fairly odorless — wax . Be trusted to look for any signs of movement ( it could meanmites ) and extraneous object in the canal , especially if you and your click spend a lot of meter outdoors or have recently been in tall grasses .
Border collie are widely debate one of the most intelligent wienerwurst breed in the humans , and maintain them mentally stimulated is extremely crucial to their overall wellness , happiness , and well - being . This breed is eager to teach and excels at all levels of breeding , starting with respect . Border collie can be trained for all sorts of job , from assisting as a farmhand to search and rescue to competing in Frisbee competition .
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Health
The boundary line collie is considered a in general healthy stock with a lifespan of 12–15 years . But like all breeds , the boundary line collie is prone to sure diseases . The Border Collie Society of America , the official stock club , powerfully recommends breeders trial forhip dysplasiaand complete a thorough eye exam . The club urge additional examination forprogressive retinal atrophy(PRA),deafness , epilepsy , collie eye anomaly ( CEA ) , neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis , and trapped neutrophil syndrome . Of of course , not all border collie will encounter serious health issues , but it ’s significant to be cognizant of these common concerns and recognize what signs to depend out for .
It ’s also significant to purchase all dogs from reputable breeders who will introduce you to the dog ’s parents and siblings . If you ’re adopting , ask the saving for all uncommitted health history .
History
Though accredit today as an English / Scottish dog , the perimeter collie ’s history , agree to Pennsylvania State University , begins with the ancient Roman Empire . In 43 A.D. , emperor Claudius led a successful subjugation of Britain , and as the Romans settled in , so did their Canis familiaris . The Roman herding hound were wide employed for 100 to total . Then the Vikings invaded and , as it goes , so cametheirdogs . The Vikings ' dogs were smaller and quicker , and it did n’t take long for breeders to combine the two herd breeds . The result was a lowly and fast herding dog fit for the rocky and rocky Scottish upland .
It was n’t until 1906 that border collie were recognize as a distinct strain and standard were arise . Contrary to typical stock standards , the herd dogs ' center on work ability rather than forcible traits . Today ’s borders are still considered the Prime Minister herding dogs of the world .
Fun Facts
Roscoe the Border Collie . Pennsylvania State University .
