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Border Collie Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Border Collie so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank38
Reviews13
User Ratings
Compare the Border Collie With Other Dogs
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Border Collie dog profile picture
OriginEngland flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales
Other Names
What other names does the Border Collie have?
SheepdogScotch Sheep Dog
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred The Border Collie is considered a purebred dog breed, but many mixes and hybrids have been created from this breed. We have compiled a list of Border Collie Mixes.

Photo Gallery of the Border Collie Breed

Border Collie Size and Weight

Size
Is a Border Collie small, medium or large dog?

How big do Border Collie get?

What is the average size of a Border Collie?

Large
Weight
How much does the Border Collie weigh? How much should a Border Collie weight? What is the normal weight of a Border Collie? How much does a full-grown Border Collie weight?
Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Border Collie?
Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Border Collie? Border Collie height:
Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Border Collie?
Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)

Border Collie Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Border Collie puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Border Collie in the United States? How much money is a Border Collie?

Where to buy a Border Collie with a good pedigree?

$600-$800
If you choose to purchase the Border Collie, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Border Collie for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Border Collie gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Border Collie? How many Border Collie are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Border Collie Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Border Collie? Is the Border Collie breed dumb or smart?
Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds. They desire to learn tricks and commands often. The limit is your creativity. They understand and memorize new commands in fewer than 5 repetitions. This breed obeys the first command 95% of the time or better.

The Border Collie is one of the best breeds in the dog intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Border Collie dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Border Collie?
Border Collie dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Border Collie good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Border Collie dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Border Collie dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Border Collie can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Border Collie will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Border Collie Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Border Collie have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
EnergeticProtectiveAlertIntelligentResponsiveLoyalTenacious
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Border Collie sensitivity:
Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Border Collie a good family dog?
High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Sheepdog need? Border Collie social needs:
Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Border Collie to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Border Collie roam?
Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Border Collie have high prey drive?
Border Collie dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Border Collie Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Border Collie is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Border Collie dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Sheepdog bark?
Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Border Collie good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Border Collie in an apartment?
It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home. It does best in the garden, but if you do want to keep it indoors, it should be exercised thoroughly with long daily walks, so you can keep the Border Collie indoors by introducing daily routines.

Border Collie Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Border Collie be left alone? How long can you leave a Border Collie alone?
Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Border Collie Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Border Collie has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Border Collie? How much bite force does a Border Collie have? How strong is a Border Collie bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Border Collie measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Border Collie is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Border Collie bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Border Collie bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Border Collie puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Border Collie, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Border Collie bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Border Collie can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Border Collie bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Sheepdog? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Border Collie? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Border Collie do?
Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Border Collie dogs need to be taught a good attitude. We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds.

Border Collie Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Border Collie dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Border Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Border Collie breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Border Collie breed? Most common health risks of Border Collie:
Hip Dysplasia AllergiesProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)EpilepsyCollie Eye AnomalyOsteochondrosis Dissecans
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Border Collie breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Border Collie see the vet?
Average
The Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Border Collie dogs live? How old can a Border Collie be? What is the age limit of the Border Collie? How many years can the oldest Border Collie live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Border Collie?

How long is the lifespan of a Border Collie?

11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Border Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.

Border Collie Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Border Collie have? What is the activity level of the Border Collie?
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Elképesztő energiával és munkabírással rendelkezik. Képes naponta akár 80 km-t is lefutni.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Border Collie need? How much exercise do Border Collie dogs require per day?

Do Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises?

Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Border Collie breed need?
Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

Border Collie Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Border Collie need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Border Collie breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Border Collie? How much food should I feed my Border Collie?
1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Border Collie risk for obesity:
Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Border Collie weight regularly.

Border Collie Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Border Collie have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
DenseFeatheredStraightShortModerately Long
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Border Collie coats?
BlackTan Red Sable Brindle LilacGold Seal White & RedSlateSable Merle Black & White Tricolor Blue merleBlue merle-tricolorSlate merleRed merleSaddleback SableWhite & BlueWhite & Blue MerleWhite & Red MerleWhite TickedWhite & GoldWhite & SableWhite & Seal
Grooming
How to groom the Border Collie and how often? How often should I take my Border Collie to the groomer?
Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Border Collie, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Shedding Level
How much do Border Collie dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Sheepdog? Do Border Collie dogs shed a lot?
Border Collie dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Border Collie need a bath? How often should you give a Border Collie a bath? Can I bathe my Border Collie every day?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Border Collie breed hypoallergenic?
No
Border Collie dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Border Collie drool?
The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Border Collie could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Border Collie.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Border Collie Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Border Collie dogs get along with other pets? Are Border Collie dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Border Collie temperament with other people:
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Border Collie dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Border Collie temperament with children:
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Border Collie dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Border Collie breed live with a cat?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Border Collie good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Border Collie dogs get along with other dogs?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Border Collie breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Border Collie breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Border Collie dogs good office canines? Do Border Collie dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Border Collie is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Border Collie dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Sheepdog temperament with senior people? Are Border Collie dogs good for elderly owners?
Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Border Collie As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Border Collie be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Border Collie breed is a good choice for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Border Collie be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Border Collie be an emotional support animal?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Border Collie breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Border Collie be a sniffer dog?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Border Collie breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Border Collie be a search and rescue dog?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

The Border Collie breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Border Collie be a boat dog?

Not really

Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Border Collie be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Border Collie is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Border Collie dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Border Collie Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Border Collie pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Border Collie breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Border Collie: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Border Collie have in a litter? How many puppies can the Border Collie breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Border Collie have? How many puppies can a Border Collie give birth to?
4-8 puppies

Border Collie Recognition

AKC Group
Is Border Collie recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Is Border Collie recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Border Collie breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Australian National Kennel CouncilContinental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubUnited Kennel ClubThe American Int. Border Collie RegistryThe American Border Collie Association

Border Collie Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds.
  • Trainability: Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Ability: Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Adaptability: Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Service Dog: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Therapy Dog: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search and Rescue Dog (SAR): This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Border Collie dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.
  • Mouthiness: Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Office Friendly: Border Collie is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Border Collie History

The Border Collie is one of the best and most popular herding breeds, crouching, creeping, and then erupting into a focused burst of energy. These dogs have been around for almost 130 years in their current form. Their forebears, on the other hand, maybe traced all the way back to the first livestock management collaboration between humans and dogs.

 

About the name

The working collie has established itself as the most valuable asset a flock owner may have in the border territory between Scotland and England. The large flocks of sheep could not have been managed without the persistent labor of such a dog.

In her book "Border Collies," Iris Combe claims that "collie" was the country term for anything beneficial in old Gaelic, and that a "collie dog" was a useful dog. The "Border Collie" was given to this breed because it thrived in the border region.

 

Ancient origins

The origins of the breed are disputed, but they are most likely traceable back to the Romans, who brought their drover dogs with them two thousand years ago, and the Vikings, who invaded this region of England about 1200 years ago and brought their Spitz-type dogs with them.

 

Old Hemp

Old Hemp, a rough coat tri-color dog developed by Adam Telfer in 1893 from a strong-eyed, reticent mother (dam) and a loose-eyed but the good-natured father (sire), moved sheep intensely but quietly, in contrast to the louder sheepdogs of the day, and was significantly more mild-mannered (biddable).

As a result, Old Hemp was extensively bred, siring over 200 pups, and all present Border Collies can be traced back to. He is regarded as the breed's founding "sire."

James Reid, secretary of the newly formed International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS), coined the term "Border Collie" in 1915 to define the breed and distinguish it from other collie breeds.

Old Hemp was posthumously registered as ISDS 9 by the ISDS, which established the first Border Collie registration.

 

Around the world

  • Border Collies of remarkable quality were being transported to other nations where sheep ranching was a common agricultural activity as early as the 1880s and 1890s.
  • Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, and Argentina received expert herding dogs from the British Isles. Breeding procedures and breeding stock from England and Scotland were adopted by dog breeders all over the world as knowledge of the Border Collies' power spread.
  • Border Collies were initially transported to New Zealand's undulating pasture grounds in 1858, even though they were not yet known as Border Collies.
  • James Lilico, a Christchurch citizen, was responsible for importing numerous dogs to New Zealand from Scotland's finest sheepdog breeders. Hindhope Jed, a descendent of Old Hemp's who was born in 1895 in the Hindhope area of Scotland and bred by John Elliot, was one of these dogs.
  • Serious admirers of the breed sought out Elliot's exceptional dogs. Elliot even gave Queen Victoria one of his Border Collie puppies.
  • Hindhope Jed won three of Scotland's top sheepdog competitions before going to New Zealand. He has proven to be a remarkable representation of his breed in his new home in New Zealand.
  • Lilico brought more Border Collies to New Zealand than Hindhope Jed. Old Bob, Ness, Maudie, and Moss of Ancrum were among the excellent herding dogs he brought in.

 

Developments in the 19th, 20th century

Many herding trials (including the first recorded trial in 1873) included a "type" competition after the dogs completed the course as the Border Collie emerged as a working breed in the later half of the nineteenth century.

The "type" competition was essentially a dog show, as we know it now. Physical characteristics of the canines were assessed in order to discover which ones were most suited for sheepherding.

Above all, the farmers and shepherds who took part in the early trials and type competitions were stockmen. As stockmen, they were used to comparing an animal's physical structure to a standard depending on the animal's intended use, whether it was for wool production, meat marketing, or working stock.

 

Present Day

The Border Collie breed is becoming increasingly popular among those who are not involved in farming or livestock as well.

When properly trained and cared for, the characteristics that make this breed a wonderful herding dog also make it a great family dog. The Border Collie is a smart, hardworking, lively, nimble, affectionate, and athletic dog.

To this day, an increasing number of border collies are being adopted from farms and placed in loving homes.

While many border collies are still working today, they are more frequently family house pets nowadays.

Rate The Border Collie Breed

Border Collie Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Al

    Dec 30, 2022, 2:15:24 AM:

    Our BC is very talkative, but is a great dog. Bigger than most - male 52 lbs. Very “house broken”, but definitely needs his daily exercise chasing frisbees…..

  • Amy

    Aug 8, 2022, 1:21:59 AM:

    Border Collies are the best dogs ever. They are smart, sweet, beautiful, caring and affectionate. I will never own another breed.

  • Sheila

    Oct 24, 2021, 9:28:27 AM:

    After having a Border Collie no other breed will do. We have three and they never cease to amaze us.

  • Daniel

    Apr 19, 2021, 4:59:03 PM:

    Best Dog Breed Ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • David

    Apr 19, 2021, 1:35:48 AM:

    I love the Border Collie

  • Kristy

    Jan 24, 2021, 10:39:06 PM:

    I have one, he's awesome

  • dog good

    Jan 13, 2021, 3:39:20 PM:

  • Someone

    Dec 20, 2020, 3:32:55 AM:

  • e

    Nov 23, 2020, 12:17:11 PM:

    <33333

  • BEST BREED EVER ❣️❤️

    Jul 13, 2020, 8:11:21 PM:

  • border collie

    Mar 28, 2020, 9:56:41 AM:

    AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Neville P

    Feb 15, 2020, 3:08:01 AM:

    Smartest dog I know.

  • Nev

    Feb 15, 2020, 3:05:58 AM: