Border Collie Breed Information

Border Collie

Weight:

Dogs 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg.), Bitches 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg.)

Height:

Dogs 19-22 inches (48-56 cm.), Bitches 18-21 inches (46-53 cm.)

Color:

black, blue merle, and sable, marked with varying amounts of white and/or tan

Temperament:

Border Collies are an extremely intelligent breed with an instinctive desire to work. They are also extremely energetic and require a lot of attention, but are very responsive to training. In many cases, having another dog can help, providing mental and physical stimulation for both dogs. Like most herding breeds, they will attempt to herd family members, cats, squirrels, bicycles, cars, or anything else that moves in the absence of other charges. This might even include birds in mid-air.

Grooming:

Weekly brushing of the coat should keep it in good condition. Seasonal shedding is normal. Whiskers are not trimmed.

Training:

If you are not a precise sort of trainer (most people aren't), then trying to train an intelligent Border Collie can be a frustrating task. Yes, they can pick up commands on two or three tries but they are also very perceptive and are constantly thinking. If, in teaching your dog to sit, you raise your right hand and say "Sit", the dog may pick that up the first time through. However, if the next time you repeat the command, you raise your arm at a different angle and use a slightly lower tone of voice or a different pace, a Border Collie will often pick up the subtle distinction and think that you are using an entirely new command. Training a Border Collie can be like trying to teach a nerdy child that likes to overanalyze everything - it can be frustrating and an exhaustive exercise in patience.

Exercise:

Border Collies need more than the usual 30 minutes of free galloping and long daily walks. Dog performance activities such as herding, agility, obedience, tracking, and flyball can help provide the physical and mental exercise a Border Collie requires.

Life Expectancy:

around 14-16 years

Litter Size:

average 8 puppies

Country of origin:

Scotland

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