Let's talk Border Collies
“Born to Run.” That may well be the mantra of the Border Collie, a breed whose bright eyes and vivacious appearance are clues to the wellspring of energy underneath. An affectionate, loyal companion, the Border Collie is the perfect match for a runner or super athletic person - the more the better, given the breed’s constant need for activity.
Official name: Border Collie
Other names: Collie
Origins: Scotland
Drooling tendencies
1 out of 5Grooming needs
3 out of 5Shedding Level
3 out of 5Barking tendencies
3 out of 5Energy level*
5 out of 5Compatibility with other pets
5 out of 5Warm weather?
4 out of 5Cold weather?
4 out of 5Suited to apartment living
1 out of 5Can be left alone
1 out of 5Family pet?*
5 out of 5
| Male | Female |
|---|---|
| Height | Height |
| 48 - 56 in | 46 - 53 in |
| Weight | Weight |
| 13.5 - 25 lb | 13.5 - 25 lb |
| Life stages | |
|---|---|
| Puppy | Adult |
| Birth to 2 months | 1 to 7 years |
| Mature | Senior |
| 7 to 10 years | From 10 years |
| Junior | |
| 2 to 15 months | |
Drooling tendencies
1 out of 5Grooming needs
3 out of 5Shedding Level
3 out of 5Barking tendencies
3 out of 5Energy level*
5 out of 5Compatibility with other pets
5 out of 5Warm weather?
4 out of 5Cold weather?
4 out of 5Suited to apartment living
1 out of 5Can be left alone
1 out of 5Family pet?*
5 out of 5
| Male | Female |
|---|---|
| Height | Height |
| 48 - 56 in | 46 - 53 in |
| Weight | Weight |
| 13.5 - 25 lb | 13.5 - 25 lb |
| Life stages | |
|---|---|
| Puppy | Adult |
| Birth to 2 months | 1 to 7 years |
| Mature | Senior |
| 7 to 10 years | From 10 years |
| Junior | |
| 2 to 15 months | |
Tailored nutrition for your Border Collie
Get to know the Border Collie
All you need to know about the breed
What do we do next? If the Border Collie could talk, this would surely be an oft-heard phrase. The breed is extremely energetic, with an almost constant need to move, so the perfect match is an owner who likes the same. No apartment life for this dog: Border Collie energy is almost off the charts. They would definitely thrive on a farm, ranch, or other setting giving them plenty of room to run and a job to do.
Slight in build, the Border Collie epitomizes a herding breed and has the hallmark “herding eye” - a steely stare put on sheep, or perhaps you, when you least expect it! They are by far one of the most agile and nimble dogs.
The breed name comes from the Borders region between England and Scotland, rolling Highland territory that necessitated a dog that could roll with it. Herding sheep all day? No problem!
Loyal to the bone, Border Collies can also be quiet when around strangers, endearingly so. They warm up in a short amount of time, as long as tasks – and jobs – keep coming. Despite their intensity, Border Collie behaviour isn’t erratic, they are pretty predictable and dependable. The breed is tailor-made for agility and obedience competitions, both great outlets for their high athleticism.
2 facts about Border Collies
1. They may be an escape artist.
The incessant energy and curiosity of the Border Collie character will cause them to follow their nose - and to wander as well. Keep them safe with a well-fenced enclosure and a watchful eye.
2. A Border found on the border
Between Scotland and England, that is, as the Border Collie’s extreme athleticism and agility was well-suited for the hilly Highland terrain found there and the sheep herding activities so needed in the region.
History of the breed
Border Collies have a long history in their nation of origin, the United Kingdom, descending from multiple strains of herding and sheepdogs before them. Originating in the 17th century, oddly enough it wasn’t until the 20th that they were officially recognized. Their name stems from the breed’s use as herding dogs in the rolling Highlands found on the border between England and Scotland, the “Collie” part of the name refers to sheepdogs and comes from the Scottish dialect.
As the breed developed, they branched off into specific geographic regions - Welsh Sheepdogs, Northern Sheepdogs, Highland Collies, and Scotch Collies.
In 1860, the second dog show in England was held and Scottish Sheepdogs were shown.
Border Collies are still highly prized for their agility and ability to herd, whether in a commercial or domestic setting. The Border Collie’s remarkable intelligence and need for speed has made them the top winners of agility competitions worldwide.
From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Border Collies
1.Ears
2.Head
3.Body
4.<p class="p1">Coat</p><p class="p1"></p>
Dense, weather-resistant double coat of two varieties: Rough, medium-length, feathered on haunches, chest, and underside, or smooth, short, coarse overall.
5.<p class="p1">Tail</p>
Tail curves upward at tip, bushy and full, hangs down in a relaxed manner.
Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Border Collie
Caution: Children at play may cause herding
Barking, nipping, and nudging are fine out in the field but may cause the Border Collie to lapse into work mode on the homefront. Train your dog around children from the start so they know the difference between lambs and little lambs.
Border Collies will run until they are out of breath
Yes, really. The desire for Border Collies to run and herd is genetic. The breed has stamina to spare, and can cuddle too, but not until the work is done. Satisfy this by making sure your dog is brought up in the right setting - one with lots of space.
Sudden hand movements may mean more than you think.
Owners and breeders employ incredibly subtle movements to instruct the Border Collie on what to do, and the dogs in return are almost able to predict the commands ahead of time. Watch the movements made around your dog as they could be interpreted to mean something entirely different than was intended.
Tailored nutrition for Border Collies
When choosing food for a Border Collie, there are many factors to consider: Their age, lifestyle, activity level, physiological condition, and health including potential sickness or sensitivities. Food provides energy to cover a dog’s vital functions, and a complete nutritional formula should contain an adjusted balance of nutrients to avoid any deficiency or excess in their diet, both of which could have adverse effects on the dog.
STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM
Supports the development of the puppy's healthy immune system with the inclusion of clinically proven antioxidants, including Vitamins E and C.
BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
Enriched with DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that is scientifically proven to support the puppy's brain development.
MICROBIOME SUPPORT
Combination of prebiotics & highly digestible proteins to help promote a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria for digestive health.
The main nutritional goals for adult Border Collies are:
BODY CONDITION
Helps maintain ideal weight and muscle mass with optimal levels of protein.
HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM
Clinically proven antioxidants (vitamins C and E) and prebiotics for a healthy guy and immune system.
HEALTHY DIGESTION
Easy-to-digest proteins, vitamins and minerals, and a blend of fibers for optimal nutrient absorption.
After 7 years old, Border Collies start facing the first signs of aging. A formula enriched with antioxidants will help maintain their vitality, and specific nutrients, such as chondroitin and glucosamine, will help maintain healthy bones and joints. Aging is also accompanied by the modification of digestive capacities and particular nutritional requirements, so food for older Border Collies should have the following characteristics:
BODY CONDITION
Helps maintain ideal weight and muscle mass with optimal levels of protein.
HEALTHY AGING
Precise mineral and amino acid levels to support aging kidney and heart health.
HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM
Clinically proven antioxidants (vitamins C and E) and prebiotics for a healthy gut and immune system.
Caring for your Border Collie
Excercise, grooming and training.
Extreme athleticism is the hallmark of the breed. With its innate high drive, the more exercise the Border Collie gets, the better. Agility, obedience, tracking, and rally competitions suit this breed well, or really any constant movement! Daily vigorous activity is best.
Grooming your Border Collie will inevitably require some work. As an active breed, they don’t always stay as clean as we might prefer. With fur that can vary from a rough coat to a smooth one, using a pin comb one to two times a week will take out tangles and keep them looking sharp and ready for anything.
Fewer dogs are easier to train than the Border Collie. Very intelligent and with a high desire to please, obedience training can be practiced throughout your dog’s life. Make sure to socialize them from the start since the breed can be wary of newcomers. In need of a job always, agility training and competitions are the perfect outlet. A busy Border Collie is a content Border Collie.
Extreme athleticism is the hallmark of the breed. With its innate high drive, the more exercise the Border Collie gets, the better. Agility, obedience, tracking, and rally competitions suit this breed well, or really any constant movement! Daily vigorous activity is best.
Grooming your Border Collie will inevitably require some work. As an active breed, they don’t always stay as clean as we might prefer. With fur that can vary from a rough coat to a smooth one, using a pin comb one to two times a week will take out tangles and keep them looking sharp and ready for anything.
Fewer dogs are easier to train than the Border Collie. Very intelligent and with a high desire to please, obedience training can be practiced throughout your dog’s life. Make sure to socialize them from the start since the breed can be wary of newcomers. In need of a job always, agility training and competitions are the perfect outlet. A busy Border Collie is a content Border Collie.
7/7
All about Border Collies
Not much! The Border Collies’ biggest drawback is their need for constant activity. The breed’s origins lie in herding and they have at times been called a “fanatical workaholic” so it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks. A Border Collie’s smarts make them a challenge at times too, and very much not suited for city living. If not a farm owner, keep yours occupied with multiple daily walks, or a well-fenced yard where they can run free. Agility courses and advanced obedience training match the Border Collie activity level well.
Having a Border Collie as a pet can be a great decision. Lively dogs with a great disposition, they are very child-friendly and super playful, a breed that adapts well to human companionship; its instinct to herd may even translate to humans at times! As with all dogs, early socialization and training is essential.
Suggested Breeds
Read more on this topic
Sources
- Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/;
- Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
- Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
- Royal Canin BHN Product Book
- American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/
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