Border Collie

TRAITS

Height

45-55 cm
 

Weight

13- 25 kg
 

Life Expectancy

12-15 years
 

Other Names

• Scotch Collie Dog

• Highland Collie
   

Appearance

• Medium size

• Agile

• Active
• Durable
• Energetic

 

General Character

 
The Border Collie is an extremely athletic breed with unlimited energy, durable and suitable for assignment in various jobs thanks to its easy-to-train ability. They are known for their expression, which shows that they are constantly alert, a strong and agile body, a ready-to-move attitude at any moment, and strong instincts. The origins of the Border Collie are based on a breed that emerged from the crossbreeding of different shepherd dogs from the Ancient Roman and Viking eras. The Border Collie gets its name from the border between England and Scotland.
 

History

The Border Collie is a dog breed that originated in the Anglo-Scottish border region of England and Scotland and still continues to protect sheep and farms in the same region. The origins of the Border Collie date back to the early 19th century, when farmers in the border region between England and Scotland began to breed dogs specifically for livestock. The Border Collie breed was born out of the need for careful, brave and agile sheepdogs for the guidance and collection of flocks living in rocky and rugged areas of Scotland and Wales.

Over time, Border Collies have become famous for their successful herding duties and have been invited to the farms of those in need in many regions, thus spreading all over the world. For a period of time, shepherd dogs, whose only task and predisposition is herd protection, even caused the population to decrease.

This working breed, which lived with sheep until the end of the 19th century, was discovered by the show world thanks to its intelligence, which made it easy for it to learn quickly, and its quick responses to a wide variety of commands, and exhibited its shepherding skills on stage.
 

Personality and Character Traits

The most important characteristic of the Border Collie breed is its high intelligence and shepherding skills, which they have specialized in herding flocks of sheep and cattle on farms for centuries. The reason why their success in the shepherding business overshadows the success of sheepdogs is their command taking, fast learning and high intelligence levels.

Border Collies, who are extremely easy to train and have the skills to implement what they have learned in the areas of obedience and agility at the first opportunity, can get bored quickly when they do not have tasks that keep them busy. For this reason, they should be provided with areas where they can discharge, especially by their owners in city life, brain games should be played, and they should receive continuous training in order to be equipped with new information and commands.

Because Border Collies have been on the move for generations, they still need plenty of exercise and activity to stay healthy and happy today. They can be a great companion for people who lead such an active life.

Border Collies are extremely loyal, loving and well-mannered animals. They can easily detect the mood of their owners and develop sensitivity to changing moods.
 

Appearance

Border Collies have a well-proportioned body with their muscular and agile structures, athletic appearance that appears during the runs they go out to throw energy, and strong bodies. Usually, they have two-colored fur, black and white, black and gray. However, sometimes tricolor or only black or red Border Collies are also seen. Their eyes are usually dark in color, but Border Collies with asymmetrical colored eyes can be encountered. This species, whose erect ears support their noble appearance, has a long and hairy tail.
 

General Care

Feather Care

In order for Border Collies to have healthy and shiny fur, they need to be combed regularly. It can trap long, short and double-layered hairs, spilled grains into it. Scanning at least once a week will both protect their skin health and ensure that they get a healthier and brighter appearance.

Education and Exercise

Border Collies need exercise for at least an hour every day. Long nature walks, exercises on short running tracks with tasks in them, and regular participation in agility training are necessary to meet the physical needs of this species. A life that requires immobility in small areas at home for a long time can be harmful to the physical health of Border Collies in the long term. Border Collies, who need mental stimulation as well as physical, can learn new tricks by solving puzzles placed in their physical training.

Border Collies are very social animals and need to meet different people and animals from a young age. These socializations, in addition to contributing to their having a good time, support them to become well-behaved adults.

Border Collies are among the highly intelligent and energetic dog breeds that require a lot of care and attention. In order to keep these intelligent and cheerful dogs healthy, attention should also be paid to their general care.
 

 

Health

In general, Border Collies, which have a life span of 12 to 15 years, are among the healthy dog breeds. But like all races, they may have tendencies to certain health problems. Some of the most common health problems that can be seen in Border Collies are:

• Hip dysplasia
• Epilepsy
• Eye problems
• Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)
• Allergies

In order to minimize the risk of all health problems that may occur, it is critical to regularly check and vaccinate dogs and establish a healthy eating pattern. Thanks to plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, proper care and a healthy diet, a Border Collie can be expected to have a long and healthy life.
 

Nutrition

Although Border Collies are extremely energetic and active, they may have predispositions to obesity. That is why it is very important to control calories while creating a Border Collie nutrition program, especially to follow treats that are overlooked in city life. A suitable diet list should be created to meet the daily nutritional needs of the Border Collie breed.
 

Did you know?

• Collie is a Scottish word used to describe sheepdogs, mainly Border Collies.
• Border Collies were first classified as “Scocth Sheep Dog”.
• They have appeared in many movies and TV shows, especially Babe, Animal Farm, Snow Dogs, Mad About You.
• It is among the fastest races in the world and can run at a speed of 48 km per hour.