Learn More About Border collie

Summary

The Border Collie is a medium-sized dog known for its stunning intelligence, intense "sheep-eye" staring, and ability to move quickly and smoothly. Originally bred to herd sheep on the border between Scotland and England, the Border Collie belongs to FCI Group 1, herding and driving dogs. There are two lines of Border Collies: the working line, valued for their herding instinct and energy, and the show line, bred for their aesthetic appeal. The work line is generally more athletic and has a more intense work mentality, while the show line may have a greater focus on physical appearance and a quieter personality. It is important to note that both lines still require an active lifestyle and the Border Collie is considered a highly active dog overall.

Character

Border Collies are very intelligent, energetic and loyal dogs. They are known for their ability to learn tasks quickly and contribute to hassle-free training sessions. These are characteristics that make them excellent working dogs, but also a challenge for owners who are not prepared for their high activity and training needs. As working line dogs, Border Collies are very focused and have strong herding instincts. They tend to focus all their attention on the task at hand, whether it's herding sheep, retrieving a ball, or learning a new trick. This work mentality can lead to obsessive behavior if not managed properly, but with the right training and enough mental and physical stimulation, this energy can be channeled into positive channels. The show line of Border Collies can be a little less energetic and more focused on their human families. They are still active and intelligent dogs, but they can often cope better with a less active lifestyle than their working line counterparts. In general, Border Collies are people-oriented and want to please. However, they can also be independent and often need some time to themselves, especially after a long workout or intense activity. Border Collies are generally playful dogs, especially when they are young. They love playing with balls, Frisbees and other toys and will often find their own entertainment when nothing else is available to them. Border Collies can learn to stay alone, but they definitely prefer being in company, especially if that company offers them mental and physical stimulation. They are not dogs that enjoy spending long periods of time alone and can develop destructive behavior if left alone for too long. When it comes to hunting or prey-catching behavior, Border Collies have a strong herding instinct, which can sometimes be interpreted as a prey drive. You may become fixated on small animals, birds, or even cars, bikes, and skateboards that are moving. Therefore, it is important that they learn to control this urge from a young age. As herding dogs, Border Collies are alert and attentive to their surroundings. They tend to be cautious and reserved around strangers, but they are generally not aggressive. They are excellent watchdogs, often barking to alert their family when something is wrong.

What to Expect

Border Collies are very hard-working dogs. In addition to meaningful activity that doesn't allow this dog to become too excited, the right amount of calm is important. It starts with the puppy. For Boder Collie puppies, rest training is more important than activity. To do justice to these popular dogs, dog owners should be very active and need a lot of experience.

Care

Border Collies are not typical city dogs. They need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. If you have a garden that's great, of course, but it's possible without it as long as you're willing to spend a lot of time outside. Border Collies are generally good with children, but due to their herding qualities, they may try to herd particularly small children. This should be manageable with training. They also often get along well with cats and other pets, especially if they are used to them from an early age.

Training & Education

Border Collies are true geniuses among dogs and learn very quickly. This makes them great partners for dog sports like agility or flyball. Their herding instinct is very strong and this should be taken into account when training. It is also important to make sure that the dog does not become “over-busy”. A balanced relationship between work and rest periods is important. There is a risk of Border Collies becoming "ball junkies." so it is important to have a varied game and training program. Training in frustration tolerance and impulse control is crucial for Border Collies to ensure they are happy and integrate well into family life.

Nutrition & Grooming

Border Collies are active dogs and need a balanced diet. Fresh meat, vegetables and high-quality dry food can be a good combination. Note that their activity means they have slightly higher calorie needs than less active breeds. When it comes to grooming, Border Collies have a dense undercoat and a weatherproof top coat. This means that they can cope well with the climate in Germany. However, they also shed quite a bit, especially during the shedding period in spring and autumn. Regular brushing is therefore a must.