A Look At The Border Collie

The Border Collie is a dog breed originating in Great Britain. In this article we take a look at the Border Collie’s history, genetics and general characteristics.

This article also discuss concerns that have to do with the health of the border collie.

History of the Border Collie

The Border Collie originates from the border of England and Scotland hence the name Border Collie.

They were originally bred for sheep herding. The breed has since gone on to cattle herding and in later years agility and fly-ball.

With the Border Collie’s history involved in so much work, it has produced a very high energy level – it’s a high drive breed of dog.

Border Collies are known for their intelligence, speed and agility; all aspects that have made them the number on breed for just about every dog sport.

If you look around any agility, obedience or fly-ball competition, you will see an ocean of Border Collies.

They really do rule all of these sports and will continue to do so due to there intelligence and keen work ethic.

Shapes and Sizes of Border Collies

Border collies are a diverse breed that come in many different colours and often many different shapes and sizes.

Some of the main colours Border Collie can come in include black and white, tricoloured, red, blue merle, red merle and blue.

There are also many different variations of these colours and even some rarer colours such as golden.

The size of these dogs can also vary greatly. Border Collies can range from Cocker Spaniel size right up to German Shepard size.

Even the eye colour and how the ears stand can vary in each breed.

Their eyes can be blue, green or brown and in many cases their eyes do not match.

The ears on the border collie can range from down, up or even between the two. Their ears also do not need to match each other and you see many Border Collies with one ear up and one ear down. Although for breed show purposes eyes and ears should match.

Competition

Due to their diversity many countries do not count the Border Collie as a pedigree dog in their breed club. Canada is one of these countries.

This has put certain countries competing at international events at a significant disadvantage.

Their diversity can also make breed shows difficult, as the breed diversity is quite high.

Many different countries have different ideas on how each breed should look.

Health Concerns

The main genetic health concerns that effect the breed are hip dysplasia and Collie eye anomaly.

If you are thinking of buying a puppy try and make sure the parents have been tested for these conditions.

Dogs can be DNA tested witch guarantees their puppies will not suffer from Collie eye anomaly.

Hip dysplasia is more difficult to test for. Dogs can be hip-scored which will help to diagnose hip dysplasia but its no guarantee against it.

There are other genetic conditions Border Collies suffer from and these include epilepsy and Osteochondritis.

Temperament

The border collies high work ethic can cause problems with their temperament and behaviour.

Many Border Collies can be aggressive with other dogs and this can be extremely hard to fix and should be taken into consideration before deciding if a Border Collie is right for you.

The best course of action is to buy from a reputable breeder who’s dogs have a long and proven history of decent temperaments.

If you like Border Collies, check out why it’s great to own a Whoodle Wheaten Terrier and see how sweet and loving dogs they are too.