Breed Info

Border Collies are extremely energetic dogs and must have the opportunity to get lots of exercise. This breed is extremely driven, loyal, and hard-working. Border collies are happiest when they are working or playing, and will only settle down for cuddle time when the workday is done. Therefore, these dogs do best in homes with large, fended yards, as well as on farms and ranches, rather than apartments.

GROUP: Herding

HEIGHT: 18 to 22 inches at the shoulder

WEIGHT: 28 to 48 pounds

COAT: Rough or smooth medium-length double coat with a coarse outer coat and soft undercoat

COAT COLOR: Solid color, bicolor, tricolor, merle, or sable, usually seen in black, blue, blue merle, brindle, gold, lilac, red, or red merle (with or without patches of white)

LIFE SPAN: 10 to 17 years

TEMPERAMENT: Intelligent, energetic, responsive, keen, athletic, loyal, alert

HYPOALLERGENIC: No

ORIGIN: Scotland

Affection LevelHigh
FriendlinessHigh
Kid-FriendlyHigh
Pet-FriendlyMedium
Exercise NeedsHigh
PlayfulnessHigh
Energy LevelHigh
TrainabilityHigh
IntelligenceHigh
Tendency to BarkHigh
Amount of SheddingMedium

Personality & Expectations

This breed is extremely driven, loyal, and hard-working. Border collies arfe happiest when they are working or playing, and will only settle down for cuddle time when the workday is done. Therefore, these dogs do best in homes with large, fended yards, as well as on farms and ranches, rather than apartments.

Weight
28 - 48 pounds
Height
18 - 22 inches at shoulder
Longevity
10 - 17 years

General health

The Border Collie is generally a very hardy and healthy breed, and a responsible breeder will screen breeding stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, progressive renal atrophy, deafness, epilepsy, collie eye anomaly, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, and trapped neutrophil syndrome. A BC’s ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed regularly.

Lawrence Baum D.V.M. https://www.dixieanimalclinic.com/

Care and feeding

The Border Collie should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

Grooming

There are two types of coat in the breed. The rough coat is medium-length and feathered, while the smooth coat is shorter and coarser. Both are dense, weather-resistant double coats. Grooming is the same for both: going over the dog with a pin brush once or twice a week, more often if needed, to keep the coat free of mats, tangles, dirt, and debris. During shedding season, daily brushing is required. As with all breeds, the BC’s nails should be trimmed regularly.

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