Border Collie

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The supreme sheep herding dog, the Border Collie lives to work. This is the dog for the athletic person who is ready to engage a dog in directed activities.

A Border Collie's idea of work includes driving sheep and other animals; obedience and agility competitions; search and rescue; narcotics and bomb detection; guide dog for the blind and deaf; and even movie and television actor. His intense concentration, deep desire to please, as well as speed and intelligence give the breed the edge in just about any job he undertakes.

Border Collies have been cherished by farmers for hundreds of years. They arose in the "border" area between Scotland and England.

Border Collies may have a longer (rough) coat or a shorter (smooth) coat. The rough-coated are more familiar in the United States. Most Border Collies are black with white, or black and tan with white. However, they may be any color except solid white.

Excerpts from the Standard

General Appearance: A graceful and agile medium-sized dog; energetic, alert, and eager; highly intelligent. Body is slightly longer than high.

Size, Proportion, and Substance: Height--males, approximately 19 to 22 inches at withers; females, 18 to 21 inches.

Fun Facts

One new job for the Border Collie is on the golf course. Some New England and mid-Atlantic golf courses were being overrun by Canada Geese. Clever grounds superintendents enlisted the aid of Border Collies to drive them away. Specially trained Border Collies now work the courses every day, rounding up the geese and herding them off the grounds.

Breed Profile

Group: Herding
Size: Medium
Origin: Scotland/England
Color: Black, White and Tan

Border Collies love to work and are great dogs for athletic people. He is eager to please and is fast and intelligent.

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Blogs

Idaho State University Ends Use of Dogs in Medical Training

…or surrendered pets "including a black-and white border collie picked up when he was still trailing his blue leashor surrendered pets "including a black-and white border collie picked up when he was still trailing his blue leash More…

Chasing Chickens

…and the chase began anew, with Sumner doing best â border collie gone badâ impersonation and Zeke acting as wingmanand the chase began anew, with Sumner doing best â border collie gone badâ impersonation and Zeke acting as wingman More…

Biggest loser...pet?

…the Animal Shelter in Pocatello was actually turning over lost or surrendered pets "including a black-and white border collie picked up when he was still trailing his blue leash" to ISU for their training classes. In the recent report, it More…

Calling all Pups!

…the same as my last dog, a shepherd collie mix. To each his own. As for cat tales this week, the word is if you'rePermalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0) Border Queen Book Festival This past Saturday I attended the first annual Border Queen Book Festival in Comanche, Oklahoma More…