Border Collie

Breed: Border collie
Description: The Border collie is consider one of the most intelligent of all the dog breeds. They are a medium size dog with a mid length feathered coat, which is most commonly seen in black and white, but is also available in a variety of other colors.
Characteristics: Intelligent, active, possessing a stamina and work ethic rivalled by few other breeds, the Border Collie is by far one of the best herding and working dogs around. The Border Collie is really best suited for a rural environment, but with a very dedicated owner can excel in the city.

Though the Border Collie is not a cuddly dog and never one to be pampered, they do need human companionship and is not a dog to simply be left in the backyard, those who do, could end up with a noisy destructive unhappy dog who may escape from the yard regularly to alleviate boredom.

The Border Collie is happiest when working but working doesn’t necessarily mean herding, they can be trained to pick up toys, laundry, pine cones  or any other small objects and makes a very eager jogging, bicycling or rollerblading companion. They are so smart that with a little imagination and work a city dweller could train them to do jobs around the house that would keep a dog very happy.

The Border Collie is not the best choice for families with young children as they’re not always the most patient and could snap if pushed too far. They’re usually fine with other family pets, especially those they’ve been raised with, but can be aggressive with strange dogs and chase and hurt small animals.

Most Border Collies are suspicious of strangers and all are very alert, making them a good home guardian.

Origins: The Border Collie is a decedent of dogs used by the Vikings to herd reindeer, English and Scottish droving dogs with possibly a little spaniel mixed in. The breed originated in the Scottish-English- Welsh border areas and though they’ve been around since the early 1900s, they were not given officially breed recognition by many of the Kennel Clubs till late in the 1900s.

Special Needs: The Border Collie needs an experienced owner who will give them both mental and physical daily exercise and thorough socialization throughout their entire life. Too little activity and socialization  can make them high strung, timid, noisy, destructive and even aggressive.

Highlights

- Not only is the Border Collie an excellent herder, they are also a great tracker and make a fantastic Search and Rescue dog and is one of the most commonly seen breeds at Agility trials.

- The Border Collie is known for having a “hypnotic eye”, which is used on the sheep, cattle and other animals they herd.

-  The coat is fairly easy to care for, only needing a quick brushing once or twice a week to keep them neat and tidy.

- The Border Collie is motion sensitive and can chase and try to herd anything that moves, from family members, cars, animals and bicycles.

- The usual life span is about 12 years and they’re prone to several hereditary health ailments. Perspective owners should buy from a breeder who offers a health guarantee.