Key Characteristics of the Border Collie Breed

The origins of the Border Collie dog breed are very old, in fact traces of its existence can already be found in 16th century treatises. It was towards the end of the 18th century, when sheep-farming spread to larger and larger areas south of Scotland, that the need arose for a dog with the characteristics of the Border Collie, a dog that could control flocks of sheep.

And it is precisely on the border between Scotland and Great Britain that the origins of this dog can be found. The first part of the name ‘Border’ means border.

As for the second part of the name, ‘Collie’, its origins are very controversial. According to some, it derives from ‘coleius’ (faithful, in Welsh), according to others from ‘coley’ (black), and finally, according to a third hypothesis, from ‘colley’, a breed of Scottish sheep. In any case, this dog was selected as a working dog, to guard sheep, but also other types of flocks or herds.

Today they are also used in other activities not related to field life, but of a playful nature, such as dog agility and flyball, or in important contexts such as rescue and anti-drug, bomb and search missions. It is also a good guide dog for the blind.

This dog is still used today in flocks to control sheep. Indeed, nowadays the border collie can be considered the world's emblem of the sheepdog, both in sheepdog practice and in actual herding, it is the most widely used breed, due to its intelligence, obedience and quickness of movement.

There are two schools of thought for its breeding, one focusing on its aesthetic appearance, the other focusing mainly on its working activities. In fact, there are often phenotypic differences between the show dog and the working dog.

Character of the Border Collie dog breed

Border Collies are very docile dogs, inclined to form a very close bond with their owner and his family. Smart, alert, very sweet and good especially with children.

It is one of the most intelligent dogs in the world but risks becoming aggressive if not given the chance to let off steam outdoors. This is why he is best suited to life in the country, where he can work; in fact, this breed would need to keep busy all the time. It is not very well suited to living in a flat.

Because of its herding instinct, it is protective of its family and territory and is an excellent guard dog. It is easy to train because it immediately understands what is asked of it, so it is also suitable for those who are new to dogs, but it needs a great deal of attention from its owner, who must try to engage it very often, even if only by fetching a ball.

He needs a lot of movement and mental stimulation as well. In fact, according to research carried out by psychologists, it seems that his brain is as developed as that of a two-year-old child, and that he can memorise over 1,000 words in three years.

One must also consider that he is very smart and cunning, loves and protects what he holds most dear, be it a herd or a family. In obedience or agility competitions he is unrivalled. Its great energy, if not channelled in the right way, can be vented with the classic damage done in the home and it is also led to this by loneliness; it is not a dog that can be left alone for several hours a day.

This dog can set itself up as dominant and be unsociable towards other dogs, which is why it must be accustomed to their presence from puppyhood with good socialisation, which must begin very early. In this way it can also get along well with cats and other animals in the home.

If socialised from an early age he has no problems with strangers, unless he perceives danger, usually welcomes strangers with a wagging tail and above all is never aggressive.

Appearance of the Border Collie dog breed

The Border Collie is a medium-sized dog; males are about 55 cm tall and weigh between 20 and 25 kg. Usually the females are shorter and weigh less. It is very well-proportioned and has an athletic and harmonious appearance, looking very much like a less heavy Australian shepherd dog.

It is an agile and fast dog and also very resistant, its morphology is that of the wolfhounds. The body is slightly longer than high, the tail moderately long, attached low, well furnished with hairs, (usually longer than on the rest of the body), ending curved upwards. In action it can rise, but is never carried on its back.

The head has a broad skull and a strong muzzle, the ears are erect with the tip falling forward, the eyes are medium-sized, oval-shaped and can be of various colours depending on the coat, usually dark brown, but also hazel, amber and even blue.

The coat is short or semi-long, or even long and smooth, in any case dense and soft-textured. The colours are varied: black and white, red and white, black and grey, single-colour black and tricolour. It has a compact and dense undercoat.

Care and health of the Border Collie dog breed

The Border Collie is a very robust breed and generally has few health problems. The most frequently encountered diseases are eye diseases, dysplasia and epilepsy. It has a life expectancy of about 14 years.

Like all dogs that have a very active temperament, the Border Collie tends to put on weight if it does not get the necessary exercise or has a very sedentary life. It must eat healthily and in a way that is balanced to its size and lifestyle.

As for the care of the coat, it is easy to maintain as long as it is brushed a couple of times a week, and more so with the long-haired ones where the coat tends to tangle a little, you have to do a little more.