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Border Collie
- Highly intelligent and lively
- Learns quickly
- Extremely loyal and devoted to his master
- Average height and weight: 53cm; 20kg
- Average life-span: 12 years
Sometimes chosen for the beauty of his coat or the mysterious attraction of the look in his eyes, the Border Collie is above all a country animal, a worker of the flocks, a dog of the wide, open spaces. His obvious robustness and vitality do not suit life in a town.
He is a working dog who loves his job - herding sheep - and has an unfailing loyalty towards his master. If used as a companion dog he will need lots of exercise and stimulation and will excel in activities like agility and fly-ball. He cannot be left alone in a confined space for long and will be happiest in a rural habitat.
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- Originated in England, Scotland and Wales
- Ancestors go back as far as the 10th century
- Used for herding duties
- 98% of sheep farms use this type of dog today
- Can be responsible for flocks numbering 5-6,000 animals
In the 10th century, the Border Collie ancestors in England, Scotland and Wales already provided herding duties. This was a time when the wolf was gradually disappearing and was no longer a direct threat to domestic animals. So the Sheepdog acquired his reputation. Talented, tenacious and equipped with a terrific sense of smell, the future Border Collie threw himself completely into his task and built a reputation of steel.
Around 1790 fresh mutton and lamb became the favourite meat of the English. The Collie therefore became indispensable for working the flocks and herds that, at this time, were worth their weight in gold.
The Border Collie also brings happiness to Australian and New Zealand breeders, responsible for flocks numbering 5-6,000 animals, and spread over thousands of hectares.
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Border Collies:
- Show him that he is loved and trusted
- Training is essential
- Channel his energy
- Long country walks essential
- Will become destructive if not stimulated both mentally and physically
Nowadays the Border Collie can be perfectly suited to a life of leisure, so long as he is not restricted to a life in the town. He will miss his flocks and the Scottish moors so will look to his master for entertainment. Games, affection, long, energetic walks, training, agility - and responsibility for a large property - will prevent the Border Collie from wasting away, both physically and mentally and becoming destructive.
You must encourage your dog both with your hands and your voice. Stroke him, have close contact with him and in this way you will constantly strengthen the bond between you.
The Collie is unfailingly healthy but needs a brush every day to untangle the many knots in his coat. Keep an eye on the cleanliness of his undercoat, which sometimes houses parasites.
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