Border Collie
The Border Collie has been bred for over 100 years with functionality as the number one priority. These sheep herding dogs were abundant in Great Britain during the 1800s, however they were made up of different types. Most of these dogs were considered to be “fetching” dogs who had the ability to circle stock and guide them back towards the shepherd.
Sheepdogs (as the Border Collies were called) became very popular and in 1873 the first official sheepdog trial took place to test the qualities and function of the animals. This led to one of the first famous Border Collies known as “Hemp”.
Hemp did very well at the trials and sired a high number of offspring. In fact, he is considered to be the father of the Border Collie. Hemp's way of herding was done with intimidation, using eye contact with the livestock.
Although these dogs were very popular and functioned superbly at their sheepdog abilities, it wasn't until 1915 that “Border Collie” was officially announced as the proper name for the breed. And as soon as the Border Collie came to America they were instantly appraised by serious shepherds who needed the animal's magnificent herding abilities. Amazingly enough, it took until the year 1995 for the AKC to officially recognize the Border Collie as a show dog.
Personality
As far as temperament is concerned, Border Collie dogs have enormous amounts of intelligence and is highly obedient. While these attributes are positive, it can make for a disastrous house dog when kept enclosed with little exercise. Border Collies are very loyal and protective towards its family, so be prepared for its reserved and guardian-like personality to spring up when in the company of strange dogs and other animals.
Taking Care Of Your Border Collie
This is one dog that thrives off of physical and mental stimulation each and every day. You can easily say that the border collie simply “needs a job to do” whenever possible. He is extremely work-oriented and genetically programmed for labor.
Border Collie dogs can certainly live outdoors in very mild to cool climates, but of course it prefers and enjoys the company of its family inside the house, especially at night. This is one animal that should not be forced to live in a small apartment.
Health Information
Border Collie's have a lifespan of up to 15 years, with 12 being the average. Fortunately, this dog breed does not have many health problems that arise. Major concerns are only CHD. Minor health issues that may come up are hypothyroidism, PRA, PDA, CEA, seizures, OCD, and lens luxation, but these occurrences are extremely rare.
History
The Border Collie is one of about six breeds that came from the working Collie. The making of this breed tied in with wool trading and herding farm animals. Collie in old Gaelic meant useful, so these were useful dogs. There were rugged and hardy dogs that could deal with the austere weather of the border regions in England and Scotland.
These dogs were developed to work in hilly terrain. They were bred to be small and fast, which helped them herd livestock. Their white markings made them more visible after dark. The first Collies were very strong, handled stock too roughly, and were harder to control. Adam Tefler began in 1894 to breed Collies with a less rough nature and the desirable herding traits. The main trait is called “the eye.” That is a penchant for herding using sight and stalking the sheep.
Beyond the World War I era, the name Border Collie was applied to this newer type of Collie (show), so as to differentiate it from the Working Collie. The original sheepdog trial was held in Scotland in 1873. The AKC gave the Border Collie complete membership in 1995.
General Looks
The Border Collie is a medium built dog that is agile. The eye colors are blue, brown, and amber. The ears can be erect or dropped.
Is This Your Breed?
This breed is known to herd whatever moves, so those owners in cities need to keep their dog leashed when outside of the yard. They are better with adults and older kids because of their herding instinct. This breed has a lot of energy and needs more exercise than walking. They are good at Frisbee, and Flyball. They need room to run. They need frequent brushing and shed seasonally.
Coat
There are two kinds of coats: rough and smooth. Each kind of coat has fur that clings close to the body resists weather, and is thick. The outer coat is coarse and the undercoat soft. The outer coat can be wavy or straight.
Color
The Border Collie can be solid or have two or three colors. Some of the colors are red, brown, Merle, brindle, and black.
Locomotion
The moving crouch and galloping are their trademark gaits.
Personality
These are smart, energetic, affectionate, and hard working dogs. They are reticent around strangers.
Border Collie video:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0jNC_w1tSw
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