Description

This dog breed is of medium size, with a long body and a slight but athletic build. The head and muzzle are about the same size, and the teeth meet in an even scissor bite. The ears can be floppy or upright. The Collie’s tail is low set, but as the dog gets excited the tail rises.

Origin: Border of England and Scotland

Look

Although Border Collies are often black and white, these are not the only coat colours. Collies come in a huge variety of colours, including tricolour, brindle, merle, blue, lilac, and red. The Collie has a double layered coat which can be rough or smooth, and even curly! The outer coat is rough, while the undercoat is fluffy and soft. The fur on the face, ears, and front legs should be shorter than the fur on the body and tail. Collies do shed heavily, and weekly brushing is a must in order to prevent tangles. Their eyes may be brown or blue, but odd coloured eyes (heterochromia) are also common. Collies have a characteristic stare that helps them to control the flock as they herd.

Health

While the Collie is generally a healthy dog, they are prone to a few health conditions:
• Hip dysplasia
• Epilepsy
• Collie Eye Anomaly
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• Allergies
• Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)
At Newdoggy.com we promote reputable breeders, who use genetic testing and good breeding practices to remove genetic conditions from their breeding lines. Newdoggy.com’s Health Guarantee certifies that all promoted puppies are in good health.

Learning

The Collie is incredibly sensitive, alert, and clever. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage when it comes to training. The Collie is highly sensitive and often responds to the smallest signal from its handler. They are highly energetic, both mentally and physically, but training can help direct this energy. Collies thrive on praise, and love to work and learn. When training a Collie, you need to stay one step ahead of the dog. Their sensitivity can make them very demanding and highly strung.
With early socialisation and consistent training, the Collie shines in canine sports and as a working dog. They do have a strong instinct to herd, so if you don’t use your Collie for herding work, he or she will find animals or people to herd and pester.

Temperament

The Border Collie is a very sensitive dog. Owners often report that their Border Collie can often predict their intentions; such is their sensitivity and intelligence. They do have a strong instinct to herd, but early training will help to prevent these instincts from turning into behavioural problems. Early socialisation will be useful in preventing your Collie pup from becoming shy.

Living with

The energetic Border Collie needs plenty of exercise and play time in order to prevent behavioural problems. A bored Collie may be destructive; digging, scratching, and chewing at walls and furniture in the house. Collies are also impressive escape artists.
This dog is not suitable for a couch potato. Border Collies do best with an owner who understands their sensitivity and intelligence, and is willing to give them the mental and physical exercise that they need. Border Collies may suffer from separation anxiety, so are better for those who work from home.
Do not allow your Border Collie to wander. They have strong herding instincts and may chase livestock, pets, or people, which will cause trouble for you.
Most Collies are brilliant at fly-ball, canine agility, and other canine sports, and really seem to enjoy the challenge. They are still used for herding in some countries, and compete at sheepdog trials with great success.