Developed to gather and control sheep along the hilly borderline between Scotland and England, the Border Collie breed is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They are known for their intense gaze, or “eye,” with which they control their flocks. The Border Collies are dogs with unlimited energy, stamina, and working drive, making them premier herding dogs. Today, Border Collies continue to herd sheep on farms and ranches worldwide.
Besides being highly trainable and intelligent, Border Collies excel in various canine sports, including obedience, flyball, agility, tracking, and flying disc competitions. As long as they get a lot of attention, they can make excellent family companions. You must also be comfortable with a dog who can sometimes outsmart you. You may want to entertain this breed if you are searching for a loving, intelligent dog who will keep you active!
Famous Border Collies
A Dog Year (2009)
Duke (2012 TV Movie)
Little House on the Prairie (TV) (1977 – 1983)
Famous Owners
James Dean, Anna Paquin, Bon Jovi, Ethan Hawke, James Franco, and Tiger Woods
Download Your Copy of this Infographic
History
Since humans began using dogs to guard and herd sheep in what is now Britain, the Border Collie’s ancestors have existed. Bordering Scotland and England, the herding dog became one of the most valuable assets a shepherd could possess, and the best working dogs were bred together.
The type of work varied depending on the terrain or the work required in each region. Eventually, these herding dogs became known as Northern Sheepdogs, Welsh Sheepdogs, Highland Collies, and Scotch Collies. Border Collies are sheepdogs whose names are derived from Scottish dialects.
Scotch Sheep Dogs were displayed at the second dog show ever held in England in 1860. After seeing a Border Collie at Balmoral, Queen Victoria became enamoured with them.
R.J. Lloyd Price is credited with initiating sheepdog trials. For a show at the Alexandra Palace in London, he brought 100 wild Welsh sheep. Observers described their astonishment at the keenness of the dogs, whose only assistance came from their handlers’ hand signals and whistles, in the Livestock Journal.
Border Collies are considered the best sheepherding dogs in the world today. Due to their superior herding abilities, many Border Collies are bred only to working, not conformation, standards. On October 1, 1995, the AKC recognized the Border Collie.
Traits
With their intense stare as he approaches the sheep, his almost intuitive response to the shepherd’s commands, and skillful maneuvering, you know you’re watching a master artisan at work—an awe-inspiring sight.
Despite its size, the Border Collie possesses a seemingly magical energy and stamina – a hardiness developed by working all day in the hills and valleys of the rugged Scottish border country, sometimes running 50 miles daily. It doesn’t get any better than the Border Collie regarding the ideal working dog.
If there is a dark side to a Border Collie’s energy and workaholic nature, it emerges when he is brought into a family that does not understand him. Dogs like him are not cuddly or couch potatoes. He doesn’t like being coddled. He needs to have a job. Keeping up with a Border Collie’s intense mental and physical stamina can be exhausting, even exasperating, for an owner or family looking for a laid-back pet.
Border Collies are herding dogs, which means they are driven to gather flocks. Anything that moves, such as sheep, children, cats, squirrels, or cars, can be considered a flock. Along with his energy, he cannot be trained out of his instinct to nip, nudge, and bark. Instead, it must be directed. Whether herding sheep or competing in dog sports, he must have a task. Taking a brisk walk or playing fetch daily isn’t enough activity for a Border Collie.
Border Collies can be wonderful pets for the right owner. The fact that he is intelligent and tractable makes him easy to train. It is said that he has an uncanny ability to know what you are going to ask him before you request it. From puppyhood, the Border Collie can adapt to almost any living situation that provides the mental and physical exercise he needs.
This breed is an excellent choice for an active owner, particularly one eager to participate in dog sports. This breed excels at sheepdog trials, agility, flyball, flying disc, advanced obedience, freestyle obedience, and tracking when appropriately trained.
This intelligent, sensitive breed can find a soul mate in an owner or family willing to socialize and train it properly.
Health
This breed is typically healthy, but like all breeds, they may experience specific health conditions. Not every dog of this breed will get these diseases, but it’s essential to be aware of them. Some common health problems include:
Regardless of how healthy your dog is, a pet’s health insurance plan can
help you stay prepared for any of your dog’s medical needs.