The Border Collie has high intelligence and irrepressible energy. About the Border Collie herding dog Peculiarities of education and training

The Border Collie is a fairly popular breed of herding dog in our country and among foreign dog breeders, bred in the UK. Research conducted by specialists from a British university has proven that the border collie is the smartest dog among all currently known breeds.

History of the origin of the breed

The first mention of the breed is just under 500 years old. It is generally accepted that the name of the breed was obtained due to the habitat represented by the border between the territories of England and Scotland. However, it is currently quite difficult to establish for certain the origin of the breed. The main version is based on the opinion that the ancestors of the Border crossed with local shepherd dogs, but were brought over by the Vikings.

This is interesting! Thanks to their very beautiful and thick coat, as well as their elongated, pretty muzzle, border collies had a very noble and aesthetic appearance, and Queen Victoria really liked them.

The first full description of the breed dates back to the very beginning of the nineteenth century. The animals took part in a kind of herding competition, the purpose of which was to select dogs with excellent working qualities, regardless of their external characteristics. Nevertheless, the exterior of the Broder Collie is quite interesting - the animal is extremely charming and cute, not too large. In 1976, the breed was recognized by the English Club, and twelve years later the Border Cauley was included in the FCI list.

Description, appearance of the border collie

The Border Collie is a very graceful dog, characterized by a well-proportioned build and a strong and strong frame. The height of males varies between 47.5-55.0 cm, and the height of females is 45.0-52.5 cm with a weight of 13.5 to 22.5 kg.

The coat can be of medium length or short. In both cases, there is a well-developed and very dense undercoat, which serves as excellent protection for the animal in unfavorable climatic conditions. Standard coloring is characterized by a predominance of white color.

Breed standards

In accordance with the FCI classification, the following standards are established for the Border Collie breed:

a fairly wide skull with a not too pronounced occipital protuberance;
equal length of the skull and the front part of the muzzle, strong and tapering towards the nose;
there is a well-defined transition in the area from the frontal zone to the muzzle;
a nose with well-defined nostrils may be black, brown or slate in color;
eyes are widely spaced, most often brown, oval in shape and moderate in size;
ears are medium-sized, widely spaced, erect or semi-erect;
there must be strong teeth and well-developed jaws with an even and quite beautiful scissor bite;
a strong and muscular neck has a slight curve and widens towards the shoulder blades;
body of athletic build, with well-springed ribs;
The chest area is deep and slightly wide;
the lumbar region is deep and muscular, not at all toned;
the back line has a smooth slope towards a slightly sloping, relatively long and wide, muscular croup;
the tail is set low, with good hair, without casting over the back area;
The forelimbs are characterized by a parallel arrangement and the presence of a strong, but not heavy skeleton;
wide and fairly muscular hind legs have a graceful curve at the caudal base;
The thigh area is long, deep and muscular, with good arching at the knee joints and firmly set, powerful, low-set hocks;
paws are oval-shaped, with deep pads, with short and strong claws.

The movements are free, but soft, with a slight lifting of the paws, which creates the impression of a “sneaking” gait.

The topcoat hair is quite thick, with average hardness. There is a well-defined soft and very dense undercoat. An animal with a semi-long coat has a clearly defined mane, “panties” and a “fox tail”.

The coat does not have a distinct odor and does not shed much during the molting process.. In the area of the muzzle, ears, parts of the front and hind limbs, the coat must be short and extremely smooth.

Border Collie Personality

The Border Collie is a very fast and extremely energetic dog. The breed is characterized by receptivity, intelligence and insight, and requires constant physical and mental stress. He is wary of strangers, but in the family he is obedient, responsible and sensitive to everyone around him.

Training a young dog should begin at about eight months. The animal is extremely devoted to its owner, very smart and easy to train from a fairly early age. Does not show timidity or unmotivated aggression. Has excellent instincts.

Lifespan

If the Border Collie is provided with good care, a nutritious and balanced diet, as well as the necessary level of physical activity, starting from a very early age, then the average life expectancy of a pet will be thirteen years, and sometimes more.

The breed is completely unpretentious in care. Such a four-legged pet will not cause trouble even for novice dog breeders.

Standard measures when keeping this breed at home include proper coat care, periodic bathing of the pet, trimming nails and other hygiene procedures, as well as creating an optimal diet.

Care and hygiene

Puppies need to be walked several times during the day, which will allow the animal not only to actively spend accumulated energy, but also help to accustom the four-legged pet to the daily toilet.

As necessary, you need to carefully clean the eyes and ears, accustoming the animal to these procedures from a very early age. Ear cleaning should be done very carefully, using a soft cloth and hygienic lotions.. Grooming in the form of combing is performed two to three times a week.

This event removes dead hair and stimulates the growth of new coat. For bathing, special conditioning shampoos are used, which must be selected correctly depending on the type of coat.

Diet – what to feed a border collie

Providing adequate nutrition for the border collie is an important stage in keeping the breed at home. The diet must contain a sufficient amount of nutrients, as well as the optimal amount of vitamins and minerals for the growth and development of the animal. You cannot limit your dog’s access to fresh and clean water, especially if they are used for feeding. Daily food should consist of approximately 50% meat, fish and offal.

This is interesting! Feeding dogs of this breed does not differ in specific features, but should be guided by the physical activity of the animal and its age.

Formula-fed puppies must be provided with special milk formulas. A good result is achieved by using a homemade mixture consisting of eggs, sugar and milk with the addition of special vitamin and mineral complexes.

An adult animal needs to be fed a couple of times a day, which minimizes the risk of developing pathology of the digestive system. It should be remembered that proper digestion of the Border Collie directly depends on providing the pet with adequate physical activity, as well as regular physical activity.

Diseases and breed defects

The breed is characterized by endurance and very good health. However, along with other breeds, border collies are also susceptible to some specific diseases unique to them, which can be presented:

congenital deafness;
ocular abnormalities, including retinal atrophy;
osteochondritis dissecans;
increased susceptibility to drugs from the group of anesthetics;
cancer diseases.

In order to maintain the health of a four-legged pet, the owner is obliged to provide the pet with regular veterinary examinations, as well as timely vaccinations against the most common diseases.

A special feature of the Border Collie breed is the genetic ability to perform the work of a shepherd, therefore animals sold by professional breeders are completely devoid of aggressiveness. Animals lacking independence or intelligence are culled.

World and national championships make it possible to actively identify animals suitable for use in further selection and breeding, so all serious breeders are interested in participating in such events.

Where to buy, what to look for

It is best to purchase a Border puppy from single-breed nurseries. An animal born in our country is in no way inferior in quality and all breed characteristics to puppies from foreign breeders.

In recent years, the breed has been classified as universal, so when choosing a puppy, you must be guided by the further purpose of the animal. You can purchase lively and active puppies as a companion dog and family friend.

Important! To participate in shows and exhibition events, it is advisable to buy a calmer animal with the most impressive exterior.

Border Collie dog price

The cost of a puppy depends on many factors, but the determining ones are the titles and regalia of the animal’s parents, its class, and the status of the kennel.

Pet-class puppies will not be able to participate in exhibitions and are not used for procreation, which is due to the presence of certain defects that do not affect the health of the animal.

The average cost of such a puppy starts from 15 thousand rubles. An animal belonging to the “breeding class” is most often purchased for the purpose of procreation. In any average nursery, puppies of this breed of breeding class cost at least 18-25 thousand rubles.

“Show class” puppies are especially highly valued. It is these animals that constantly participate in exhibitions and belong to the category of standard breed representatives. Purchasing a puppy of this class can cost a hefty sum, because the cost starts from 30-35 thousand rubles.

Historical data of the breed, appearance of the border collie, character traits and health, care tips, training, interesting facts. Purchase, price of a puppy.

The content of the article:

These canines are excellent sporting partners, with unlimited enthusiasm. They will work as hard as they can to bring you joy. Animals approach their work with full responsibility. These are the smartest dogs, but that doesn't mean they don't need to be trained. But training them is a pleasure - the pets grasp everything on the fly. Compared to other breeds, they are real professors of intelligence. When you think of a person’s best friends, you immediately think about them.

Historical data of the Border Collie breed

The word "border" translated into English means border. The word "coll" in Scottish dialect means coal. Scottish sheep have black muzzles and therefore locals call them coll, or the diminutive collie. There is no exact geographical point where the breed originated.

For British farmers, Border Collies are, above all, colleagues. They are treated with appropriate respect. Animals understand people perfectly. Four-legged shepherds are very hardy. In one day of work on the farm, they can run about eighty kilometers. The level of understanding with the owner is simply incredible. To carry out commands, he doesn’t even need words, he just needs to whistle correctly. In British weather conditions, this helps. If you shout in the wind for too long, you might get sick.

This behavior of these dogs is due to the fact that the pursuer instinct is very strong in them. This innate quality was passed on to them from their distant ancestors - wolves. Once upon a time, at the dawn of our civilization, people selected reckless but well-managed domestic wolves for herding, which later gradually turned into herding dogs. Despite the fact that a lot of time has passed since then, some of their wild habits can be traced to this day.

The first detailed descriptions of the dogs that herded cattle on the borders of Great Britain and Scotland can be found in a book called “English Dogs.” This publication was published in 1576. All purebred Border Collies are descended from a dog named "Old Hempf." He was born in 1893 in the north of England, in the county of Northumberland. This dog began taking part in various herding competitions at the age of one year and has never lost a single competition. To this day, no one has broken his record.

In England, everything is usually divided into classes, categories and castes. In this country, Border Collies can be registered with two organizations: the Kennel Club, a community of show dogs, and the International Cattle Dog Association. While it is quite easy for “hard workers” to obtain a show dog certificate, handsome dogs need to pass a very difficult exam in the herding dog association to confirm their certificate of belonging to the breed.

Border collies appeared in Russia relatively recently. The national club of lovers of these shepherd dogs was created in 2005 during the international exhibition of all dog breeds called “Euraser”. Now they are gaining great popularity in the country.

Description of the appearance of the border collie

The Border Collie is an active, energetic herding dog that is ready to work continuously. The gait is smooth, allowing for maneuvers. Height at the withers for males is from 47 to 55 cm, for females from 45 to 52 cm. Weight is from 13 to 22 kg.

The head is slightly wider than average. The occipital part is not pronounced, the cheekbones are moderate.
Muzzle equal in length to the skull, tapering towards the nose. The transition to the frontal part is clearly visible. The jaws are well developed, with white teeth and a scissor bite. Lips are dry, darkly pigmented.
Nose- harmonious, with pronounced nostrils. Its pigmentation depends on the color. Blacks have black, browns have brown. But individuals with a blue color have a gray-coffee color.
Eyes Border Collie is wide-set, oval in size. The color of the cornea is determined by the coloration of the dog. They can be light or dark brown. The merle color has either blue or one blue and one brown. Has a point-blank gaze, called the “eye”. This is how they show the herd who is boss.
Ears located quite widely. Medium parameters, triangular. They can be either hanging or standing.
Neck- of sufficient length, has a smooth bend, becoming wider towards the body.
Frame mesomorphic build, long format. The chest is deep and wide. The back is lowered in the area of the tail. The ribs do not protrude, the lower abdomen is tucked in.
Tail- low position, reaches the hock joints, bends towards the top. Covered with beautiful, long and fluffy hair. When the collie moves, it lifts it up.
Limbs erect, moderately strong build. There is the necessary distance between the shoulder blades, which allows the dog to move smoothly, like a cat. The hind legs are slightly sloping at the tail. Mesomorphic hips.
Paws in the form of a cat, in a lump. Fingers tightly adjacent to each other. The claws are strong.
Coat Border Collie with a soft, dense undercoat. Guard hair, the longest in the area of the neck, torso and thighs. The muzzle, ears, forelimbs and paws are covered with shorter and smoother hair. Among the breed line, there may be individuals with shorter or smoother coats.
Color Diversity is acceptable, but not white dominant. Available in: two-tone, three-tone, tan, merle, blue.

Characteristics of the Border Collie

These dogs are so good because they are goal-oriented. They may repeat an action over and over again. If they have learned something, they will continue this activity with persistence. This is why they make such good shepherds. It is almost impossible to stop them. People love them for their good learning ability and intelligence.

Borderers are real energizer athletes. They love to run and move. They have very good results in their work. Any training will be successful and will bring them only joy. For this quality, they are so valued by search service employees, who in their work must rely on the animal as a reasonable and reliable partner.

Its parameters are also suitable. The dog is light in weight, and it is not difficult to descend from a helicopter with it. If necessary, they maintain concentration for a very long time. These dogs, like postmen, can work in rain, sleet and hail. They don't care at all whether it's wet or frosty outside.

Border collies perform well in various professions. They can be excellent shepherds, rescuers, guides, athletes and even actors. The discipline, diligence and incredible intelligence of this breed make them a dream for any filmmaker.
For example, Russian director Maxim Speshnikov, in his debut work: “Shaggy Fir Trees,” entrusted the main roles and the performance of the most complex stunt tricks, Cavalier Charles to the spaniel “Penny,” and a border collie named “Ice.” All the tricks that are shown on the screen are not editing or computer graphics, but the result of the painstaking work of the trainer Alexandra Stepanova and her charges.

As a rule, these dogs are extremely friendly to people. They always want to please their owners. Borderers should never be punished with assault. These are very smart dogs and if you understand how they think, then it will not be difficult for you to correct their behavior.

There must be trust between the owner and the pet. Everything must be done gradually. They love space and exercise, but hate crowds. Dogs are sensitive to noise and sports, to begin with, they need to be engaged in non-group exercises. You must be careful but persistent.

In addition to physical exercise, they also need to be given mental exercise. If you do not work in this direction, then your pet may get into trouble, which will lead to trouble. If they go somewhere, they calculate the route. They even know how to open gates and door handles.

Border collies have fairly good health and live up to 14 years. They are renowned for their highly developed intellect, strong work ethic, and high energy levels. They may have problems with their eyes and hips. Therefore, you need to carefully check the pedigree before purchasing a pet.

Wool First of all, dogs should be combed. This is done using a slicker or trimmer. During the shedding period, the pet is brushed more often, thus helping to quickly get rid of dead undercoat. Products for bath procedures should only be for animals. If you bathe your pet using human means, there may be serious problems with the skin and hair. For example, dandruff and hair loss will appear. First, the shampoo is diluted with water in the correct proportion and beaten well. Collies have a thick undercoat, so they wash it not with their hands, but with a sponge. It is advisable to apply the concentrate foam at least twice to the pet’s moistened fur coat. Afterwards, rinse it off well and use a balm. This way you will restore the natural pH balance and keep your pet smelling fresh for a long time.
Ears inspect from time to time and, if necessary, clean.
Eyes check constantly. Border Collies have genetic eye conditions. If you notice anything wrong, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Teeth teach cleaning from an early age. After all, regular, preventive procedures, treatment of periodontal disease and removal of tartar are better.
Claws cut regularly, so your furniture and wallpaper will remain intact. Nature arranges them in such a way that they need to be constantly squeezed. If the nails are left untrimmed for a long time, the dog's toes may become deformed.
Feeding- depending on the choice of the owner. Some people consider ready-made concentrates harmful and prepare their own food. This is a big misconception. Food from well-known manufacturers contains all the necessary substances, vitamins and minerals for the successful development of a dog and its vigorous well-being. But homemade food takes a lot of time and you won’t be able to clearly coordinate its composition.
Walks should be twice a day. But this doesn’t just mean taking your pet to the toilet. Borders are hard workers and need a certain amount of workload. This involves playing various sports with the owner, or overcoming obstacles on the dog playground. In any case, one exit to the street must last at least an hour of active walking. Otherwise, the pet will be irritable and will direct energy in a destructive direction. Every day, when you return from work, you may find unexpected “surprises” in your home. I doubt you'll like this.

Border Collie training

Training is, first of all, contact between the animal and the owner and joint work. When a pet has learned something, it is very interesting to go from simple to complex, inventing new activities of increased complexity. Only mutual understanding and close contact will lead to success. Even if your dog was born with remarkable intelligence, he needs regular exercise. To keep your pet interested, focus his attention on games.

Smart boarders are very successful in participating in agility competitions, which translated means dexterity. This quality must be met by all competitors - both humans and dogs. The average speed of movement of these dogs around the site is five meters per second.

Such extraordinary physical characteristics and a love for all kinds of games make collies unsurpassed masters in these competitions. Agility is the most democratic sport. It can be practiced by people of all ages, without exception, as well as dogs of all breeds. The presence of a pedigree does not matter, the main thing is that the person and his dog like what they do.

Initially, it was not a sport, but an entertainment event at exhibitions for people who were bored during breaks. It was invented by two Englishmen: Peter Lewis and Peter Minois. One day, these two gentlemen were at a show jumping competition, where horses overcome obstacles. Suddenly the idea occurred to them that this is exactly what they could do with dogs.

The first time this was demonstrated at the world famous Kraft exhibition in 1978. The success was deafening. The path from exotic entertainment to the first World Agility Championship took eighteen years for enthusiasts of this sport.

Its rules are simple. A square of 50 by 50 meters and obstacles located on it in the form of: various barriers, tunnels, slides, swings and wheels. Whoever covered the intricate track faster and more cleanly won. You cannot train your pet for the track. The number of projectiles and their placement becomes known to the participants no earlier than five minutes before the start of the competition. When controlling a dog, you can only use your voice and gestures. For the slightest violation, penalty points are awarded.

In order for a Border Collie to be able to communicate so easily with its “commanders”, a certain training method is needed. The basis of the method is that man does not dominate the animal. When the shepherd lies on the ground, the owner gives it commands from one point before the dog begins to move and move away from this pressure. The person is always in the same place, the border collie sees him as a friend and tries to work, since she has the opportunity to make her own decisions, and not carry out others.

When you need to start driving the sheep they command: “work.” “Come in” is a command to turn left, and the herd is on the right. If you need to turn it to the right, the command is “away”. If you command a dog to “lie down,” then it stops the herd. While working, the Border Collie may nudge the animal or prance around, but will never bite it. They owe such amazing endurance to qualities fixed at the genetic level.

In Great Britain, a specimen of the breed named “Chaser” knows about a thousand words. Now he is learning new ones, and he knows how to divide those that he memorized before into categories. How is this possible? A group of psychologists dealt with the dog for three years with special training.

Purchasing and price of a border collie puppy

At the genetic level, Border Collies have inherent herding abilities, which is why professional breeders will never allow aggressive, not independent or insufficiently intelligent individuals. It's very easy to lose the quality of a line. That's why there are national championships among herding dogs. World championships are needed to identify those dogs that are suitable for selection. Therefore, serious breeders try to participate in them.

All puppies born in Russia are in no way inferior to their English relatives. This versatile breed has many different uses, so when choosing a puppy, you need to consider what your collie will do in the future. If you are getting a pet for sport, then the puppy should be active, mobile, and with a great desire to work. If you take it for a show, the dog may be calmer, but with a more beautiful exterior.

If you have no experience with canines, you need to think twice before getting a Border Collie. If you don't know how to handle them, they will drive you crazy, destroying everything in the house. They are very energetic and you need to know how to properly occupy and train a dog. Therefore, either choose a simpler breed or regularly exercise with a collie on the site in the presence of a professional trainer.

The cost of puppies is considerable. The approximate price can vary from $1500 to $2000.

More about the Border Collie breed:

The Border Collie is an energetic dog breed known for its herding skills and its success in the dog sport of agility. However, due to the innate activity of this breed, such dogs require special care. The Border Collie will become a loyal and cheerful companion to its owner, while not allowing him to relax. Know that this breed needs daily vigorous exercise.

Steps

Providing your dog with everything he needs

Get everything you need. You will need to purchase quite a few different items to provide everything your Border Collie needs. You will need to buy a leash, collar, dog food, water and food bowls, toys, a crate and a dog comb.

Groom your Border Collie. The Border Collie has a long, beautiful coat that requires some grooming. You will need to brush your dog regularly (at least once a week) and bathe him every 4-8 weeks to keep his coat clean and healthy.

Be sure to purchase grooming accessories specifically designed for long-haired dogs. You will need a brush comb, a flat comb, and a nail clipper.
Trim your dog's nails every 4-6 weeks.

Provide your dog with adequate exercise. Since Border Collies have an inexhaustible supply of energy, you need to make sure that the dog gets at least one hour of exercise per day. This pet needs daily walks. It is recommended to allow him to run freely in a spacious fenced yard area.
- Other ways to burn off your dog's excess energy include sports such as agility and flyball, swimming, trail hiking, and visiting dog parks.
Take care of quality veterinary service. While visits to the vet can be expensive, they are necessary for the well-being of your dog and will save you money on your dog's health in the long run. Give your puppy all necessary vaccinations. They are simply required. Consult your veterinarian about specific types of vaccinations and timing of vaccinations.

Have your dog microchipped. The microchip implanted under the skin is very small and contains the contact information of the dog's owner in case the dog gets lost. In this case, if the dog ends up in a shelter or veterinary clinic, they will be able to read the microchip data and contact the owner to return the pet to him. Due to the great intelligence and agility of dogs of this breed, the risk that the dog can escape is quite high. Therefore, implantation of a microchip would be a useful precaution.
- Microchipping a dog is fairly inexpensive and is performed by a veterinarian.
- Veterinarians prefer to perform microchipping at the same time as other necessary operations (for example, spaying or neutering) in order to kill two birds with one stone and not expose the animal to unnecessary discomfort.
Choose high-quality food for your pet. Avoid cheap or financially "profitable" foods, as they can cause obesity, problems with teeth and even kidneys. Dogs need quality food, especially energetic dogs like border collies.

Have fun with your dog. The Border Collie needs 1-1.5 hours of exercise a day, it is capable of chewing your expensive shoes, scaring the neighbor kids or doing some dangerous things, but one thing is for sure - if you are a responsible and educated dog owner, then a border collie will become your best friend.
- Border collies usually get along well with children and other pets, especially if they were raised together. However, the dog may be wary of strangers.

Border Collie training

Try training your dog yourself. It is very important to start training your dog from an early age so that he better understands what you want from him. Start by teaching your dog what behavior is expected of him, and then begin to reward that behavior with treats and praise.
- Although you can start teaching your puppy the basics of proper behavior (toilet, crate, not jumping, not biting, and not displaying dominant behavior) with positive reinforcement from an early age, more advanced training is recommended for puppies as young as four years of age. months and older.
Sign up for a training course with a professional instructor. For high-energy dogs like Border Collies, it is very important to know the commands of a general training course. This will not only provide your dog with the stimulation it needs, but will also make your life a little easier with an extremely active and playful pet. A professional instructor will be able to interest your dog in training lessons, so that later it will be easier for you to train your dog yourself at home.
- Border Collies are quite intelligent and often respond best to training techniques that allow them to think about the tasks at hand, such as clicker training.
Expand your own knowledge. Read books about border collies, sign up for general training or agility courses, and talk to experienced owners of such dogs. Do everything that will allow you to learn more about your beloved puppy to make his life healthier and happier. Learn the importance of proper nutrition and proper exercise for your dog's well-being.
- If you have any questions regarding your Border Collie's condition, please consult your veterinarian.

Deciding to Buy a Border Collie

Think it through carefully. Border Collies are superior to almost all other breeds in intelligence and energy, making them a good choice only responsible, purposeful, well-informed and experienced dog breeders. Never buy a Border Collie solely because of its cute appearance or because your friend has this beautiful pet. Be sure to take the time to thoroughly research the breed before purchasing or adopting a Border Collie.
Decide where you will purchase your border collie. For those who wish to participate in exhibitions or competitions with a dog, it is best to purchase a dog from a reputable breeder. However, if you just want a good pet, consider trying to adopt one from a shelter. By doing this, you will give a home to an animal in need and you yourself will acquire the breed that you wanted.
- In some cases, Border Collie puppies can be purchased through a pet store. But it is not recommended to do this, since in this case you most likely will not have any information about the origin of the puppy, its state of health, the quality of breeding and, most likely, it will be a product from an unscrupulous breeder who is only concerned about the issue of financial gain .
- It is also possible to purchase puppies from unofficial or random breeders. Buying dogs from them is also not recommended, since you will not receive all the necessary information about your future pet.
- Consider adopting a dog from a shelter. This is the preferred option for those who wish to help animals in need. But this cannot be considered a recommended step due to the lack of information about the dog. Shelters often fail to provide for the special needs of border collies, which results in the dog developing behavioral problems. However, purchasing a dog from a dedicated herding dog shelter can be a very thoughtful and kind thing to do.
Talk to different representatives of the breed before making your final choice. If you are interested in the Border Collie breed, try to interact with these dogs in person to see how much you like them. Remember that buying a dog is a serious decision that should not be taken lightly.
- Never buy a dog without first meeting it in person, no matter how adorable it looks in photographs. You need to interact with the dog in person and check that a special bond develops between you. You also need to make sure that the dog appears healthy in appearance.
- It is useful to bring other family members to the introductory meeting with the potential pet. It is very important to understand how well the dog will get along with all of them.
- You can also bring other existing pets with you to check their compatibility. You should not accidentally create a situation in which your pets simply cannot coexist.

Warnings

Never, under any circumstances, purchase a Border Collie without first researching information about the breed.
Border Collies should not be chained or left alone anywhere for long hours. If necessary, provide your dog with a sturdy crate, but avoid using one if possible. Border Collies are good as outdoor farm dogs, and if you have your own farm where you work every day, then a Border Collie can and should be an outdoor dog doing its own work. It is dangerous to leave your dog sad alone without something to challenge his mind, as this can lead to unwanted destructive behavior. Border Collies need daily interaction with their owner and a variety of work. Ideally, the dog needs training based on positive reinforcement and a herd to follow, or regular training in agility, flyball and/or Frisbee.
This is not a dog for an apartment or for those who are away from home for a long time due to work and spend a lot of time traveling there and back. The Border Collie needs a permanent owner who will spend time with her every day, so she is ideal for those who have room to move around and need a partner for an active friendship or working relationship.

What you will need

Dog food
Water and food bowls, preferably stainless steel
Brush and nail clipper
Cell
Durable toys that can be chewed
Leash and collar with ID tag
Experienced Veterinarian

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Border Collie dogs are excellent herders, equipped with unchanging canine instincts. The breed is friendly and loyal. The dog quickly and easily finds a common language with small children.

It is not without reason that there is an opinion that the Border Collie is created for movement. A more energetic, playful dog would be hard to find. Ready to spend the whole day in games and active activities with the owner or other animals. When choosing a representative of the breed, remember that a calm, measured life is not for a pet.

History of the breed

According to history, the Border Collie was the first breed of its kind to be classified as a small herding dog. The history of the origin of the breed goes far into the depths of humankind. The breed was first mentioned in the chronicles of the Vikings who lived on the border of Scotland with the territory of modern England. Even the name says about the place where the breed was bred - border in English means border.

The first descriptions of the breed appeared back in 1570. Since 1873, competitions have been held among herding breeds for the title of the best shepherd dog, although the description of the breed and the evaluation system were developed only in 1881! The breed was first officially registered in 1915 by James Reid. Previously, dogs were called “collies” with the following notes:

worker,
traditional,
English,
farmer's

The year 1906 was important for the Border Collie breed because the International Society of Shepherd Fanciers opened. The society's goal was to support a working breed that was unique in nature. The emphasis in breeding was on the working qualities of dogs. The English Club adopted a standard for the breed in the 70s of the 20th century. It is known that the document was copied from real dogs. In the description, the main place is given to the working qualities of the breed, preserved by descendants.

Initially, representatives of the breed were used as herding dogs. Today, the Border Collie is more often adopted as a companion and family friend. However, the shepherd dog still has the leadership abilities of a dog, accustomed to managing a herd of sheep and protecting the flock from wild animals. The breed has not gained much popularity in Russia.

Description of the breed

Descriptions of the Border Collie breed begin with a fact: the dog is amazingly trainable. In terms of intelligence, the animal is compared with the famous breeds Laika and Malamute. The dog has pronounced herding qualities. A classic confirmation is the fact that, even living in an urban area, a dog tries to “herd” everyone, even its owners.

The positive characteristics of the breed do not end there. The dog is clearly capable of separating strangers from his own when it comes to a stranger - he either avoids communication or seeks to “drive him out”. A positive quality that is ideal for a married couple - Border quickly finds contact with children. It is better not to leave a small child alone due to the dog’s energy and predominant weight. Accidental damage may occur.

The Border Collie is in excellent health. The hardy dog easily adapts to any living conditions. The Border Collie is recommended for owners of country houses. Representatives of the breed are kept in an apartment subject to daily prolonged physical activity.

Appearance

The Border Collie exhibits proportional build.
This is a strong and robust dog with short to medium length hair. The dense undercoat protects the breed from bad weather.
A distinctive feature of the Border Collie is the equal length of the muzzle and forehead.
There are different colors. The most common are dark and dark with tan. There is a brindle color called tricolor.
The long tail is set low, the tip is slightly raised. When moving, the tail rises slightly, however, it is allowed no higher than the line of the back.
The height of the Border Collie ranges from 47-53 cm, weight reaches 20 kg (depending on the gender of the dog).
Average life expectancy is 12-14 years.

The only condition stated in the standard is that the white color of the coat should not predominate. Although white spots on the face, forehead, neck and paws are allowed.

Character and temperament

Energetic and demanding dogs always want to live “in business.” Moreover, it does not matter what the dogs are doing - herding sheep or participating in sports competitions. Under human guidance, representatives of the breed show exceptionally excellent results. If a dog is bored, becomes nervous and irritable, destructive behavior is possible.

The dog will not entertain itself. The owner must come up with activities for the animal. Representatives of the breed are extremely people-oriented. It is recommended to socialize at an early age. Collies mature late. At 2-3 years old they are able to exhibit puppy behavior and play pranks.

The breed is distinguished by high intelligence. Even an inexperienced owner can easily teach the simplest commands. The dog needs professional training. Border collies are calm with children, but they will not tolerate severe “bullying”. But they will quickly make friends with teenagers.

Outsiders are treated with suspicion. In the absence of a real danger to the owner or family members, they do not show aggression. Dogs of the breed coexist peacefully with other pets.

Representatives of the breed often show excellent results in sports competitions, becoming champions in agility and outdoor games like Frisbee. Today they are used as bloodhounds or rescuers. Herding instincts are highly developed.

Border Collie Care

The Border Collie is easy to train and gets along with children, respecting its owner. Your pet requires certain care:

Wool. First of all, proper care of the Border Collie consists of monitoring the correct growth of the coat. The dog's coat is medium length. If necessary, the hair on the tail and paws is removed.
Brushing - you will have to comb your four-legged friend twice a week; at the time of shedding, it is better to increase the intensity.
Haircut - if necessary, the hair on the paws and tail is trimmed.
Washing - Border does not like to bathe; frequent bathing negatively affects the condition of the coat. Bathed 2-4 times a year or when heavily soiled. After a walk, if the dog lives in the house, it is enough to wipe its paws.
Eyes - Accumulated dust and dirt are carefully removed from the corners of the eyes using a cotton swab.
Nail trimming - due to increased activity, this dog breed does not require frequent nail trimming.
Intellectual development - animals are smart, however, it is not a fact that dogs will direct their minds to following commands. With the right approach, in addition to standard commands, the Border Collie can learn interesting tricks. Training will require considerable effort from the owner and a huge amount of treats. For beginners, it is better to contact an experienced trainer who will recommend exercises to develop their intended skills.
Walking - the breed, especially Border Collie puppies, is playful and requires regular and frequent walks from the owner. For an adult, two walks a day for 40-45 minutes are enough.
Physical activity: fetching, jogging, tugging things are the dog’s preferred activities. The ideal warm-up involves catching a ball or plate. It is possible to do such exercises near a pond where the dog will happily swim. Regardless of the weather, the Border Collie needs two hour walks.

If the dog does not get the chance to release adrenaline on a walk, or the walk is too short, the family's life will suffer serious changes. When purchasing a breed, remember that a dog's instincts are primarily related to running and grazing. The Border Collie breed is a shepherd for whom a single walk is not enough. If possible, try to spend as much active time as possible with your four-legged friend.

The main thing for a dog is movement. Communication with a person will not replace physical activity for a dog. Choleric temperament and irrepressible energy make this breed an excellent companion for active people. They easily adapt to new conditions and cope well with travel and moving.

Diseases of the breed

Among the most common diseases of the breed:

Eye diseases,
Epilepsy,
Congenital deafness
Hip dysplasia,
Osteochondritis dissecans.

When buying a puppy, the future owner should inquire about the medical records of the parents. Often in dogs of this breed there is an eye anomaly, called “collie eyes”.

What to feed

How to care for a Border Collie is a burning question for a beginner. The answer lies not only in proper grooming, bathing, and nail trimming. You will have to follow a proper diet. First, you will need to decide on the type of food your dog will eat – dry or natural food. Initially, decide what to feed your Border Collie puppies; your choice will determine the animal’s diet throughout its life.

The Border Collie's menu is not much different from that of its relatives. It’s difficult to say which is better - dry food or natural dishes; each has its pros and cons. Please note that mixing dry food with natural food is not recommended! In spring and autumn, a complex of special vitamins is included in the dog’s menu.

It is highly not recommended to switch from one food to another. Try to control the quality of the food your breed consumes. If you have any difficulties, contact your veterinarian. Some people, answering the question of what to feed the Border Collie, are categorically against dry food, but sometimes decent food will allow you to completely maintain the balance of necessary vitamins and minerals for healthy coat growth, the main asset of the breed.

We emphasize that preparing proper nutrition for the breed is problematic and takes a lot of time. In winter, it is difficult to purchase the necessary products. On the other hand, healthy food from a professional manufacturer is not cheap. Make your choice before buying a puppy; remember, the Border Collie dog breed is sensitive to nutrition and will not always agree with the proposed diet.

Training

Border responds well to training. The enormous potential of the breed can play a cruel joke on the owner. Developing a dog's personality should begin from early childhood. Ideally, immediately after appearing in the house, immediately engage in training.

Despite his young age, the puppy with a 99.9% probability will demonstrate data at a high level, but will do it in his own way. The kid will begin to be cunning, perhaps play on pity - do not allow Border such maneuvers. If difficulties arise, contact your trainer.

Important! Before enrolling in courses, be sure to teach your child the basic commands - fu, next, etc.

Complex commands are learned with the direct participation of a professional. Don’t be discouraged if Collie doesn’t learn the right command for a long period of time. It is a characteristic of the breed to refuse to follow commands over many training sessions and suddenly follow several commands at once. With persistent training, the dog will quickly master the necessary commands. If you add treats to the training process, your four-legged friend will not leave the event unattended.

To summarize:

To keep a dog of this breed, it is advisable to have enough time for regular walks;
The main asset of the Border is its wool; it will need to be regularly monitored and prevented from matting;
The choice of food is a key moment in the subsequent life of the animal. Decide on the type of food - dry food or natural products. When choosing natural foods, build in a lot of cooking time for your dog in your daily routine.
Border Collie training begins immediately from the first appearance in the house. You will need to find some balance between the carrot and the stick - you should not be very cruel and assertive, but the animal must understand that you are the boss of the house!

Breeds Border Collie- not only active and friendly good-looking people, but also representatives of one of the most intelligent breeds in the world. If you decide to make a faithful friend of this interesting variety, we suggest that you first study the characteristics of this breed in the material presented and find out everything the owner needs about it.

Getting to know the breed

A country: England.
Height: male - from 50 to 56 cm, female - from 47 to 52 cm.
Weight: male: from 15 to 20 kg, female - from 12 to 20 kg.
Lifespan: with good care up to 16 years.
Wool length: about 7.6 cm.
Coat color: black, black and white, brown and tan, brindle, marble.
The Difficulty of Parenting: average.
Content: preferably in the yard.
FCI Group: group 1, section 1.
Temperament: choleric.

By nature she is talented, responsive, intelligent and very devoted to her owner. Due to her endless vital energy, she is able to work a lot and learn very quickly.

History of the breed

Now let's look at where Border Collies historically came from such traits as size and (and others too).

This breed of dog appeared in the 19th century and got its name, most likely, because of its place of origin - the Anglo-Scottish border. The ancestors of these dogs were excellent shepherds who had a high degree of endurance and could vigilantly herd sheep flocks on mountainous slopes. Shepherds, who at that time did not yet use the name “border collie”, but called the dogs “landrace collie,” deliberately bred light, energetic and fast dogs, distinguished by high guarding qualities and zero manifestations of aggression towards humans.

Did you know? The first dogs similar to the modern Border Collie breed were seen back in the 16th century. True, these were ordinary yard animals that did not belong to the breeding stock, however, they were also distinguished by a similar thoroughbred physique and initial skills in shepherding.

Already in 1881, the Collie Club issued the first standard for the presented breed, and also developed a special rating system for competitions, which finally revealed to the whole world a new variety of border collie shepherd dogs, which previously only farmers and shepherds knew about. The competition consisted of tasks assigned to the dogs: they must lead a flock of sheep along the required route in a certain time, while overcoming some obstacles. And judging by the popularity that the breed has gained over the years, the working and intellectual abilities of these dogs have exceeded all possible expectations.

Already in 1915, James Reid registered the Border Collie breed on an official basis, in 1976 the English Kennel Club unconditionally accepted its standard, and then, in 1988, the International Cynological Association FCI approved the standard number 297. Since then, smart, Active and friendly dogs have spread throughout the world and have become excellent farm helpers, guides, companions, rescuers, and some even actors.

Wise choice and price of a puppy

The Border Collie is a very common and desirable breed in our markets, so there are a lot of dog breeders who want to buy its puppies for working purposes or just for the family. However, before visiting the nursery, you should find out how to choose the right small pet for yourself. Here's what you need to pay attention to:

the baby should be active, moderately well-fed, have a good appetite and shiny fur without bald patches;
he should have clean ears, eyes (no discharge) and a wet nose;
there should be no humps or sags on the back;
the length of the body is approximately equal to the height at the withers;
The paws are strong and straight.

It is also advisable to look at the puppy's pedigree. Using it, as a rule, you can find out approximately what abilities the acquired friend has, and what heights he can achieve in the future.

Now let's find out how much a baby border collie costs. The price, like other well-known breeds, can be quite low and very high. If you decide to buy a baby from your own hands, then it will cost you approximately $400, the cost of buying from a nursery will vary from $800 to $1,500 - it all depends on the class.

Housing for a dog

How to care

Caring for Border Collie puppies is not difficult. It is only necessary to carry out such periodic procedures as: bathing, timely walking, caring for the coat, eyes, ears, teeth and claws.

Grooming

It is recommended to brush your dog weekly with a special metal brush purchased at a pet store. This manipulation will help not only to avoid tangles and make the coat well-groomed, but also to strengthen the friendly relationship between the owner and the pet. During the shedding period, your pet needs daily brushing.

Important! Dry wool cannot be combed; it must first be moistened with a spray bottle. The use of slicker brushes is also not recommended - they severely tear the undercoat, have a detrimental effect on the hair structure and provoke increased growth of new hair.

Bathing

Oddly enough, dogs of this breed do not like to swim at all, and frequent water manipulations negatively affect the condition of their fur. Therefore, it is enough to give your pet a full bath only 2 to 4 times a year, or depending on how dirty it is. But paws need to be wiped after every walk outside.

Eyes, ears, teeth, claws

Some individual parts of your friend's body also require periodic hygiene procedures:

eyes should be examined periodically for contamination. Any accumulated dust in the corners must be carefully removed with a cotton swab;
The ears (inner shell) are usually cleaned once a week. The skin inside the organ should be clean, pink in color and not have an unpleasant odor;
Due to excessive activity, a pet of this breed does not need frequent nail trimming, so manipulation can be carried out only once a month. This must be done with a special nail clipper, not forgetting to trim the claw on the fifth toe, located on the front paws;
To avoid any diseases of the canine oral cavity, it is important to promptly remove plaque that accumulates on the surface of the teeth. If tartar is detected, the dog should be offered a special bone specifically designed for cleaning.

Walking and physical activity

Walking with an animal should be as active and fun as possible; Forest paths, park areas or off-traffic asphalt areas are perfect for this. Walking time should be at least 40-60 minutes, and the number of walks per day should be 2-3 times. It should be remembered that border collie dogs cannot live without physical activity, so a walk must be accompanied by a daily warm-up, which includes jogging, fetching, tugging things, and playing with a plate.

What to feed your border collie

It will be easy to create a diet for border collies, because they are not fussy eaters at all. If you give preference, then they must be super premium, high quality and fully balanced. Feeding with natural food requires the strict preparation of a complete complex, which should include only fresh products:

eggs, kefir, cottage cheese;
boneless sea fish;
porridge: rice and buckwheat (no salt!);
lean meat;
poultry (chicken, turkey);
offal;
vegetables and some fruits.

Be sure to pay attention to products that may negatively affect the health of the animal:

pork;
smoked meats;
sweets;
River fish;
bread products;
cabbage and foods that cause flatulence.

A small Border needs to be fed about five times a day, and the baby's food must be both healthy and high in calories, so that the puppy is active and expends the right amount of energy.

Training and education

It is necessary to raise a dog of this breed from early childhood in order to avoid its unpleasant behavior in society and at home in the future. A well-mannered dog will never beg for food, jump on people, and certainly not try to bite a person. It is advisable to start systematic pet grooming as early as three months of age; the main task is to develop in the dog respect for its owner and recognition of his authority.
This result must be achieved by treating the puppy calmly and friendly, but if you show cruelty, the pet will categorically refuse to follow all your commands. In addition, for training to be successful, you should repeat the desired command to the dog every day and be sure to reinforce the result with tasty rewards and praise. As you can see, training a border collie puppy is quite easy; it is important to show him affection in a timely manner and not skimp on treats.

Did you know? The behavior of dogs during the corral of a sheep herd is very interesting: they move quickly and silently, on half-bent legs (like ), and with the help of light pinches and bites they direct the sheep to the right place.

We take care of our health

In order to maintain good health for many years, first as a small puppy, and then as an adult dog, you need to not only provide him with proper care, but also take care of high-quality veterinary care. By attending annual scheduled examinations with a specialist, you will not only prevent some problems in advance, but also significantly save money on the health of your dog, which, unfortunately, has some predisposition to specific diseases.

The most common diseases of the breed

Most often, purebred border collie dogs develop the following pathologies:

hip dysplasia;
retinal atrophy;
dissecting or dissecting osteochondrosis;
epileptic seizures;
allergy.

Required vaccinations

Another important and mandatory condition for maintaining the health of a pet throughout its life is timely vaccination. The puppy receives its very first vaccinations at an early age, while still with the breeder; in the future, following the veterinary passport, a number of vaccinations prescribed by the specialist are given.

The English-Scottish purebred Border Collie dog will become your best friend for many years, and if you keep it on private farms at the same time, it will also become an irreplaceable companion. The main thing is not to forget, in addition to proper care, to give your pet your attention and affection.