Border Collie Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Border Collie?

The original working farm dog, Border Collies originated from the border area between England and Scotland. Farmers needed sheepdogs for this very hilly area, so they bred their own varieties of herding dogs to get the job done.

Because Border Collies were herding livestock alone, they were forced to think for themselves and they had to be able to run up to 50 miles each day in the hilly countryside.

At the royal Balmoral Castle, Queen Victoria soon fell in love with a Border Collie, which is when the difference between the original Collie and today's Border Collie began to happen. Not long after that, sheepdog herding trials started in 1876 when Welsh sheep were taken to London for demonstrations.

Who are Border Collie dogs best for?

As amazing as Collies are, it takes a specific type of owner to be able to give the breed what it needs - lots of exercise! This is not a cuddly dog that's happy to curl up on the couch all day. He wants and needs a job to do.

Keeping up with a Border Collie can be exhausting. Their incredible physical and mental stamina is unreal and if you and your family are looking for a laid-back pet, a Border Collie, sadly, isn't right for you.

However, if you are very active and have the time and energy to dedicate a few hours a day to satisfy your Collie's working needs, you could be the perfect match!

How much grooming does a Border Collie need?

A Border Collie boasts a double coat that can be one of two types. The first is smooth and short, often with some feathering on their front legs. The other, called a rough coat, is a medium to long length with either flat or slighting wavy fur.

Whichever one your Collie has, be prepared to brush him twice a week to get rid of dead hair and keep any moulting to a minimum. Apart from that, it's just a case of keeping his ears clean and dry and a bath may be necessary if he decides to do some vigorous rolling in the mud!

Active Collies will naturally wear their nails down most of the time, but be sure to check them every week in case they need a manual trim. You should also brush his teeth regularly to keep them in good health and to give him fresh breath.

Read more about Border Collie Grooming tips.

Do Border Collie bark much?

Borders are known for being very vocal, they have a voice and know how to use it! They will quite often bark whenever they want your attention, for example, if they're bored, hungry, lonely, or just plain excited.

Like many other dogs that were bred to herd sheep, Collies are highly expressive and astute dogs. They are known for barking a lot because their job as a herder involved plenty of barking. Luckily, the breed's high intelligence levels mean that your Collie can easily be trained to not bark as much.

Do Border Collie bite?

Like all dog breeds, a poorly trained Border Collie has the potential to bite. Puppies are notorious for being mouthy and nippy, but as long as it's not encouraged, it shouldn't turn into a biting habit.

Early socialisation, training, and plenty of mental stimulation will ensure your Border pup grows into a well-mannered adult. If you have young children, they must be taught how to handle the dog properly, and they should never be left alone with the dog.

What is the temperament & personality of a Border Collie?

The Border Collie temperament is very exuberant and active! He will herd anything - you, your kids playing in the garden, chickens, or even a bag of shopping you've just dropped!

Be aware that he also might try to chase after bikes or cars, so it's strongly recommended to keep him on the lead if you're by a road. Your Collie will form a very strong bond with his family and he'll want to be with you all the time.

What is the weight & size of a Border Collie?

The Border Collie is a medium-sized herder and typically males are slightly bigger than females, however, the difference is quite small.

Males usually stand at 19-22 inches in height and weigh approximately 35 to 45 pounds. Females usually stand between 18 to 21 inches and weigh 30 to 40 pounds.

How much training does a Border Collie need?

Socialising Border Collie puppies from an early age is very important. Positive exposure to a broad variety of situations, people, and other dogs will help your Collie grow into a well-adjusted adult dog.

Early obedience training that carries on throughout your Collie's life will ensure he's happy and given all the mental stimulation he needs. Borders are very intelligent and highly trainable superstars at dog sports such as agility, herding, and obedience events.

Because of their herding instinct, they do better in homes with older children who are well-behaved. Although they love their families, they may be quite reserved and wary of strangers.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Border Collie?

Because the Border Collie is a hardy breed, they're generally very healthy dogs with very few genetic conditions. That said, all responsible breeders will screen their breeding dogs for potential health issues such as:

• Hip dysplasia

• Collie eye anomaly

• Epilepsy

• Trapped neutrophil syndrome

Your Collie's ears should also be regularly checked for any signs of infection and he should have a regular teeth cleaning routine.

What is the lifespan of a Border Collie?

Collies typically have a lifespan of 10-15 years, but a healthy dog could live up to 17. Since many health problems that Collies can get are hereditary, be sure to look at the medical history of his parents and grandparents. This is a good way to prolong your furry best friends life.

If you can do this, it's a surefire sign that you're dealing with a responsible, ethical breeder. If you decide to go to a Border Collie rescue centre, be sure to ask about the dog's history.

How much should you feed a Border Collie?

Your Collie's diet will depend on his age, but he should be fed a balanced, complete diet to keep him in great condition.

Always speak to your vet for advice on how much your Collie should be fed. It's usually recommended to feed him commercially available, high-quality, and complete dog food.

It's a good idea to split your Collie's daily food allowance into two meals. Thanks to their high energy levels and love of exercise, it's very easy to prevent excessive weight gain in Collies.

What is the price of a Border Collie in Australia?

For a Collie bred to be a family pet, you can expect to pay around $600 in Australia. However, show-quality, purebred dogs that have breeding rights, papers, and superior bloodlines can be expected to cost anywhere from $1500 to $4500.