Border Collie

Border Collie

The Border Collie is world renowned for its intelligence and hard work. It is still used as a working sheep dog in many countries.

History:

The Border Collie originated in the border region at the base of the Cheviot Hills between England and Scotland.

Physical characteristics:

The Border Collie is a medium-sized dog. Height: 20 - 21 in (52 cm) for the dog and 19 - 20 in (50 cm) for the bitch. Weight: 50 lb (23 kg). The head is well-rounded on the dome with a medium-length muzzle and scissor bite. Its back is level with a well-sprung rib cage. The tail is low or level with the back.

The Border Collie's coat is double with a moderately long, dense, firm topcoat and a short, soft, dense undercoat to provide almost complete weather proofing. The coat color can be black and white, or black with white and tan markings. There is also a reddish-brown with white version of the Border Collie.

Behavior:

As this dog is very attractive to look at and is medium-sized, it is often chosen by people to become a family dog. In most cases the Border Collie makes an excellent family companion because it is intelligent, energetic, and capable of being very active. However, this dog was especially bred to be a tough working dog. It is brave enough to face down the biggest herd of sheep and boldly move them on with its powerful character. This same strength of character must be properly harnessed by assertively training the dog when it is young.

A Border Collie that becomes too bossy and bored is definitely not a good family pet. This dog loves to be given tasks by its owner, and positively basks in the glory when you praise it. It is a wonderful sight to see these dogs both at work and play. Physically these dogs are very hardy, but their feet should be checked after they have been running over rough country; brambles and debris should be removed from their coat.

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