Breeze
The Border Collie is a strong, skillful and powerful dog who’s only wish is to serve its master and do the job it has been given. The Collie is not only intelligent in the line of field work, but in most matters can be exceptional in any agility matters.
Their coat can be in most colors, varying with bi-color, tri-color, merle, sable, or solid patterns. It really depends on what you get in a litter. Their coats can be somewhat thick so trimming may be needed to maintain the knotting of the hair. They shed seasonally, and require a regular brushing. Between Scotland and England is where the Border Collie is from, hence their name they come from the border line between the two countries. They were maintained as shepherds, mostly allowing them to herd large flocks of sheep and other livestock. According to the AKC website, the breed has been around for over 100 years, herding many animals for decades.
The dog is energetic and assertive, and requires a large amount of exercise daily to reach its potential and expectations. Working with the breed at the kennels has given me much experience and education on their personality. To begin with, the single Border Collie at the kennel loved to romp around in the pasture with the family’s horse. If the horse wasn’t out, the dog would try to make sure that it could round up the dogs themselves, and would feel satisfied only if everything was under control.
Breeze
The Border Collie needs extensive exercise, not only just a walk in the park, but land to run around on. The family’s kennel is on the property size of 40 acres, so it gives not only the Border Collie but other dogs the chance to have that land to run around on. The Border Collie, if not herding, will also enjoy playing fetch and catching the Frisbee. They can jump up to several feet up into the air to catch a single item. This is all a part of their agility skill and interests. The energy of the dog needs to be taken into consideration when picking out the Border Collie.
Although the Border is a great family dog, they can be reserved and shy sometimes, especially around strangers. They are well behaved and able to live with children if they are slightly older, that way they can play a little more roughly. With that in mind, pick the Border Collie if only you are able to provide the dog with its personal needs and adaptations. You will be able to see the Border Collie prosper in its environment if the setting is just right.
Breeze
The three pictures in this post are of the Border Collie that lives at the kennel I work at. His name is Breeze and he is one of the sweetest dogs that reside there. Below is another clip from Animal Planet’s “Dogs 101″ show that gives some more information about Border Collies. Enjoy!
Posted by missmollymack on March 23, 2010 at 11:40 am
I love border collies–the dogs in the herding category are my favorite overall! I definitely, definitely agree that these dogs need plenty of space to run and play on–they are by far one of the most active dogs, physically and mentally. They are always thinking and need “jobs” to do, whether it be herding sheep or just working on basic obedience with their owners. They are extremely rewarding dogs to have if you have the means to give them what they need to be happy, otherwise they can sometimes become extremely destructive. Beautiful dogs, interesting post!
Posted by Sean on March 23, 2010 at 11:43 am
I like border collies, i have a few friends with great ones. I knew alot of the information but did not know that they were from the border of england and scotland and that i why they are called Border Collies I thought that was very interesting.