Border Collie

The Border Collie got its name after the border country of England and Scotland. It’s a herding breed designated for herding and protecting sheep. To perform such a task, the Border Collie has to be very agile and intelligent. This breed is still used on farms in England to control the livestock, but most of Border Collies of today are used as pets and sport companions. These dogs are very friendly, protective, and tolerant.

The Border Collie is easy to recognize by its dignified appearance. This breed has a dense double coat that comes in many colors and patterns. Bicolor and tricolor combinations of black, white and tan (or red) are the most common in the Border Collie. Blue crème, yellow white, red and blue merle, sable and solid black dogs occur very rare in this breed. White dogs of this breed are susceptible to a number of genetic problems. The eye color in the Border Collie varies from blue or amber to dark brown depending on the coat color.

Working Border Collies look different from those bred for conformation shows. While working dogs should be able to perform their task, show quality dogs should conform closely to the breed standard accepted by the club. Nowadays, this Border Collie is accepted by all major registries: the FCI, the AKC, the ANKC, the CKC, the KC, the NZKC, and the UKC. Some registries classify the breed as the Herding group; others list it in the Working or Pastoral group.

All Border Collies produced by experienced and responsible breeders are intelligent and eager to work. They form close bonds with the owner and have an inherent desire to please. The Border Collie is suited for active families and for households that provide them with enough activity. Without enough attention and training, these dogs tend to become dominating, manipulative, and hyperactive. Motion-sensitive by nature, Border Collies attempt to control everything that moves: children, small pets, and bicycles. Some breeders insist on selling Border Collies only to those who have sheep to herd. The Border Collie does well in obedience, agility and conformation, only if socialized and obedience trained since the early age.