A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
History
More than a century ago, in 1894, a a Northumbrian farmer cross-bred his two sheepdogs in order to create the perfect herding dog. One with the intelligence and protectiveness of the great large flock guardians, but the friendliness and desire to please of the passive sheepdogs. The result of that breeding is what we call the Border Collie.
History
More than a century ago, in 1894, a a Northumbrian farmer cross-bred his two sheepdogs in order to create the perfect herding dog. One with the intelligence and protectiveness of the great large flock guardians, but the friendliness and desire to please of the passive sheepdogs. The result of that breeding is what we call the Border Collie.
Although the Border Collie is hailed as the "supreme herding dog", he was not recognized by the American Kennel Club until 1995.
About the Border Collie:
A medium-sized, intense dog, the Border Collie is a shepherd's dream come true. The instinct to herd is so strong in these dogs that they often cause problems in the average pet home. Border Collies will chase anything that moves, even cars, and has been the result of many an early demise. The Border Collie needs a working home, or an owner who will work the dog, either in sports like Agility, or as a herder.
A medium-sized, intense dog, the Border Collie is a shepherd's dream come true. The instinct to herd is so strong in these dogs that they often cause problems in the average pet home. Border Collies will chase anything that moves, even cars, and has been the result of many an early demise. The Border Collie needs a working home, or an owner who will work the dog, either in sports like Agility, or as a herder.
Border Collies should stand no higher than 24 inches at the withers, and a dog weighing over 65 pounds is too heavy, although an overweight Border Collie is a real rarity. Coat colours range from the common black and white, to sable, blue and white, red and white, blue merle and the tri-colour black, tan and white.
One of the most talked about characteristics of the Border Collie is the "stalking behaviour" that these dogs exhibit, when working or playing. An intense stare and a low-bellied crouch towards it's objective is somewhat unnerving for those new to the breed. This same intensity makes the Border Collie a breed to excel a Search and Rescue, and dog sports like Agility. Their versatility is amazing.
The effervescent Border Collie has been in the public eye for years, but never more so than now, with the popularity of Agility and Flyball, on television and in magazines. With it's rise to fame, this breed has been pushed onto the public as a great little dog to have. And don't get me wrong, it is a great dog! But fame carries a downside, and the more exposure this little stockdog gets, the more rescues are filled with poorly trained herders, dogs that owners failed to understand.
Official Breed Standards:
American Kennel Club
Australian National Kennel Council
United Kennel Club
Société Centrale Canine pour des Races de Chiens en France
(Enter the name of the breed in the Search box at the left.)
Recommended Reading: Border Collie Books
American Kennel Club
Australian National Kennel Council
United Kennel Club
Société Centrale Canine pour des Races de Chiens en France
(Enter the name of the breed in the Search box at the left.)
Recommended Reading: Border Collie Books
Favourite Border Collie Links:
Talyn's Web
STAR 1 Search & Technical Rescue
Double Trouble Border Collies
Border Collies
Canine Freestyle Federation
North American Flyball association
Y2K9s Dog Sports Club
North American Dog Agility Council
Talyn's Web
STAR 1 Search & Technical Rescue
Double Trouble Border Collies
Border Collies
Canine Freestyle Federation
North American Flyball association
Y2K9s Dog Sports Club
North American Dog Agility Council
About Herding and Stock Breeds in General:
Livestock and herding dogs, pride, nobility, bravery, and loyalty all rolled up into one animal. The desire to keep their "flock" together, be it children, the neighbourhood cats, or sheep, oftimes frustrates the owner, but it is what they were bred for. The drive to work in these dogs is strong and they need to be given a job to do in order to at peace with themselves.
Livestock and herding dogs, pride, nobility, bravery, and loyalty all rolled up into one animal. The desire to keep their "flock" together, be it children, the neighbourhood cats, or sheep, oftimes frustrates the owner, but it is what they were bred for. The drive to work in these dogs is strong and they need to be given a job to do in order to at peace with themselves.
