Border Collie

Border Collie is a highly intelligent, medium sized British herding dog. They are descended from sheepdogs previously widespread throughout the British Isles but standardised in the Anglo-Scottish border region. They currently largely herd sheep.

Border Collies are athletic, acrobatic and remarkably bright dogs. They perform well in sheepdog trials, dog obedience, disc dog, herding, and agility. Border Collies are herders and companion dogs around the world.

The look is of a robust but quick worker. Both rough and smooth coats have different colors and patterns. Border Collie is agile, balanced, and durable on the move. Agility, herding, or obedience work keeps Border Collies happy. They are very affectionate but when meeting strangers, they may be reserved.

Males measure 19 to 22 inches in height, while females measure 18 to 21 inches. The usual weight range is 30 to 55 pounds.

Border Collies are healthy and hardy breed, with the life expectency being from 12 to 15 years.

Recommended Health Tests:

• Hip Evaluation
• Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Roman occupation influenced almost every element of British life. Dog breeding was included. After the Romans, came Vikings, and they too brought along their dogs. Crosses between antique Roman dogs and Viking spitz type herders produced compact, nimble herders well-suited for Scotland’s and Wales’ rugged, rocky highlands. Border Collie history began then.

Border Collie is an ideal shepherd dog. Anyone who has seen Border Collies work with their sweeping outruns, covert crouching and crawling, and explosive bursts of focused energy would agree. Border Collie dogs dominate the fast paced sport of agility and are among the sharpest dog breeds.

The Border Collie joined the AKC Herding Group in 1995.