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Border Collie Dog Breed

The Border Collie (common misspell: Border Colly) is a hardworking breed of herding dog that originated in the border country of England and Scotland. They are regarded by many as the most intelligent do breed. Like some other working dogs, some Border Collies are highly energetic, and as a result have a tendency towards neurotic or destructive behavior if not given enough to do mentally and/or physically. They are still frequently used on farms all over the world for assisting with the handling of livestock although they have also become popular as pet and sport dogs. Though known to be reserved with strangers, these dogs can also be protective of a human family member and affectionate to those they know.

Appearance

Border Collie breedings have historically been selected for working ability rather than looks, and therefore vary widely in appearance.

In general, Border Collies are medium-sized dogs without extreme physical characteristics and a moderate amount of coat. Their double coats can be anywhere from slick to lush, and can come in many colours, although black and white is by far the most common, and therefore the most common in public perception. Black tricolour (black/tan/white) and red and white also occur regularly, with other colours such as blue and white, red merle, blue merle, “Australian red,” and sable seen less frequently.

Eye colour varies from deep brown to amber or blue with occasionally one eye of each colour, usually seen with merles. The ears of the Border Collie are also highly variable — some have fully erect ears, some fully dropped and others are semi-erect (similar to that of the Rough Collie). Although working Border Collie handlers sometimes have superstitions about the appearance of their dogs (handlers do not prefer red dogs, or mostly white dogs),  in general a dog’s appearance is considered to be irrelevant. It is considered much more useful to identify a working Border Collie by its attitude and ability than by its looks.

Those dogs bred for the conformation ring are more homogeneous in appearance than working Border Collies, since to be successful show dogs they must conform to breed club standards that are specific on many points of the structure, coat and colour. Kennel clubs specify, for example, that the Border Collie must have a “keen and intelligent” expression, and that the preferred eye colour is dark brown. In deference to the dog’s working origin, scars and broken teeth received in the line of duty are not to be counted against a Border Collie in the show ring.

Temperament

The Border Collie is an extremely intelligent, biddable breed with an instinctive desire to work closely and intensely with a human handler. Although the primary role of the Border Collie is that of the working stock dog, dogs of this breed are becoming increasingly popular as pets. True to their working heritage, Border Collies make very demanding, energetic pets that are better off in households that can provide them with plenty of exercise and a job to do. Among some breeders in the United Kingdom there is a common saying: “no sheep, no collie”, referring to the dog’s usual unsuitability to people who just want a “smart dog.” However, in an appropriate home, with a dedicated, active owner, a Border Collie can be an excellent companion. Participating in dog sports such as dog agility, flyball, sheepdog trials, tracking, dog dancing, Disc dog, dog sledding races and obedience is popular with Border Collie owners.

Border Collies are unsuitable pets for people who cannot or will not provide a considerable amount of daily exercise for their dogs, both physical and mental. They are also a poor choice for households that are not prepared for the characteristic behaviours that are part of their working heritage. For example, as with many working breeds, Border Collies can be motion-sensitive and may attempt to control the movements of family members, cats, squirrels, bicycles, cars, or anything else that moves if not given enough mental and physical stimulation. Many Border Collies who end up in shelters or rescue groups are there because owners who may have been attracted by their appearance and intelligence were not prepared to meet their dog’s needs.

^Health

Hip dysplasia, Collie eye anomaly (CEA), and epilepsy are considered the primary genetic diseases of concern in the breed at this time. Collie eye anomaly (CEA) is a congenital, inherited eye disease affecting Border Collies and other breeds involving the retina, choroid, and sclera. In Border Collies, it is generally a mild disease and rarely significantly impairs vision. There is now a DNA test available for CEA and, through its use, breeders can ensure that they will not produce affected pups. There are no genetic tests available for hip dysplasia or epilepsy, although careful breeding practices are known to lower the incidence of both.

Brief History

The Border Collie is descended from droving and gathering breeds originating on the Scottish and English border. Mention of the ‘Collie’ or ‘Colley’ type first appeared toward the end of the nineteenth century with every current Border Collie tracing back to a dog known as Old Hemp. Old Hemp, a tri-colour dog, was born September 1893 and died May 1901. He was bred by Adam Telfer from Roy, a black and tan dog, and Meg, a black-coated, strong-eyed bitch. Hemp was a quiet, powerful dog that sheep responded to easily. Many shepherds used him for stud on their bitches, and Hemp’s working style became the Border Collie style.

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