The Border Collie, also known as Scottish Sheepdog, is best known for its agility and intelligence. He can be recognized by his medium-length black and white hair and his concentrated look. Because the Border Collie learns very quickly, it is important that the owner knows how to deal with it.
Origin
Originally the Border Collie comes from the Borders, the border area between England and Scotland, where they were used as shepherds and herders. It is not entirely clear where the name comes from. Reference is made to eg the white collar of this breed (collar), but it could also be a derivation of ‘coal’, which is the English word for coal. However, the Scots may also be responsible for the origin of the name. The Scottish word for ‘usable’ is in fact ‘colley’.
General
The Border Collie is a medium sized sheepdog. Its body is strikingly harmonious and graceful, as well as muscular. The height at the withers is about 53 cm for the males, the females are usually a bit smaller. The ideal weight is around 20 kg. Its coat is medium in length and can be of various colors, black and white being the most common. All other colors are also possible, but it is not desirable for white to dominate. There is also a shorthair variant, which is less common. The Border Collie is highly intelligent and eager to learn. In 2001 there was a Border Collie who understood more than 1000 words. This breed is friendly and loyal, but also tireless and therefore easily bored. They live an average of 12 years old.
Movement
Border Collies were bred mainly for herding flocks of sheep for a long time, they are now also used for that purpose. In their breed group they are the best guard dogs and the driving is still deeply rooted in their genes. Their rigid and observant gaze is striking and has everything to do with the work with the sheep. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the Border Collie has also become popular as a family dog, which is partly due to their fame on TV. Purchasing a Border Collie requires experience with dogs and the willingness to offer the animal several hours a day of labor, to avoid unpleasant behavior. This can manifest itself by assigning tasks to themselves, causing them, for example, to herd small animals (geese, chickens) and sometimes even children. Walking for hours with these dogs is really not necessary, this only increases their stamina (which is naturally very great). It is much more important to challenge them spiritually. Then you will have a happy dog who is not nervous when he is in the house. On the contrary, if she is offered enough work, they will want to spend hours in the house with you on the couch.
Sport
Being consistent is very important in the Border Collie to prevent the dog from finding a reason to make its own decisions. What makes upbringing no easier is that this breed is very sensitive. Shouting, being harsh, or unfairly punishing can destroy the bond with this animal forever. The Border Collie is a very smart and willing dog. He can follow most difficult commands and really needs it. These dogs are very successful in a variety of dog sports. Both mental and physical challenges are indispensable for him. This breed really wants to work for its owner, making it very suitable for dog sports, such as sheep herding, agility, flyball, frisbee or treibball. It is important to know that this breed has a great desire to hunt and drive. They like to make decisions on their own and once they do it is difficult to unlearn them.