Border Collie

Pet Road Tests > Dogs

Border Collie

Breed: Border Collie
Temperament: highly intelligent, friendly
Maintenance: high
Cost: $400-$600
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Recommended for: active families
Dumpage rate: high

History

The Border Collie originated in the Border Counties of Scotland around 350 years ago. They were developed by local farmers to work their livestock. Renowned for their low and quiet approach to the herd and their gentle attitude, the dogs are relentless workers who thrive on the mental and physical challenge herding presents. When Australia began its sheep farming industry Border Collies were imported to work the herds. The breed, one of the earliest ever brought to Australia, has been known here since the mid 1800s.

Today the shorter coated 'varieties' of Border Collies are bred and used strictly for working purposes. Some of these dogs are registered with Working Sheepdog clubs for trial competition, some are not registered but are bred purely for work. Any dog that is bought from a Australian Kennel Club registered breeder will not a true 'working' Border Collie. These show derivations of the original working dogs can be trained to work stock, but they are unlikely to be as good as dogs from working strains.

Appearance

Whilst displaying gracefulness and perfect balance the Border Collie should be sturdy enough to endure the long periods of activity it has been bred to undertake.

Coat colour and length: They come in black and white, blue and white, brown and white, red and white, blue merle and white. and tri-colour. The most common is the black and white. The coat is the most prominent feature consisting of a double coat, with a moderately long, dense, medium textured topcoat. The undercoat is short, soft and dense for good weather-resistance. The length and composition of the coat makes the present day pedigree Border Collie unsuitable for work.

Height: dogs 48-53cm (19-21in); bitches 46-51cm (18-20in).

Temperament

Border Collies thrive on work and love to be highly stimulated and worked for long periods of time. Border Collies are regarded as one of the most intelligent dogs due to their affinity for training and their eagerness to learn, but it is this very characteristic that in turn can be detrimental if the dog is not placed in the right environment. They are high maintenance dogs needing a lot of attention and time and from owners. If you are not prepared to bring the dog into your life as part of the family then you will have trouble. They must be exercised quite extensively every day and included in family activities as often as possible. A dog that is walked for an hour a day and left outside to its own devices will still be difficult. Bored Border Collies will always hunt for something to do or something to stimulate them. With people they should be friendly and affectionate.

Training and exercise

Training of a Border Collie should begin with puppy classes and continue with obedience for extra training and activity. This allows the dog to understand what their owner wants and also provides a bonding time for both. Training is highly recommended to satisfy their need for mental stimulation. Exercise is a big part of a Border Collie's life but they must not be worked hard until they 18 months old and the growth plates are developed. Then it is time for agility, trial, frisbees, jogging, swimming and any other activity you would like to throw at them including 'dancing'. Agility is becoming increasingly popular and is one of the best ways to exercise and stimulate the dog for long periods of time.

Grooming and diet

With the show breed now displaying fuller thicker coats owners recommend thorough brushing twice a week to prevent knots and matting. In the summer they require baths every couple of weeks but in winter once a month will suffice.

A good quality food to suit lifestyle and age, combined with raw bones will help to bring up a healthy dog.

Health and lifespan

A Border Collie can be expected to live for about 10-15 years. They are a fairly robust dog but they can be afflicted with hip problems and progressive retinal atrophy, a degenerative disease of the eye that causes blindness. Another severe problem found in the breed is a genetic condition known as Ceroid Lipofuscinosis or Storage Disease. The condition causes a build up of sugars on the brain and causes the dog to display severe temperament changes. This behaviour is usually extremely aggressive and the dog has to be put down to prevent injury to itself or others.

Cost

$400-$600.

Recommended for

Anyone who wants a dog to be one of the family and is willing to invest time, effort and money will not find a better dog. But people who spend a lot of time outside their home environment and leave their dog at home are in for big trouble.

More information

We filmed our story with Margaret Rockey of Sydney. Phone (02) 9651 4168

For breeders in your area contact the relevant state canine authority.

ACT
Canberra Kennel Association Inc
PO Box 815
Dickson, 2602
Phone: (02) 6241 4404
Fax: (02) 6241 1129
Email: administrator@actca.asn.au
www.actca.asn.au

NSW
Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd
PO Box 632
St Marys, 1790
Phone: (02) 9834 3022 or 1800 451 375 (NSW only)
Fax: (02) 9834 3872
Email: k9council@rnswcc.org.au
www.rnswcc.org.au

NT
The NT Canine Association Inc
PO Box 37521
Winnellie, 0821
Phone: (08) 8984 3570
Fax: (08) 8984 3409
Email: naca@topend.com.au

QLD
Canine Control Council (Queensland)
PO Box 495
Fortitude Valley, 4006
Phone: (07) 3252 2661
Fax: (07) 3252 3864
Email: dogsqld@powerup.com.au

SA
South Australian Canine Association Inc
PO Box 844
Prospect East, 5082
Phone: (08) 8349 4797
Fax: (08) 8262 5751
Email: info@saca.caninenet.com

TAS
Tasmanian Canine Association Inc
The Rothman Building
PO Box 116
Glenorchy, 7010
Phone: (03) 6272 9443
Fax: (03) 6273 0844
http://tca.freeservers.com.au/
Email: tca@iprimus.com.au

VIC
Victorian Canine Association
PO Box K9
Ascot Vale, 3032
Phone: (03) 9376 2255
Fax: (03) 9376 1772
Email: office@vca.org.au
www.vca.org.au

WA
Canine Association of Western Australia (Inc)
PO Box 1404
Canning Vale, 6970
Phone: (08) 9455 1188
Fax: (08) 9455 1190
Email:k9@cawa.asn.au

Email to a friend

Print this page

Top of page

Disclaimer: Burke's Backyard and Backyard Blitz do not accept payment to promote products. All recommendations are genuine. Details on the fact sheets are accurate at the time of publishing, however prices and contact information are not updated and may change.