As long as it gets enough activity to keep it occupied and ample exercise, the Border Collie will get along with other dogs and children. However, they may not get along with small non-canine pets. The Border Collie needs socialization, consistent leadership, extensive daily exercise, and a job to occupy their minds.
Training
Being one of the hardest working breeds, the Border Collie is aware of its surroundings and able to be trained to a high degree. With these traits, it is one of the leading breeds in competitive dog sports: excelling in agility, obedience, sheepdog trials, and frisbee. This breed can also be sensitive and should be well socialized as a puppy to prevent shyness or anti-social behavioral issues as it grows up. It also has a strong herding instinct and may try to herd children and strangers and should be trained not to do this.
Exercise
When not challenged enough or not receiving sufficient daily mental and physical exercise, the Border Collie will become bored and exhibit destructive behavior. It should also not be left alone for too long with nothing to do if it has not been exercised enough because it may start using its escape artist talents, among other behavior problems.
Grooming
The Border Collie can come in two coat varieties: rough or smooth. In words of the AKC, “The rough coat is medium-length and feathered, while the smooth coat is shorter and coarser. Both are dense, weather-resistant double coats.” The grooming is the same for both, however, in that going over it with a pin brush once or twice a week (or more often if necessary) to keep the coat free of matting, tangles, and debris is good. However, during shedding season, brush its coat daily. As with all dogs, be sure the keep their nails trimmed as well.
Origin
Originating in Northumberland near the borders of England and Scotland, the Border Collie was originally called the “Scotch Sheep Dog” and believed to be a descendant from dogs used by Vikings to herd reindeer, the old British droving breeds, and with spaniel added.
Known as a “workaholic” for its sheer drive and love of working, the Border Collie is one of the most trainable breeds and also serves as a narcotics and bomb detection dog and is a frequent high performer in obedience, agility, police work, search and rescue, performing tricks, and competitive obedience.
Clubs, Registries & Associations
(Based on breed recognition. See store for details on a puppy.)
- The American Canine Association, Inc.
- The American Canine Registry
- American Kennel Club
- American Pet Registry, Inc.
- Continental Kennel Club
- Dog Registry of America, Inc.
- North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
- National Kennel Club
- United Kennel Club
Additional Information
Group: Herding
Average Weight: 30-55 lbs.
Personality Traits: Energetic, intelligent, affectionate
Country of Origin: England and Scotland
Coat: Long
Check out the Border Collie puppies for sale we currently have in our stores. If there are none here, please contact us and we’ll be in touch.
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This article has been reviewed by Animal Kingdom’s expert team to ensure accuracy and reliable pet care guidance.
