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Border Collie |
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Description... |
 Very
energetic dog who is always in motion. They have a medium coat
with longer hair on the chest, stomach, legs and tail. They are
usually black and white but can be grey and white or blue and
white. Some have tan shadings.
Loves to be outside and can be used for herding or
obedience classes. Bored Border Collies are destructive Border Collies.
When confined or left alone, they will chew destructively and bark
excessively.
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History...
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Originated in the border country between Scotland
and England. Border Collie is a very old breed, dating back to
1570. It has been known as the Working Collie, Old-Fashioned
Collie, Farm Collie and the English Collie. They were named after
the Colley Sheep. They have Pointer/Setter genes which may have
produced their famous "eye"--the hypnotic stare as they crouch low
and creep up on whatever they are herding.
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Traits...
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 Keep
in mind they are VERY active. Border Collies always want to be
doing something. They are very intelligent and excel in obedience
and agility work.
Love to play fetch and chase games, and won't tire as
fast as you. When playing, make it hard for the Border Collie to find the
ball/stick/etc. This makes it more fun for the dog. They also enjoy games
like fly-ball, frisbee, tracking exercises, and of course herding. Border
Collies also like to swim, if they are encouraged to do so at a young age.
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Good aspects...
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This breed is very capable of understanding
obedience work. Also, Border Collies enjoy activity with the
owner, especially if it means they get to be outdoors. They thrive
on attention, are very affectionate and are people-oriented.
Comments about this breed often describe it's admirable
working style, high energy, stamina and constant desire to work above all
else. They are "herding" dogs rather than "heelers".
Bred for endurance, can run for miles at a time. They
will herd almost anything including livestock, birds, cats, children,
bugs, lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners, brooms...anything that moves.
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Health...
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About 25% of Border Collies in the US have some
degree of disorder such as hip dysplasia, eye problems and
epilepsy. They can also be susceptible to osteochondritis
desicans, PRA, Collie Eye Anomaly, Canine Ceroid Lipfuscinosis,
Deafness, Hyperthermia, sensitivity to anesthetics.
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Be aware...
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They can be slow to mature and can turn into real
nuisances if not properly trained or socialized. Due to their
herding instincts, they will chase or herd anything...even cars.
It is important to be watchful and not let them get onto roads.
Must be supervised around children.
They don't make reliable guard dogs. They may bark and
act protective of their families, but would prefer to herd.
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Summary...
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Should be accustomed to people at an early age, if
not they can become timid and shy. This is not a breed for the
casual owner. They need a lot of time and devotion from their
human companions.
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source: petcare information centre-
petcare.umn.edu
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Further resources... |
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