Border Collie
From the Anglo-Scottish border comes the Border Collie. The Border Collie comes from Anglo-Scottish border, typically weighs Males, and has a smooth or rough, double coat coat. Individual Border Collies vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Anglo-Scottish border
- Weight
- Males
- Height
- Males
- Coat
- smooth or rough, double coat
- Colour
- any; black-and-white and black tricolour (black, tan, white) most common
About the Border Collie
From the Anglo-Scottish border comes the Border Collie. The Border Collie is a medium-sized breed. Males typically weigh 30-45 kg and stand 38-45 cm tall.
Overview
The Border Collie is a breed of British herding dog of the collie type of medium size. It originates in the region of the Anglo-Scottish border , and descends from the traditional sheepdogs once found all over the British Isles . It is kept predominantly as a sheep-herding dog or as a companion animal . It competes with success in sheepdog trials . Some have claimed that it is the most intelligent breed of dog.
Canada
Agriculture Canada has recognised the Canadian Border Collie Association as the registry under the Animal Pedigree Act for any Border Collie that is designated as a "Pure Breed" in Canada. The criteria used are based on herding lineage rather than appearance. It is a two-tiered registry in that dogs imported that are registered with a foreign Kennel Club that does hold conformation shows are given a "B" registration, whereas those that come directly from other working registries are placed on the "A" registry. Recently, the Canadian Kennel Club has polled its members to decide if Border Collies should be included on the CKC "Miscellaneous List". This designation would allow Border Collie owners the ability to compete in all CKC events, but the CKC would not be the registering body. People who compete in performance events support the move. The CBCA is against this designation.
Turkey
The registration of working Border Collies in Turkey is the province of the Border Collie Dernegi (Turkish Border Collie Association) established in 2007.
History
In a study done by Grant on a hillfort named Danebury , today''s collie is mentioned as a comparator for dogs of the type used by Celtic herders. Many Border Collies today can be traced back to a dog known as Old Hemp . : 4 In 1915, James Reid, Secretary of the International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS) in the United Kingdom first used the term "border collie" to distinguish those dogs registered by the ISDS from the Kennel Club ''s collie (or Scotch Collie , including the Rough Collie and Smooth Collie ) which originally came from the same working stock but had developed a different, standardised appearance following introduction to the show ring in 1860 and mixture with different breeds.
Old Hemp
Old Hemp, a tricolour dog, was born in Northumberland, England in September 1893 and died in May 1901. He was bred by Adam Telfer from Roy, a black and tan dog, and Meg, a black-coated, strong-eyed dog. Hemp was a quiet, powerful dog to which sheep responded easily. Many shepherds used him for stud and Hemp''s working style became the Border Collie style. All purebred Border Collies alive today can trace an ancestral line back to Old Hemp. He was believed to have sired as many as 200 pups over the span of his life.
Research
The impressive intelligence of the Border Collie has made it a viable subject for research. In particular, the Georgia Institute of Technology''s FIDO (Facilitating Interactions for Dogs with Occupations) project demonstrated the ability of intelligent dogs to communicate with humans. In particular, a project at the institute''s BrainLab instrumented a Border Collie named Sky to activate a sensor worn by the dog which allowed Sky to communicate in audible English with its handler. One intent was to allow service dogs to warn their owners of impending danger, or to alert others to emergency situations involving their handler, especially those which might involve in incapacitation.
Australia
Border Collies are registered with an Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) affiliated state control body or with a working dog registry. Between 2,011 and 2,701 ANKC pedigreed Border Collies have been registered with the ANKC each year since 1986. Inclusion on the ANKC affiliate''s main register allows Border Collies to compete in conformation , obedience , agility , tracking , disc dog , herding and other ANKC-sanctioned events held by an ANKC affiliated club, while inclusion on the limited register prohibits entry in conformation events. The ANKC provides a breed standard; however, this applies to conformation events only and has no influence on dogs entering performance events. Non-ANKC pedigreed dogs may also be eligible for inclusion on an ANKC associate or sporting register and be able to compete in ANKC performance or herding events. Agility organisations such as the Agility Dog Association of Australia (ADAA) have their own registry which allows the inclusion of any dog wishing to compete in their events.
Elsewhere
The Border Collie breed is also recognised as the prime sheepdog by the International Stock Dog Federation (ISDF), based in Piccadilly , London, UK.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Border Collie?
The Border Collie is a medium-sized herding dog with a muscular build, a broad head, and erect ears. They have a medium-length coat that can be rough or smooth, and come in a variety of colors. They are known for their high energy levels, agility, and strong herding instincts.
Is the Border Collie a good family dog?
Border Collies can make excellent family dogs for active families with older children. However, they require a lot of exercise, mental stimulation, and attention, which can be challenging for families with young children or those who are away from home for long periods. They are best suited to families who can provide a stable and engaging environment.
What health problems do Border Collies have?
Border Collies are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, collie eye anomaly, and epilepsy. They can also be susceptible to obesity, especially if they do not receive enough physical and mental stimulation. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced lifestyle can help prevent or manage these conditions.
How much does a Border Collie puppy cost?
The cost of a Border Collie puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,500 for a puppy from a reputable breeder. Additionally, you should also consider the costs of spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping.
Where do Border Collies come from?
The Border Collie comes from Anglo-Scottish border. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Border Collie, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.