BORDER COLLIE Breed Standards
The name Border Collie tells just about all that is known of the origins of this uncannily intelligent dog. The breed originated along the border between Scotland and England, and one of its ancestors was probably the Collie, which was well known among Scottish shepherds during the 19th century. Other than that, the Border Collie is really an amalgamation of an untold number of British shepherding dogs, with function over form being the driving factor of the dog’s breeding.
A dog named Hemp, who appeared at the first sheepdog trial in 1873, is commonly thought of as the first Border Collie. Unlike other herding dogs, who would bark and nip at the sheep in order to force them into compliance, Hemp would use a peculiar stare (the so-called “eye”) to cow the sheep without raising his voice. Hemp’s great skills laid the groundwork for the breed’s future popularity, and in 1906 the first breed standard for the Border Collie was drawn up; fittingly enough, the standard made no mention of the dog’s appearance and instead focused solely on its working habits.
The Border Collie was introduced to the United States during the early 20th century, and quickly gained a strong foothold among American shepherds. Nevertheless, AKC recognition would take a very long time, as fans of the breed worried that breeding Border Collies to conform to a certain appearance would diminish the dog’s unparalleled intelligence. Amid heated opposition, the Border Collie was recognized by the American Kennel Club as a member of the Herding Group in 1995. Today, the Border Collie is still used to herd sheep, and is also a perennial winner at herding trials and competitive obedience events.
SKILLS: Sheepdog and cattle-herder. The Border Collie is a medium sized bundle of energy.
SIZE: The shoulder-height is 53 – 55cm (20 ¾ - 21 ½ in) for dogs; bitches are slightly smaller.
COAT: The thick undercoat is medium length and shiny. All colors are permissible but white should not be predominant. Black and white coats are the must usual.
CARE REQUIRED: The Border Collie’s coat does not require much attention. Weekly brushing will keep it in good condition.
CHARACTER: This dog is very eager to work, intelligent and astute, a quick learner, attentive, lively, and alert. It forms a very close bond with his handler and family. It is also determined and brave.
TRAINING: The Border Collie is famous throughout the world for its tremendous intelligence and its desire to please. These dogs quickly learn new commands and almost all of them have a natural aptitude for herding sheep.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: Provided it get sufficient activity to keep it occupied and ample exercise, the Border Collie will get along quite happily with other dogs and pets and children. If there is insufficient activity then it will find work to do, which could be herding your children!
EXERCISE: The idle Border Collie will become extremely badly behaved and even aggressive. Physical exercise alone it not sufficient for this breed. They want to work and must do so, with body and mind as one, carrying out different tasks. It is not surprising that at competitive level in various sports – agility skills, obedience, and sheepdog trials – Border Collies are represented among the top in the sport. They are perfectionists with a permanent will to please. In brief, this breed lives for serving you day in day out.
