The Border Collie is known for its speed and agility. Among dogs, it is considered a great sporting animal. Even though it is a classic herding dog, the Collie is also becoming increasingly popular as a family dog - not least because of its famous appearances as Lassie in the TV show of the same name. However, the Collie also longs for meaningful activities and tasks in a family context.
Content: Border Collie
- profile
- Special features
- Nutrition
- Health and care
- The right accessories
- Origin & History
- Conclusion
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Border Collie - Profile
- Character: Intelligent, active, affectionate, friendly, agile
- Size: Medium
- Height: Approx. 48-53 cm
- Weight: 12-20 kg
- Life expectancy: 12-16 years
- Coat type: Long hair, stock hair or medium length with mane, plume and breeches
- Colors: Variety is allowed, white never predominates, mostly black and white or brown and white
- Special features: Strong herding instinct, very active, likes to be in mud and water
- FCI Group: Shepherd Dogs – Cattle Dogs
Border Collie - Special Characteristics
The Border Collie is a true picture book dog. It is usually black and white or brown and white, but can also be tri-colored. A predominantly white Collie is not recognized as such by the FCI . The coat is either long or stocky and has a very dense and soft undercoat that protects the Collie from wind and weather.
Its temperament is widely known even among laypeople. The four-legged friend, classified by the FCI as a sheepdog, is a dog that you can work with and that wants to be kept busy. This extremely intelligent breed is made up of animals that combine a high level of willingness to work with a high level of comprehension. As an owner, you should tire out the Collie every day and teach him to take breaks.
The Collie is an excellent family pet that proves to be very sensitive, affectionate and attentive. He loves praise and rewards and is therefore extremely easy to train. Nevertheless, as an owner, you should develop a sensitive strictness with your dog.
When working, the Border Collie does not bark at the sheep, but rather fixes its eyes on them and thus has the animals firmly under control. Among the sheepdogs, it is one of the strongest runner breeds. The Collie's preference for water and mud is certainly particularly special.
Border Collie - What should you consider when feeding them?
The Border Collie has no special requirements for its food. Of course, a little friend is happy with high-quality food without unnecessary additives. You can also give the Collie a meaty beef bone or fresh meat. The amount of food should be adjusted to the size, activity and age of the dog. Even if the Collie does not tend to be overweight, overfeeding and the resulting obesity can damage the body and skeleton. Food with too high a proportion of carbohydrates, sugar or grains should be avoided at all costs. The dog can develop kidney problems if fed incorrectly. As always, the better the quality of the food, the longer the life expectancy and the lower the likelihood of serious illness. The Collie can also be given fresh vegetables or buffalo hide treats as a reward. A balanced and nutrient-rich diet is important.
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Border Collie - Health and Care
No matter what type of coat your Collie has, the dog must be combed regularly. You should make sure that there are no matted furs. If knots appear in the fur, you can carefully remove them with a metal comb. Of course, your little friend's teeth, eyes, ears and claws should be checked regularly and thoroughly groomed if necessary. The Border Collie is a very robust dog. However, there are some eye diseases that are spread through overbreeding, such as CEA and glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Hereditary epilepsy can also occur. Therefore, you should make sure that both parents are proven to be free of these diseases. Animals with blue tones in their fur and eyes should be avoided, as they have a genetic defect that can also lead to deafness. As always, it is important to buy from a certified and reputable breeder who you have a good feeling about.
Border Collie - The right accessories
The most important tools for grooming a Border Collie are a sturdy brush for medium-length fur and tick tweezers. A claw cutter, a plucking brush and a trimmer are also part of the basic equipment. The most important thing, however, is that your Collie is kept busy. For example, you can give the dog herding tasks for small animals such as rabbits or chickens and use a dog whistle for this purpose. Frisbees and balls in particular are an ideal way to satisfy the German Shepherd's strong need for exercise. You can teach the dogs many tricks and stunts. Border Collies face every challenge with a lot of enthusiasm and zeal. Also look specifically for strategy and logic games for dogs. If you can't go out into the fresh air, you can keep your dog busy with these games for a short time. With an agility set you can also set up a dog course and challenge the dog that way. If necessary, visit a dog school nearby.
Border Collie - Origin & History
The Border Collie comes from the hilly north of England on the border with Scotland. Its name goes back to this border (=Border). Sheepdogs in England were called Collie until the early 20th century. Since there have long been no natural enemies of sheep in the British Isles, the Collie has specialized entirely in herding and driving sheep. It is used to herding large flocks of sheep in grassy valleys and hills. There it had to be able to communicate with the shepherd over long distances and carry out instructions precisely. The line of Collies goes back to the Border Collie ancestor "Old Hemp", who left behind a number of descendants in the late 19th century who regularly won prizes in English herding dog competitions. In the 1970s the Collie came to mainland Europe and became popular as a herding and family dog.
The Border Collie is a very telegenic animal and has made numerous well-known television appearances. In 1999, the German Collie Rico appeared on "Wetten, dass...?" and was able to tell 77 toys apart and retrieve them on command. Over the years, his owner is said to have expanded the list of terms to 250 words. The pretty Border Collie also became known on American television, for example in the TV series "Lassie" or in the films "Babe", "Snowdogs" and numerous other productions. Another fun fact: the Border Collie holds the world record for the fastest time a dog can open a car window.
Conclusion
The Border Collie is an intelligent, active and affectionate dog that makes a great herding dog and family pet. Its high need for exercise and willingness to learn require an active and committed attitude. Regular grooming and a balanced diet are essential to maintaining its health. The Border Collie needs meaningful tasks and plenty of physical and mental stimulation to be happy. With its remarkable history and impressive skills, the Border Collie is a wonderful companion for experienced dog owners who can meet its needs.
