Breed Spotlight: The Border Collie
Introducing the Border Collie
Considered one of the smartest dog breeds, the Border Collie is intelligent, athletic, loyal, sensitive, and has a lot of energy! They are working dogs, bred to herd sheep along the border between England and Scotland, hence their name: the “Border” Collie.
Border Collies are one of the more popular dog breeds in the United States and around the world. Their alert eyes and smart tuxedo black and white markings have wiggled their way into the hearts of many pet owners who are excited to have an intelligent, fun-loving dog.
However, Border Collies are not for every dog owner! Like many herding dogs, Border Collies not only have demanding exercise needs but require lots of training and mental stimulation. Let’s take an in-depth look at this fun-loving breed so potential Border Collie owners can make an informed decision about whether it is the right dog for them!
History Of The Border Collie
This Scottish herding dog was developed along the borders of England and Scotland to spend their days helping farmers herd sheep. The word “collie” is derived from the Scotch word for “sheepdog.” Because of the nature of their work, Border Collies had to develop a keen sense of independence while being attentive and responsive to commands. This has resulted in an exceptionally brilliant dog that enjoys learning alongside their owner while being adept at problem-solving—even when it involves getting into mischief!
The modern Border Collie line was founded by a dog named Old Hemp, a sheepdog who lived in 1893-1901. Because he was a strong but quiet herder, he became a popular stud dog in England and apparently sired over 200 puppies! The ancestry of every Border Collie living today can be traced back to Old Hemp.
What Does A Border Collie Look Like?
Everyone knows what a Border Collie looks like right? We all saw the classic movie Babe with the beautiful rough-coated black and white dogs, with big white patches on their chests, white legs, and white blazes down their faces.
While black and white coloring might dominate the Border Collie world (my own Border Collie is black and white), they come in a variety of colors, sizes, and coat types. Many Border Collies are being bred as working dogs, which means breeders are looking for drive, intelligence, and obedience, not just for aesthetics.
A quick internet search shows Border Collies usually have a slight, athletic build, but can range from 20 lbs to over 60lbs, might have pricked or flat ears, and have sleek short fur or luxurious rough coats. Black and white might be the classic look, but they can also come in black tri, red, merle, golden, or even blue! Some of the more striking ones even have blue eyes or heterochromia. This range of size, colors, and coat type stems from Border Collies being bred for a purpose rather than only what they look like.
“The Smartest Dog In The World”
Border Collies are often considered one of the smartest dog breeds in the world. They are easy to train, love to play, and make new friends. However, just because they are biddable and intelligent does not mean they are the right dog for every family. As a Border Collie owner, I speak from experience, these dogs are a lot of work and take a knowledgeable owner.
Firstly, Border Collies are high-energy dogs. Depending on their age, they might require up to two hours of daily exercise. This can look like games of fetch, walks, hikes, or bike rides. If they do not have the opportunity to burn off that energy, they can become destructive or anxious.
On top of exercise, Border Collies need training and mental stimulation. When you bring home your new Border Collie puppy, they should start learning basic obedience and boundaries. Experienced Border Collie owners know how much trouble a bored dog can get into and keep a training and exercise schedule so their dog is happy. They were born to herd livestock and love having a job or doing a sport. Border Collies excel at many dog sports besides herding including agility, frisbee, rally obedience, dog dancing, and nose work.
Enriching your dog’s life does not have to be a dog sport or herding. Border Collies love learning tricks and training for your dog’s Trick Title is a great way to bond with your pup while keeping them mentally stimulated.
Is a Border Collie A Good Fit For My Family?
If you feel you can meet the high exercise and training standards a Border Collie expects out of their owner, then a Border Collie might be a great fit for you and your family!
However, Border Collies sometimes take more work to socialize with children and other animals. They are sensitive dogs, often skittish around loud and sudden noises. If bored, they will create their own job, like herding the family cat or even the children. Even a well-exercised and mentally-enriched Border Collie might decide that it is its job to keep all the children in one place!
There are plenty of other excellent, friendly breeds that might be a little less work and get along better with what your family currently looks like. Retrievers or even a calm adult rescue dog might be a better match for a family that wants an active pet but doesn’t have the time commitment for a Border Collie!
Health Considerations
Overall, Border Collies are a fairly healthy dog living 11-15 years on average. However, like many popular breeds, they could be at risk for certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, epilepsy, Collie Eye Anomaly, and Multidrug Resistance Mutation. A good Border Collie breeder will avoid these genetic issues in their lines, so do your research when looking to buy or adopt your new puppy or dog!
Finally, because of how active and smart these dogs are, if bored, their destructive tendencies can turn into mental health issues like OCD and separation anxiety. Check out our article on canine mental illness for more information.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a smart, athletic, and loyal dog who loves adventuring with their owner, the Border Collie could be the dog for you. They love to have a job like herding or agility but make great pet dogs if they are paired with the right family.
However, many Border Collies end up in shelters because they are “too much dog”. They are sensitive and intelligent, and if bored they like to find their own job. Sometimes that is herding the children, digging holes, or destroying furniture. Research any breed before bringing home any new dog and make sure you can commit to what their exercise, health, and training needs are.