Mary Allen
As a workaholic among dogs, the Border Collie absolutely needs a job or they will look for it. Occasionally, unoccupied Border Collies will try to “herd” cyclists, walkers, or children in the playground. But if a smart dog has enough to do and can expend energy, he will make a great friend that will give you a lot of fun.
Border Collie Breed: The Real Winner
In the 1870s, shepherd dog competitions appeared in rural England. Local shepherds were inspired by this and attached great importance to quick wit and talent in breeding their dogs. The appearance of the dogs was secondary, their qualities as four-legged herd guides were in the foreground. Soon the Border Collies began to be systematically bred, the progenitor was a male named “Old Hemp”, whose descendants have since become champions of the competition. The breed arrived in Germany in the 1970s and has enjoyed great popularity as a herding and recreational dog ever since. The Border Collie takes its name from its region of origin, the border region between Scotland and England. On the other hand, there are practically no restrictions on the color of the Border Collie: many color variations and combinations are allowed; however, the fur should not be predominantly white. With a shoulder height of up to 58 centimeters in males and 50 centimeters in females, the Border Collie is significantly smaller than its namesake, the Rough Collie.
Border Collie: a Real Herding Dog
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) has existed since 1911, dividing dog breeds into different groups and setting breeding and breed standards. A total of ten FCI groups describe when a dog is officially considered purebred. The Border Collie belongs to FCI Group 1, Herding and Cattle Dogs, and more specifically to Section 1 of that group: Shepherd Dogs. This group also includes, for example, the German Shepherd or the Australian Shepherd.
Characteristics of the Border Collie: Active, Intelligent, Cute
In addition to his inexhaustible zeal for work, the Border Collie inspires other characteristics: he is playful, energetic, attentive, attractive, and loyal. Due to his high level of intelligence, he is extremely easy to train and quickly learns complex tricks. The dominant trait is a pronounced herding instinct, which can become problematic when animals are not used to their full potential, except for actual use in agriculture. A special trait of the Border Collie is their love of water and mud, in which they love to romp.
Training & Maintenance of the Border Collie
The upbringing of the Border Collie should be consistent and should include both athletic and intellectual pursuits. Plan for at least 3-4 hours a day for your dog. When he has enough to do, the Border Collie will please you with his affection and intelligence, and he will be easy to lead. It is a suitable partner for sportspeople who like to exercise with their dogs. However, keep in mind that exercise does not mean a stroll: the Border Collie needs a lot of activity due to its special characteristics! About agility and obedience, this active breed rejoices. Due to their zeal for work and restlessness, the Border Collie is only marginally suitable as a sociable family dog.
When training, it is desirable to focus on concentration and getting used to the environment to calm the animal a little. Ideal for a home with garden access.
Easy Border Collie Care
The coat of the Border Collie is easy to care for; regular brushing and checking for tangles is sufficient. Comb the fur gently with a metal comb. Sometimes corrective haircuts on long sections of fur may be required. Since Border Collies are real water rats, they look for places to swim. They only need to go to the bathroom in an emergency when they are very dirty; their fur is practically self-cleaning. Especially after long excursions into nature, the eyes, ears, and paws of the four-legged friend should be checked and, if necessary, treated accordingly.
Border Collie Diet
No matter what breed your four-legged friend belongs to, the diet has a big impact on his health – this also applies to the Border Collie. Which diet is right depends on many individual factors. For example, puppies need different food than adult or older dogs. Housing conditions and activity levels also play an important role in a dog’s diet. If a Border Collie is engaged in herding work, her energy requirements will be higher than those of a Border Collie who leads a quieter life as a family dog. If your perky four-legged friend has certain allergies, food intolerances, or is overweight, a special diet should also be considered.
As with other dog breeds, meat should be at the top of the list of ingredients for a Border Collie. In addition, the daily diet should be rich in vegetables, fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids. Whether this is limited to wet or dry food is purely a matter of dog and owner preference. Of course, a friendly animal can also be rewarded with treats from time to time. However, to avoid oversupply (Border Collies are usually very good eaters), additional rewards should be subtracted from the daily ratio.
Is a Border Collie Right for Me?
Active, playful, attentive, intelligent, attractive, and loyal – with these qualities, it is easy to fall in love with a Border Collie right away. However, before you take a dog of this charming breed into your home, you should think carefully about whether you can meet the high standards that are placed on it. After all, the nature of the Border Collie requires that you devote enough time to your four-legged friend, offer him a variety of activities that he needs, and, last but not least, have experience in dog training. If these requirements are met, you will be happy with the Border Collie as a faithful companion next to you!