Posted by Do you ever see a Border Collie dog herding sheep? If so, we are sure that you will be amazed with the ability of this dog in herding sheep. With the Border Collie’s sharp eyes, the dog can gather the sheep to the place where the herder wants the sheep to go.
Border Collie is also intelligent and very easy to train. This dog excels in various dog sports including agility, obedience, flyball, tracking, and flying disc competitions. Border Collie can also be a good family friend. You do not need to do extra care for Border Collie dogs. If you are thinking of adding a Border Collie puppy to your home, then you should find out all the information related to Border Collie dogs. Well, in this article, you can learn more about the Border Collie dog information and characteristics.
Border Collie Dog Overview
The Border Collie is a herding dog breed that was first developed to control and round up sheep in the hilly areas of the border between Scotland and England. The Border Collie’s body is medium in size. Border Collies are known for their very sharp gaze, which they use to gather and control groups of sheep. Border Collies also have tremendous energy, stamina, and drive. That is the reason why the Border Collie is called an excellent herding dog. You may also notice that many ranchers and farmers around the world still use Border Collie dogs to herd their sheep. With its boundless stamina, the Border Collie can do its job as a herding dog all day long in the hills and valleys of the rugged Scottish Borders. Sometimes, these Border Collie dogs also run 50 miles or more a day. So, if you want the ideal working dog, the Border Collie is the perfect choice.
As a herding dog, the Border Collie is not only capable of gathering and controlling sheep, but also other types of animals including flocks of cats or squirrels. Just like other dog breeds, the Border Collie also needs to be trained. The instincts to bite, bark and nudge cannot be trained out. You can redirect these instincts to something positive. For example, you can give your Border Collie a task, whether it is herding sheep or competing in dog sports. Keep in mind that a game of catch or a brisk walk every day will not be enough for this dog breed. Border Collies need to do more strenuous activities or exercises. Remember the Border Collie dogs do not like to be lazy. These dogs also do not really like to be cuddled or pampered. What Border Collie dogs want is work. So, let these dogs spend their time with various activities.
Despite this, Border Collies are also known to be wonderful dogs to live with. With its intelligence and manageable nature, it is easy to train a Border Collie. Uniquely, the Border Collie can know what you will ask of it before you ask it. What a smart dog isn’t it? Provide proper training and socialization since the Border Collie is a puppy so that it can adapt to all life situations that provide the mental and physical exercise it needs. By providing proper training, the Border Collie will be able to excel in any activity including sheepdog trials, obedience, tracking, flyball, agility, and flying discs. If you can successfully socialize and train a Border Collie properly, then you will find your soulmate in this energetic and intelligent breed.
History of the Border Collie Dog
You might want to know about the History of Border Collie dogs. According to History, Border Collie dogs have been around since the English people first used Border Collie dogs to help guard, gather and herd sheep. Back then, a sheepdog was one of the most valuable things to a shepherd in the border region between Scotland and England. The best working dogs were mated to each other and varied in breed. It depends on the work required in each region. These herding dogs are then associated with their respective regions. Eventually, these herding dogs became known as Northern Sheepdogs, Highland Collies, Welsh Sheepdogs, and Scotch Collies. Well, the name Border Collie reflects some of its Scottish heritage: namely the word collie, meaning herding dog. Scotch Sheep Dogs were then featured at the second dog show ever held in the United Kingdom in 1860.
A few times later, on her way to Balmoral, Queen Victoria saw one of the Border Collie dogs. She was very fond of Border Collie dogs and became a big fan. We learned that R.J. Lloyd Price was the one who started the herding dog trials. He brought 100 wild Welsh sheep to Alexandra Palace in London for a demonstration in 1876. During the demonstration, onlookers were shocked and amazed at the tenacity of the dogs, which were only assisted by their handlers in the form of hand signals and whistles. Many media outlets, including the Livestock Journal, exposed the dogs’ tenacity. Today, everyone considers Border Collies to be excellent sheep herding dogs. The American Kennel Club (AKC) then recognized the Border Collie on October 1, 1995.
Size of the Border Collie Dog
As we already said, Border Collie dogs have a medium-sized body. Generally, Border Collies weigh 30 to 40 pounds and are 18 to 21 inches tall for female Border Collies. Male Border Collies weigh 35 to 45 pounds and stand 19 to 22 inches tall.
Personality of the Border Collie Dog
Now let us talk about the personality of Border Collie dogs. According to research, Border Collies are dynamic dogs. It has several traits such as energetic, intelligent, and hardworking. Due to their intelligence, Border Collie dogs can train and learn quickly. Therefore, it is sometimes difficult to keep a Border Collie challenged. Rather than being lazy, Border Collie dogs prefer to be busy with various activities. If not doing activities, Border Collie dogs will feel bored, leading to disruptive behavior, such as barking or digging. In fact, when a Border Collie dog is bored, it will also chase cars. Again, Border Collie dogs do not like to lie still at home, they prefer to spend their time being active. Remember that Border Collies were bred by farmers as herding dogs, working all day herding sheep. This dog breed should be very sensitive to any form of handler cues, from hand signals, whistles or raised eyebrows. They will understand the cues. The drive to herd can be misdirected if you do not give the Border Collie a job or activity. This dog breed tends to chase children, pets, or cars if there is no work or no sheep. And, Border Collies can also be timid or shy dogs if not properly socialized as puppies. Therefore, training and socialization are very important for Border Collies.
Border Collie Children and Other Pets
If a Border Collie dog is given proper socialization and training from a young age, it will make a good family dog. The Border Collie will be able to play with children and other pets. However, make sure you also give the Border Collie plenty of time to work or herd. Because if the Border Collie is not given work, the instinct to bark, bite or chase will appear. You should also teach your children how to approach and touch the Border Collie. And, be sure to supervise any interaction between your children and the Border Collie. This is to prevent bites, ear pulling, tail pulling from either party. Do not forget, tell your child to never approach any dog while it is eating or sleeping as it will disturb the dog and cause anger. Taking the food that the dog is eating will also trigger anger in the dog. The point is, even though dogs are friendly and can play with children or other animals, supervision must still be done.
Border Collie Dog Feeding
You can give your Border Collie dog 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food per day. This is the recommended amount. You can divide it into two meals. However, it should be noted that not all Border Collie dogs have the same feeding rate. How much food a Border Collie should eat depends on several factors such as the dog’s age, body size, build, metabolism, and activity level. Any dog breed that is very active will require more food than a dog breed that is lazy. As we know that Border Collies love their work as herding dogs, they require more food than other dog breeds. Also, make sure you provide high-quality dog food to fulfill your beloved dog’s nutrition. If you want to get more information on how to feed a Border Collie dog, you can look for the information in other sources.
Border Collie Dog Care
Border Collies are highly intelligent dogs. They are sociable and adaptable. Nonetheless, the Border Collie is best suited to an environment that gives it plenty of room to roam such as a farm or ranch in the countryside or a city home with a large, securely fenced yard. Border Collies should be protected from unkind and disruptive instincts such as chasing cars or other pets as Border Collies tend to chase and herd. Remember that the Border Collie dogs need a lot of physical stimulation every day. Therefore, you must be willing and able to provide work or activities for your Border Collie. If you do not know this, then you will be overwhelmed. Make sure to always give him plenty of space for activities. If you do not have a sheep farm or a large yard, then alternatively you can let your Border Collie dog participate in dog sports.
Border Collie Dog Coat Colour and Grooming
For your information, Border Collie dogs have two coat types: smooth and coarse. Both types of Border Collie coats are double-coated, with a soft inner coat and a coarser outer coat. The silky Border Collie coat type has short fur all over, while the coarse Border Collie coat type is medium length with fur on the chest, belly, and legs. Most Border Collie dogs have a black coat with a white tinge on the neck, face, legs, feet, and tail tip. However, you can also find Border Collie dogs with other coloured fur or more than one colour, it can be two colours, three colours, solid colours except white or merle. Usually, to keep a Border Collie dog’s coat looking good, a hard working Border Collie dog does not need excessive care. That is because the Border Collie’s double coat is weather-resistant. You only need to brush your Border Collie dog’s coat weekly to prevent tangles in coarse coat types and to keep the coat oils well distributed. During the shedding season, you can brush the Border Collie’s coat more frequently. This is done to minimize shedding around your home.
You only need to bathe your Border Collie dog as needed, about every four months or when the Border Collie’s coat is dirty or smells bad. Then, for the Border Collie dog’s dental care, and to remove tartar buildup and bacteria hiding inside the Border Collie’s teeth, you can brush the Border Collie’s teeth at least two or three times a week. However, if you have plenty of time to brush your Border Collie’s teeth every day, that would be even better. Brushing your Border Collie’s teeth daily can prevent gum disease and bad breath. You also want your beloved dog to have healthy teeth, right?
For Border Collie nail care, you only need to trim your Border Collie’s nails once a month. Do not forget to check other body parts, such as the Border Collie’s ears and eyes. You can check your Border Collie’s ears once a week to see if there is any unpleasant odor, discharge, or redness that could indicate an infection in the Border Collie’s ears. For Border Collie ear care, try cleaning your dog’s ears with a cotton ball moistened with ear cleaner weekly to prevent problems. Make sure you use a gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner. In addition, you should also check for rashes, sores, or signs of infection such as pain, redness, or inflammation on the Border Collie’s skin, mouth, eyes, nose, and feet. Healthy eyes are clear eyes, without redness or discharge. You can perform careful weekly checks to spot potential Border Collie health problems early.
Border Collie Dog Health Problems
Generally, Border Collie dogs have a healthy body. However, just like other dog breeds, Border Collie dogs are also susceptible to certain health conditions. There are several health problems that can occur in Border Collie dogs. Not all Border Collie dogs will get this disease, but it is important for you to be aware of it.
Some health problems that can occur in Border Collie dogs including:
1. Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is a congenital disease in which the dog’s femur does not fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and limping in one or both hind legs, while others show no signs of pain.
2. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
It is an eye disease in which the retina is gradually damaged. When a Border Collie dog is affected by this disease, it will initially become twilight blind. The dog cannot see during the day as the disease progresses.
3. Epilepsy
Dogs affected by epilepsy will experience mild or severe seizures and may exhibit unusual behaviour such as staggering, hiding, running frantically as if being chased, or even falling. In addition, limbs may also become stiff and lose consciousness.
4. Collie Eye Anomaly
It is an inherited disease that causes changes and abnormalities in the dog’s eyes. Sometimes, the disease can lead to blindness. These eye problems may include coloboma, staphyloma, choroidal hypoplasia, and retinal detachment.
5. Allergies
Border Collie dogs may develop allergies, such as food allergies, contact allergies or inhalation allergies. Treatment for these allergies can vary depending on the cause, which can include dietary restrictions, medication, or environmental changes.
6. Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)
This disease is caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints. It usually occurs in the dog’s elbow. However, it can also occur in the dog’s shoulder. If your dog has this disease, it can cause painful joint stiffness, to the point that your dog will not be able to bend his elbow.
How to Get a Border Collie Dog?
For those of you who want to keep a Border Collie dog, either as a herding dog or a guard dog, you can contact a Border Collie dog rescue group. There you can find the Border Collie dog you want. Here are some Border Collie dog rescue groups that you can contact:
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- Border Collie Save & Rescue
- Blue Ridge Border Collie Rescue
- Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue
- Come Bye BC Rescue
Apart from adopting a Border Collie dog from a Border Collie dog rescue group, to get a Border Collie dog, you can also buy it from a dog breeder. However, you must buy a Border Collie dog from a reputable dog breeder. Dogs sold from dog breeders with good reputations are usually guaranteed health and ability to socialize. Because reputable dog breeders always breed healthy Border Collie puppies. From a young age, Border Collie dogs bred by reputable dog breeders are given regular training and socialization.
