Are you considering getting a Border Collie? Or are you just interested in the breed? Well, this is the perfect place to start! This post is a short summary of the Border Collie breed characteristics from their size to how much exercise they need.
Breed overview
Border Collies were bred to work (herd) sheep and cattle. So, they needed to be intelligent, fast, highly trainable and have a very good stamina. They have a medium length coat meaning that they need a fair amount of grooming and will shed lots! Border collies come in loads of colours despite common belief that they are only black and white, the standard colours are black and white, black tricolour, black white and tan, blue and white, blue merle, blue merle and tan to name a few! They stand at 18 to 22 inches to the shoulder so are classed as a medium-large breed and have a lifespan of over 12 years.
Grooming
As I mentioned above Border Collies have a medium length coat. So, will need brushing at least twice a week. But they do shed a LOT so it will be beneficial to brush them more during shedding season. Obviously, Border Collies will also need their nails trimmed, baths and teeth cleaned regularly exactly the same as all other dogs.
Exercise
Because Border Collies were originally bred as working dogs, they need a lot of exercise (more than 2 hours a day). Not only do they need physical exercise like running or swimming but also plenty of mental stimulation. This can be done by training, which your Border Collie will love, playing scent games or using puzzle toys.
Health
Border Collies, like most breeds are predisposed to a few health conditions. These include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, collie eye anomaly, allergies and osteochondrosis dissecans. However, all good breeders have both parents genetically tested/screened for these common health conditions. This means that when you buy a puppy you know it’s got a much smaller chance of developing these problems when its older.
Temperament
Border Collies are smart, full of energy, alert and hardworking! Border Collies like to be kept busy and if they aren’t they may become destructive due to boredom. However this drive to work and endless energy makes them perfect for sports and working dogs.
So, overall Border Collies are a very high energy but sensitive breed which makes them the perfect family pet for an active household! However, they do need lots of good quality early socialisation and desensitization to get them used to all sorts of people, sights and sounds. But with good socialisation, exercise and training you will have a reliable and funny friend for life!
P.s. You can shop all of our Border Collie products here!
