Border Collie

Border Collie Dog Picture
Photo ©2005 Zeo & Big Paws Only

Standard Border Collie Characteristics

About the Border Collie Dog

The Border Collie was originally created in Great Britain to be used as a herding dog.

Today, this dog is used as both a companion dog and herding dog.

The Border Collie Temperment and Intelligence

Border Collies are great family dogs who love to play and work. They are a breed whose work is never done and so they tend to herd everything they can- including family members. Never tiring, this energetic breed learns quickly and obeys very well. They are kind towards those they know and are reserved around strangers. Because of their energy, they will chase anything that moves past them. This breed is known to get into trouble when left alone for too long and they are great at escaping from enclosed yards.

Border Collie Characteristics

The Border Collie has a flat skull which houses oval shaped eyes which are set far apart and medium sized ears that are carried up most of the time. Their muzzle is long and tapers from the skull. They are a very athletic dog, so their body has a broad chest with very muscular legs and thighs. Their tail is carried low except when they are working. They have oval shaped paws with well arched toes. This breed comes in two different coat types- rough or smooth. The rough type has a double coat that is somewhat wavy while the smooth kind is made up of short hair throughout. The most common colors are any! This breed can come in a solid, bi-color, tri-color, merle or sable.

Border Collie Health Concerns

This breed is prone to allergies, epilepsy and dysplasia.

Choosing a Border Collie

Border Collies thrive in an environment where they can run and work on a regular basis. They prefer a ranch or farm where they can move about without confinement.

More Information on the Border Collie

You can also browse the forums for more information by owners of this wonderful breed. See the following:

Discuss the Border Collie Here
View Border Collie Pictures in the Forum Here