Border Collie Breed Information and Pictures

Meg, a tri color Border Collie, who unusually, loves the water!

The Border Collie is a working dog. Originating from farm bred stock in Cumbria, Northumberland and the Scottish Borders it is now well known as an agile and intelligent dog.

Typically a Border Collie will be between 10kgs and 25 kgs. The dominant color is black and white with white underneath, across the neck and on the face. Some Collies also have a tan color, typically on the legs, and these are known as tri colors. The other less common color is merle. These dogs typically have a solid base color overlaid with splotches of white. They also tend to have blue eyes!

Collies are very active and energetic. How well they settle in as a pet really depends upon how much exercise they get. It is important to understand what exercise Collies need. They are chasing and herding dogs and can be totally obsessive. So they will chase a ball or stick and will rarely be distracted from their "target". They generally will not fetch but instead will either carry the stick or ball or will just lie beside it waiting for it to move again. Generally, whilst not afraid of water, they are not natural swimming dogs.

Collies are a popular family dog in England. There are very few publicized examples of a Collie being considered a dangerous dog but as with most breeds this doesn't negate the need for care.

Ted, a larger 22kg. Male

Lifespan and Health

Working Collies might typically live 12 years or so with a working life until they are 8 years old. Non working Collies can live to 17 or 18 years of age.

"Collie eye anomaly" is a genetic condition, which can lead to blindness. Whilst not common you need to be aware of the problem. There is also a small probability of epilepsy.

Traits of Border Collies

There are a number of phrases associated with working Collies, which will help a Collie owner understand some of their behavior.

Kale, Tweed and Glen, 3 working Collies, named after local rivers

"Collie Eye" - This is their propensity to fixate on an object. Derived from their ability to dominate sheep through their stare you will see them use this on balls, sticks and anything, which moves.

" Clapping" - When a Collie is herding it will often crouch flat on the ground and then move very fast and low down to a new position.

" The out run" - When released from the lead, if there is a moving "target" the Collie will typically run in a wide sweeping arc to put itself on the other side of the "target" in preparation of driving it towards you.

Chasing Kong on the Beach

Playing in the Snow

Fixated on a Stick