A Complete Guide to Border Collie Dogs
The Border collie is the quintessential farm dog; the workaholic of the dog world. They are hard-working dogs with tremendous obedience. Border collies are great at herding and tracking (they are often used in rescue operations) and make excellent companion dogs.
Appearance
Height: Between 19" and 22" for males and slightly less for females.
Weight: The weight of an adult male Border collie typically falls between 28 and 48 pounds.
Coat: Solid color, bi-color, tri-color, merle and sable are all common and none is predominant. The most common colors among Border collies are black and white, but they are certainly not the only colors you'll see. Brown and red Border collies are not uncommon.
Ears and Eyes: Ears are medium-sized and set far apart. Eyes are also set far apart and are brown in most cases. Dogs of a color other than black (such as brown or red) may have eyes of a lighter shade.
Tail: Set low and relatively long in length. Held low while the dog is performing a task, but may be raised during moments of excitement.
Disposition
Border collies are known for being exceptionally intelligent and receptive to training. Above all else, Border collies have a desire to please their owners. These qualities make the Border collie a fantastic dog for obedience and herding competitions.
AKC Group: Herding
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Training: There are few dog breeds that are more receptive to training than the Border collie.
Ideal Environment: Border collies can be excellent companions in the right household, but they are not ideal for families with young children because they require a lot of attention and exercise and their natural inclination is to herd anything that moves—including young children.
Health and Care
Feeding: In most cases, collies should eat twice a day. There are no dietary restrictions for this breed.
Grooming: Border collies are relatively easy to groom. Brushing once or twice a week and occasionally trimming the fur on the tail and legs is sufficient in most cases.
Exercise: Border collies exhibit very high levels of energy and they must be given the opportunity to be active for several hours each day. Failure to provide a Border collie with adequate exercise can result in aggression and other negative behaviors.
Health Problems: The Border collie is generally considered to be one of the healthiest dog breeds. Genetic problems are very rare and are usually not serious. In some cases, canine hip dysplasia is a concern.
Average Lifespan: Border collies live between 9 and 15 years in most cases.
Adopting a Border Collie
In the right household, a Border collie can be the ideal pet. Contact local Border collie breeders to inquire about price.