General Information

Dog NameBorder Collie
Other NamesHighland Collie
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeCollies
GroupHerding
ExtinctNo
Country of OriginUnited Kingdom (UK)

Physical And Size

Min Life Span12
Max Life Span15
Min Ideal Weight for male14
Max Ideal Weight for male19
Min Ideal Weight for female11
Max Ideal Weight for male19

Ranking

Intelligent Rank
Trainability
Playfulness
Affection Level
Social Needs
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Mouthiness
Adaptability

Characterisitics

TemperamentSmart, Energetic, Loving
Prey DriveYes
Fighting DogNo

Friendliness

Stranger FriendlyMedium
Child FriendlyHigh
Cat FriendlyMedium
Apartment FriendlyLow
Senior Citizens FriendlyLow
Service DogLow
Search and Rescue DogLow
Biting PotentialMedium
Country of OriginBorder country between
Scotland and England
Nicknames and Other NamesScottish Sheepdog, Highland Collie
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeCollies
GroupHerding Group
Bred ForHerding livestock
SizeMedium-Sized
Recognized ByAKC, FCI, UKC, CKC, ANKC, NZKC, KC
Life Span12-15 Years
Ideal WeightMale: 31-44 pounds
Female: 26-42 pounds
Ideal HeightMale: 19-22 inches
Female: 18-21 inches
Fur TypeSmooth or rough double coat
Common ColorsBlack, Blue, Gold, Brindle, Red, Lilac,
Sable, White and Black, White and Red,
White and Blue
MarkingsTan Points, White markings, ticked
AvailabilityWidely Available
AchievementsCast in movies
Suitable for ApartmentsNo
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToCollie

The Border Collie is a medium-sized herding dog. They are an amazing working dog famous for their herding skills. Although Border is a medium-sized dog, they are extremely energetic and workaholic who likes to work all day. They should be provided with a lot of exercises to keep them occupied and healthy, otherwise, they will become destructive.

The Border is a great lifetime companion but only to an energetic, clever and entertaining owner. So, if you want to bring one home, you should be willing to play with him, exercise him a lot and spend most of the time with him.

Origin and History

Border Collie is a working farm dog, originated in border countries of Scotland and England. During the end of the Roman Empire, Viking raiders brought their dogs that were smaller, quicker, spitz-type herders, which they cross-bred with the larger Roman dogs to produce smaller, more agile sheep-herding dogs.

Border Collieee Herding Duck
Border Collie Herding Duck
Image Source: American Kennel Club

Border Collie was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995. They are ranked 38th among the 193 breeds registered by American Kennel Club.

Is Border Collie Child-Friendly?

Border Collie get along with child if raised with them from his young age. However, with their instinct to herd can cause him to chase, nip and bark at children. You should supervise them like with any dogs to avoid trouble from either of the parties.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuWWjNdnfZ1/
Border Collie Playing With a Baby

Behavior, Temperament and Personality

Border Collie has a friendly temperament and can get along with people very well. They have alert, smart, energetic and hardworking personality.

Border likes to remain busy, either with household chores or outdoors work. If they do not get any work to do, they become bored and starts becoming destructive and annoying. They will bark, dig the ground, start chasing vehicles or people. So, keep them busy to avoid any harmful behavior.

Trainability

Border Collie is quick at learning new things which is why they are easy to train. They are fast at catching commands and task given for them.

They sometimes try to be in charge of the situation. Start training them from their young age. Be gentle with them and train them in a soft but confident voice. Use a positive method of teaching like rewarding with treats, vocal praises and a soft pat on their back.

Facts

  • The Border Collie was featured in a movie named, ‘Babe’.
  • In the 19th century, Queen Victoria was very fond of Border Collie.
  • Border collies are considered the best herding breeds and also one of the intelligent among all the dogs breed.
  • The border has an intense gaze that helps him control livestock.
  • A Scottish Poet Laureate Robert Burns wrote a poem, “The Twa Dogs” for his pet dog Border Collie.
Border Collie Statue

Statue of Border Collie Standing by his master Robert Burns’ side.
Image Source: mom.me

Health Issues

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesAllergies, Collie Eye Anomaly,
Osteochondrosis Dissecans,
Progressive Retinal Atrophy,
Epilepsy, Hip Dysplasia, Deafness
HypoallergenicNo
Vaccination RequiredRabies, Canine Distemper, Kennel Cough,
Canine Parvovirus, Leptospirosis,
Canine Parainfluenza, Canine Coronavirus
SheddingModerate
DroolingLow
GroomingAverage
Weight Gain PotentialAverage
Separation AnxietyHigh Chance
AllergiesSkin Allergy
Diets and SupplementsProtein: 28%-30%
Fat: 10%-12%
Glucosamine
Probiotics
Antibodies

The Border Collie is generally healthy but they are prone to some health diseases in which most possible health issues are from hereditary. The average life span of Border is 12-15 years. Between these years, they might suffer from following canine diseases:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Epilepsy
  • Dental problem
  • Food and Skin Allergies

Coat and Colors

The Border Collie has a medium double coat. Their coat comes in two variety: rough and smooth.

They come in many different colors:-

  • Black with or without white,
  • red and white,
  • merle
  • solid color.

Puppies

Border Collie Playing with a Plant
Border Collie Playing with a flower.
Image Source: 4usky

Cost

The average cost for Border Collie is $600- $1000. However, you can get a Border in a much low price if you are willing to adopt. The cost includes only its caring expenses before adoption.

Size

The average height of the male Border Collie is 19-22 inches and the female Border Collie is18-21 inches. The weight of the male is 30-45 and the female is 27-42 pounds.

Dog Breeds Similar to Border Collie

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