Border Collie

What is a Border Collie?

Border Collie is a herding and working dog breed. This is a highly intelligent, extremely energetic, busy, acrobatic, eager to serve a purpose and athletics dog breed.

The word “collie” comes from a Scotch word that means “sheepdog.” The “Border Collie” was given to this breed because it thrived in the border region.

It can also make great search and rescue dogs. They are wonderful family dogs and very people-oriented. Border Collie is well suited as a companion or working dog.

Content Overview

• History
• Other’s name
• Characteristics
• Temperament
• Are Border Collies Good With you & your family?
• Appearance
• Coat and color
• Health & Problems
• How to take care
• Puppy information
• Puppy price
• Grooming needs
• Border Collie Mix breeds
• Things to consider adopting a Bordar Collies puppies
• Advantages & Disadvantages

History

Border Collies are used to herd livestock, particularly sheep, and are native to the Anglo-Scottish border region. Border Collies have existed since humans in Britain began employing dogs to guard and herd sheep.

The herding dog became one of the most precious commodities a shepherd could have in the border country between Scotland and England, and the best working dogs were bred with each other.

Depending on the terrain or the work necessary in each place, the type differed. Welsh Sheepdogs, Northern Sheepdogs, Highland Collies, and Scotch Collies were the names given to these herding dogs as they became associated with their respective locations.

The Border Collie’s title implies his Scottish ancestry. The word collie is originated from the Scottish dialect and refers to sheepdogs. Scotch Sheep Dogs were first presented in England in 1860, at the second dog show ever held in the country.

Queen Victoria spotted one of the dogs on a visit to Balmoral a short time later and became a fan of the breed. R.J. Lloyd Price is credited with starting sheepdog trials. For a presentation in 1876, he brought 100 wild Welsh sheep to London’s Alexandra Palace.

The astonishment of the viewers at the keenness of the dogs, whose only assistance from their handlers was in the form of hand signals and whistles, was documented in the Livestock Journal.

The Border Collie is now often regarded as the best sheepherding dog. Because of the breed’s excellent herding skills, many breeders recommend only breeding Border Collies to working, rather than conformation, standards. The American Kennel Club recognised the Border Collie on October 1, 1995.

Other’s name

• Old Hemp

Characteristics

Weight & Height

Breed basic Characteristics

Temperament

Border Collie is a tenacious dog breed, keen, alert, responsive, energetic, loyal, and athletic. In addition, they’re friendly, intelligent, and easily trainable. This lively, working dog guards their family and territory and makes a great watchdog.

These dogs can grow unhappy and destructive if they are confined without activity and company. They require extensive training as well as plenty of exercises. The Border Collie is a quick learner that responds well to praise. They require attention from their owners as well as a task to do.

It makes excellent running companions for energetic owners and enjoys spending more time outside. They’re frequently utilised as mountain rescue dogs or as sniffer dogs. In addition, it can produce loyal, obedient pets that thrive on company and stimulation.

Are Border Collies Good With you & your family?

Border collies are still employed as farm dogs today, but they’ve also become popular household pets. Because of their high energy level, they are a popular choice for a fun family pet. Border Collies make excellent family pets since they are people-oriented. In addition, the collie is a pleasant and good-natured dog.

It could be the ideal dog for a first-time dog owner. However, if they are not properly trained, exercised, and cared for, they have the potential to be some of the worst dogs.

Some Border Collies do not get along with other dogs or cats, while others do. Therefore, it could be an excellent companion for other Border Collies. They are the same age, have the same energy levels, and are the same size. As a result, they are ideal companions for one another.

The Border is a great watchdog and will let you know if the mail, a thief, or a squirrel is on the way. However, strangers can make her nervous, especially if they approach her family’s children.

Appearance

Body: Border Collie body is athletic, well-balanced, well-muscled, and energetic. They are medium sized dog breed.  Its body is slightly longer than it is tall.

Skull: It’s skull is fairly broad, occiput not pronounced.

Cheeks: It’s cheeks not full or rounded.

Muzzle: It’s muzzle is moderately short and strong and tapering to nose.

Nose: Nose black, except in brown or chocolate colour, in blues nose should be slate colour. It’s Nostrils is well developed.

Eyes: Their eyes is moderated size in size, set well apart, oval shaped, brown colour and blue color. Eye’s expression is keen, alert, mild, and intelligent.

Teeth: They have scissors bite.

Ears: Ear’s set well apart. Carried erect or semi-erect and sensitive in use. Ear’s are in medium size and texture.

Neck: It’s neck is good in length. Neck is strong and muscular, slightly arched and broadening to shoulders.

Expression: There expression is usually keen, alert, mild, and intelligent.

Tail: Tail is strong at the bottom. It may be raised in excitement, never carried over back.Tail is well furnished with an upward swirl towards the end.

Gait: Border Collie has Free, smooth and tireless gait,

Paws: There paws are arched and close together with deep pads.

Hind legs: It’s hind legs are well boned and parallel when viewed from the rear.

Front legs: It’s front legs are parallel when viewed from front.

Shoulder: It’s long shoulders.

Lips: Lips are black in color.

Coat and Color

Rough and smooth coats are available in this breed. Both coat kinds have two coats: a coarser outer coat and a softer undercoat.

Smooth varieties are shorter across, have a coarser texture than rough ones, and have little feathering. The rough variant has to feather on the legs, chest, and belly and is medium in length.

Black coats with a white blaze on the face, neck, feet, legs, and tail tip, with or without a tan, are the most common.

Health & Problems

1. Hip dysplasia

This is a condition that affects the hip joint. This can happen to any dog, regardless of size or breed. The hip is a ball and socket joint. The ball and socket do not fit or develop properly, and instead of sliding smoothly, they rub and grind.

It’s a highly painful condition for the dog, and it’s tough for people to notice. This causes the joint to deteriorate over time and eventually lose its function.

Symptoms:

• Difficulty during rising, jumping, running, or climbing stairs
• Decreased activity and range of motion
• Loss of thigh muscle mass
• Lameness in the hind end

2. Epilepsy

The most common neurological condition encountered in Border Collie dogs is epilepsy. The presence of recurring, spontaneous seizures as a result of a brain defect characterizes this condition.

This is a chronic disorder that causes seizures on a regularly . A seizure happens when the brain experiences abnormal electrical activity, causing sudden but brief changes in a dog’s behavior and/or movement.

Symptoms:

• Loss of consciousness
• Muscle twitching
• Collapsing
• Stiffening
• Jerking
• Drooling

3. Von Willebrand’s disease

VWD is a bleeding disorder that affects Border Collies. The condition is caused by a lack of protein required for blood clotting.

If left untreated, the illness can lead to severe bleeding and death in the worst-case scenario. Allowing blood platelets to stick together and close broken blood arteries is critical.

Symptoms:

• Excessive bleeding from a minor abrasion
• Pain
• Nausea
• Weakness

4. Hypothyroidism

The thyroid functions similarly to the body’s thermostat. The endocrine gland is located in your dog’s neck, where it generates the hormone thyroxine along with a variety of other thyroid hormones.

These hormones play a big role in your dog’s metabolism and can create many problems if they aren’t produced in the right quantities.

Symptoms:

• Increased dark pigmentation in the skin
• Dry, dull hair with excessive shedding
• Very thin to nearly bald hair coat
• Lack of desire to exercise

How to take care

Feeding Plan:

Feed a standard dog food composition to your Border Collie. Border Collies thrive on dog food recipes because they are medium-sized canines. Puppy food is required for Border Collie puppies.

Puppies require additional minerals like calcium, as well as a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. They also require approximately twice as many calories per pound of body weight as adults.

Your Border Collie puppy’s nutritional and caloric needs will fluctuate as she grows older. Your mature dog’s food will contain less protein and calcium, as well as fewer minerals and omega-3 fatty acids,  less fat too.

Start with the feeding suggestions on your kibble bag and adjust as needed for a healthy and energetic Collie.

How much water does a border collie need?

The amount of water they drink is determined by their amount of activity, size, age, and the weather. However, an average dog requires between 8.5 and 17 ounces of water per 10 55 to 110 millilitres per kilogramme of body weight per day.

Importants of Exercise

Border Collies are a high-energy breed of dog. They were bred to be working dogs; therefore, they desired to work and follow commands. Their dog needs five minutes of exercise twice a day for each month of age.

As a result, a 4-month-old puppy needs 20 minutes of activity twice a day. Early on, you can begin training your new puppy to exercise alongside you so that they can become lifetime training partners.

Take your puppy to a local dog park where they can mingle with other dogs and run about freely. Make certain that you do not take your dog to a public garden. Large fenced-in yards are ideal for sports such as fetch with your dog.

It would help if you took your dog on walks, runs, and bike rides. Keeping a close eye out to make sure your puppy isn’t being overexerted. Indoor facilities such as pet stores, gyms, and training centers allow dogs to play and exercise.

Dog fitness centers exist where trainers may assist your dog in learning new activities and commands. Border Collies require mental and physical stimulation to remain active.

Play a game of hide-and-seek. Your Border Collie puppy has a good sense of smell and will like games where they must find food or toys. The Border Collie enjoys playing fetch.

They like fetching and can play for hours with a ball or toy. Positive reinforcement, such as delivering a treat after a successful retrieval, can help your puppy learn to retrieve a ball or toy.

Make sure to utilize softer toys whenever possible. To play tug of war with your puppy, use a long, durable rope toy. Negative behaviors such as chewing on clothing can be encouraged by the tug of war.

Border collie as a swimmer

A Border collie can swim for ten to twenty minutes at a time. Swimming is a fantastic cardio exercise for your Border Collie dog. They spend far too much time in the water. It’s possible that you’ll have to teach them to swim.

You can take your puppy swimming at a dog-friendly location such as a beach or pond. Swimming is something they enjoy doing. A doggie life vest can be purchased to assist your puppy float when swimming.

Visiting the veterinarian on a regular basis

Once your Border Collie reaches adulthood, you should take them in for annual veterinary checkups. Vaccinate your dog as soon as possible. These are essential for their well-being. For information on needed vaccinations and the recommended ages to give them, consult your veterinarian.

Puppy information

Their puppies have big legs, bushy coats and are very energetic. They are a breed of dog that is very social and friendly. Puppies are small intelligent pups who are eager to learn new things and are full of curiosity.

Border collie puppies need a lot of space to run about in and mental stimulation, and a good challenge. Puppies enjoy action, physical activity, and having a sense of purpose in a young life.

Due to their drive and desire to please, as well as their extraordinary ability to focus, this is a working dog that is incredibly clever and maybe the most trainable canine breed. However, they must learn to be cheerful and active at all times.

Even under extreme heat, they appear to have difficulties remaining still. However, puppies get along well with youngsters and make excellent family pets.

The first step is to study the facts of this breed so that you can better understand your dog and learn how to teach him based on his age and background, including any behavioural issues or medical history. They will undoubtedly respond to techniques you teach them if you are consistent with your methods.

How to train Border collie Puppies?

Start with basic command

When they are three months old, begin training them. The first stage is to educate your dog to sit and wait for you to say “stand up.” Use the same word to describe the same action.

Once you’ve spoken it, you’ve established the behaviour. If you say it several times, she may expect you to repeat it each time you provide the command.

Hold the treat one inch in front of the dog’s nose to teach her to sit, for example. Next, move the treat slowly above her head. This action urges her to take a seat.

Once the dog has begun to learn, praise them. Then, continue to repeat the command until your dog understands what you want your dog to perform. Border collies are easily bored, so keep the training period short.

Crate training:

A crate can be used. Keep your puppy in a small area. When choosing a crate, make sure it’s the right size. It should be able to support your dog’s weight and allow him to turn around.

Maintain a spotless crate area. Take it out at least once every 1 to 2 hours to use the restroom.

Put your dog back in the confined environment if he doesn’t go to the potty when you take him outdoors, and try again after 30 minutes. Praise the dog and give her a treat after she finishes going to the lavatory.

Socialization:

You will find it difficult to control your dog when he interacts with people and other dogs if you do not socialize with him. The more socializing make him, the less aggressive and less active.

He must learn how to interact with people and other canines. A Border collie Socializing will make them into stable, polite, and fearless adults.

Leading them with confidence and quality is the simplest method to discipline them. Bring your dog into the yard or to the dog’s garden for 40 to 50 minutes.

Stop Barking:

Border Collies are a breed of dog that barks a lot. They will bark at anything that moves fast, such as bikes, skateboards, and similar items. Strangers are also welcomed by barking. When they are bored, they will bark. Give your dog the command “stop”. Wait for your dog to stop barking patiently. Praise him and give him a treat when he eventually comes to a halt. Repeating this process with your dog to help him connect the command to the activity and the reward. While they’re barking, ignore them. Instead, make sure to engage in a variety of mind-stimulating activities.

Potty training:

It will take him at least a week or more to figure out what you mean when you say “Go Potty.” So make sure you use a phrase that is easy to remember and not something random that you might forget.

After a few weeks of continuously repeating this sentence to your dog, he will begin to understand what it means. Keep him there for a quarter-hour or until he goes potty, whichever happens first.

Make sure they have their outdoor toilet. If he goes potty, be sure to praise him and give him a yummy treat. The best technique is to use it first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

Keep standing in this spot until your dog has finished urinating. Praise and reward treat.

Puppy price

Border Collie puppy price is average $800 – $1500.

Grooming needs

Shedding

They’re double-coated. Border collies have a moderate quantity of shedding. Brushing your dog two to three times a week to remove dead hair is usually enough to keep shedding at bay. Your dog’s coat will entirely blow out in the spring and fall to prepare for the new season.

Brushing

Brushing Border Collies three times a week is recommended to keep their coats healthy and remove any obvious dirt or mats. In addition, this dog breed will profit from a slicker brush.

Brushing their teeth refreshes and makes them joyful. A mat rake can be used to remove mats. By removing the matts from the coat, the brushing procedure becomes easier.

Use a detangling spray that can loosen matts. If the matts are too large to comb through, use the scissors to chop them out.

To remove stray hair and give the dog a smooth, polished appearance, comb the dog with a fine-tooth comb.

Bathing

The Border Collie does not require a lot of bathing. Every three to four months, bathe them. The undercoat is dense and requires a good soak.

Place the Border Collie in a tub or a shower and thoroughly moisten their hair coat. Warm water should always be used. Cotton balls should be placed in the ear of a Border Collie dog breed.

While using the shampoo, be sure that the cleaner does not get into the eyes of your Border Collie, since this might injure them and create eye irritation.

Because there are so many areas for dirt to hide in their dense undercoats, give them a nice massage to work the shampoo deep into their undercoats.

Using a soft, clean towel, pat dry. Never rub the dog’s hair since it tangles and makes the Border Collie’s hair frizzy.

Nail clipping, Ear cleaning, & Teeth cleaning

Once a month, clip your dog’s nails. Always use a normal nail clipper and take your time when trimming your nails. You might also want to get a doggie nail file to smooth down rough edges and a canine blood clotting treatment in case you cut the quick.

Once every two weeks, examine your Border Collie’s ear. If you find wax on the surface, wipe it away with a clean, damp cloth.

They should brush their teeth at least twice a week. Use a toothbrush with gentle bristles and dog toothpaste. Pay specific attention to their rear teeth, which are prone to plaque buildup.

Border collies Mix Breeds

• Border Aussies or Aussie Collies = Border Collie + Australian Shepherd mix
• Golden Collies = Border Collie + Golden Retriever mix
• Shollie = Border Collie + German Shepherd mix
• Border Husky = Border Collie + Husky mix
• Border Beagle = Border Collie + Beagle mix
• Bordoodle = Border Collie + Poodle mix
• Border Heeler = Border Collie + Heeler mix
• Borabor = Border Collie + Labrador mix
• Border Bull = Border Collie + Pitbull mix
• Borgi = Border Collie + Corgi mix

Things to consider adopting a Border collies puppies

• Adopting a dog implies a major amount of responsibility. It is a decision that should be made with care. It would be helpful if you discovered a puppy.
• Inquire with the breeder about the breed’s history and why one puppy is considered pet quality. Another, on the other hand, isn’t talking about how health issues affect the breed and, as a result, what steps she’s taking to avoid them.
• Never buy a puppy from someone who is irresponsible and lacks intelligence.
• Keep an eye on the puppies’ health and condition. Examine the stockman’s knowledge of the breed by asking them some questions about it.
• They must be exercised and groomed on a regular basis. If you don’t have time to train, socialise, and exercise on a regular basis, you should not adopt this dog.
• Border Collies have a lot of energy and are very intelligent.
• They require a high-protein diet.
• Bordar Collies must be socialised from an early age.
• They require constant attention and exercise on a regular basis.
• Because of their medium length coat, Bordar Collie require a lot of grooming.
• They are fantastic with families and children. Bordar Collies are unquestionably a breed that should be kept indoors with their owners.
• Because they bark a lot, stop-barking training is extremely important.
• Maintain a calm demeanour around them. Tell your friend or family member to be kind to them.

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages:

• This is the most trainable dog in the dog kingdom
• They are highly intelligent
• It is an Excellent pet
• They have a long lifespan

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