Border Collie

History: The name for the Border Collie comes from its origin along the Scottish and English border in Northumberland. Sources suggest that the breed originates from other English herding dogs along with English Spaniel along the way.

Keep in mind that this evolution occurred over centuries of English herding dogs, so there is no exact science to locate exactly when this breed was designated. This breed may be most notably associated with Northumberland because sources suggest that a farmer in the region successfully crossed and English herding dog and a Spaniel in the mid 1890s to create the dogs now known as Border Collies.

Although hundreds of years old, because of a disagreement regarding the handling of national Kennel Clubs, Collie owners did not even try to have this breed recognized officially until recent years. This breed was not recognized by the American Kennel Club until 1994.

Description: A long and lean medium sized dog that will weigh between 30-45 pounds on average and sit between 18-22 inches high, this intelligent dog has a long straight coat that will be either straight or silky in texture. The coloring of Collies is almost always an equal mixture of black and white spotting. Keep in mind that the length of the coat will require regular brushing and shampooing. The coat will look similar in length all over, including the ears, which will be long and hang to the sides of the face, although they do become perky when working. With a long, thin muzzle to accompany the lean frame, this dog looks well proportioned.

Life Span: 12-14 years

Common Ailments: An overall hardy breed but may be especially susceptible to eye diseases, specifically Collie Eye Anomaly, which may result in retinal detachment that can cause blindness. Also prone to Retinal Atrophy, an eye disease that will also cause eventual blindness. May also be susceptible to hip dysplasia, epilepsy and deafness.

Suitability with Children: Will depend on socialization. Have high herding instincts that may unintentionally be used towards small children

Suitability with Other Pets: Will work well with other medium to large size dogs, but the herding instincts may be a large problem for small pets, like cats

Living Conditions: Should only be considered in a home with a large backyard or with a great deal of land. Will thrive in a home where they will be worked or at least exercised vigorously on a daily basis.

Training: Extremely intelligent and easy to train. Do best when well trained as they enjoy using mental and physical capabilities together

Exercise Required: Very High

Cost of Maintenance: Medium to High

Breed Temperament: The Border Collie is an extremely intelligent, high-energy dog, that was born and bred to be on the go all the time. They absolutely must be able to use their best abilities, which means either having the dog on a farm for herding, using them in agility competitions or just belonging to a family who is constantly on the go. Inherent in their personality is the need to please, so they are extremely easy to train and will go to great links to win over their owners. This is what makes them excellent for Frisbee throwing contests or even for retrieving exercises.

Although Border Collies are affectionate with their human family, they may be shy around strangers or even other dogs, so it is important to begin socialization as a puppy. Keep in mind that when the Border Collie is a pup they will have even more energy than they do as adult dogs, so it is important to exercise them regularly to keep them from looking for negative ways to entertain themselves.

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