Border Collie

The Border Collie is a well proportioned dog of medium size (dogs 48-53 cm and bitches 46-51 cm), the smooth outline showing quality, gracefulness and perfect balance, combined with sufficient substance to ensure that it is capable of enduring long periods of active duty in its intended task as a working sheep dog. They are a double coated breed, with a moderately long, dense, medium textured topcoat while the undercoat is short, soft and dense, making a weather resisting protection, with abundant coat to form mane, breeching and brush. They can be black and white, blue and white, chocolate and white, red and white, blue merle and the tri-colour black, tan and white.

The Border Collie originated in the United Kingdom, or more specifically, in the area bordering Scotland and England. The breed was originally known as the "Working Collie" in the early 1900s and through selective breeding has evolved the Border Collie we see today. The first recorded import of a Border Collie into Australia was Hindhope Jed in 1901 and research has led us to believe that they were first shown in 1907. The Border collie's intelligence, tractability and stamina are breed assets which have long been recognised and sought after in their sheep dog work. These same traits are now being put to good use by our "suburban" Borders in the fields of obedience, tracking and agility. Of course, the Border Collie is first and foremost, a sheep dog and for many years was used for this purpose only. However, the breed has shown its ability to adapt to city life: as long as the Border Collie is in the right home, it is a most attractive and companionable dog, intelligent, loyal and full of fun.

The Border Collie is a loyal, loving family pet who is highly intelligent, with an instinctive tendency to work and is readily responsive to training. They are alert, lively, energetic, full of life and need to have this energy and enthusiasm directed positively. They are generally a gentle and good natured dog and are happiest when they are with their family. They are affectionate towards friends must be kindly disposed towards people and stock at all times.

Exercise - As they are a working breed they need at least one good walk a day with the opportunity to have free running a number of times a week. When they are fully mature they will be happy to go jogging or trot along beside a bike.
Grooming - comb through coat in sections with a comb or rake comb right to the skin and finish off with a brush. When the dog is shedding coat (usually spring/summer) make sure that you regularly groom them to remove all dead coat before it forms mats and knots. Always groom before bathing.
Feeding - regular well balanced meals of good quality dry dog food and fresh meat/chicken/vegetables. Raw bones to be given regularly to keep teeth/gums clean.