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Use: The Border Collie dog breed is often considered the finest sheepherding dog in the world. It has strong herding instincts and can often work independently.
History: The Border Collie dog breed was originally called the “Scotch Sheep Dog” and originated in Northumberland, along the borders of Scotland and England. It is a descendant from dogs used by the Vikings to herd reindeer, the old British droving breeds, with spaniel breeds added. Border Collies are known for using their eyes when herding and using an intense stare to control the sheep. Many farmers have bred these high-energy dogs to use as farm hands.
Conformation: The Border Collie dog breed’s coat most often is black with white blaze on the face, neck, feet, legs and tail tip, with or without tan points; may be any bi-color, tri-color, merle or solid color except white. The coat is a soft, dense, weather-resistant double coat of two types: rough (medium-to-long with flat or wavy texture) or smooth (short over the entire body). Both genders can measure 18 to 22 inches in height at the shoulder. A male’s weight ranges 30 to 45 pounds and a female’s weight ranges from 27 to 42 pounds.
Special Considerations/Notes: The Border Collie dog breed is intelligent, energetic and hard working. The breed’s life expectancy is about 12 to 15 years. The Border Collie dog needs regular brushing to keep the coat clean and to control shedding hair. Bathe it only when necessary, as the soap could remove the natural oils in its weather-resistant coat.
