| AKC Group: | Herding |
| A.K.A.: | None |
| Functions: | Competition |
| Year of Origin: | N/A |
| Country of Origin: | Scotland/England Border |
| Life Span (yr): | 12 - 15 |
| Colors: | Black, White, Red, Gray, Tricolor, Bicolor |
| Height (Inch): | 18 - 22 |
| Weight (lb): | 35 - 45 |
| Size: | Medium |
| Hair Length: | Long |
| Energy: |  |
| Playfulness: | |
| Ease of Training: | |
| Exercise Needed: | |
| Self Protection: |  |
| Grooming: | |
| Shedding: | |
| Watch Dog: | |
| Living Area: | |
Appearance:
Athletic and agile in appearance, the Border Collie is loved by many. He has a lean but muscular body and can move without effort and without needing a break. He is an intelligent breed of dog and his expression shows that he is very aware of his surrounding. His brown or blue eyes are oval in shape and average sized. His ears are also average sized and are carried upright or at least partially upright. His ears are quite flexible when he is trying to pinpoint a noise. The coat of the Border Collie can be rough or smooth. Both will resist weather and are thick to keep him warm.
Temperament:
The Border Collie is a lively breed of dog who strives to obey his owner. Border Collies get along fine with children, and appear to comprehend how to play tenderly with young ones. At times, he may be determined or even inflexible; but, with the proper socialization and training, even the most stubborn Border Collie will learn to oblige his owners. He is a happy dog, so it is an irregularity if he is brooding, feeble, or fearful. The Border Collie may appear inquisitive or wary of people he does not know and he will stand firm when approached, but he is typically not aggressive.
Health:
The Border Collie is prone to several diseases and disorders, most are passed on from generation to generation. Canine Cyclic Neutropenia is a blood disorder seen often in young Collie puppies. In fact, it is widespread enough that it is also known as Gray Collie Syndrome. The Border Collie also suffers from a range of eye diseases: Collie eye anomaly (although an uncomfortable disorder, it will not result in blindness), deafness, allergies to fleas, hypoplasia of the optic nerve (the nerve to the eye is too small, resulting in blindness), and corneal dystrophy (cloudiness on the cornea caused by stress), to name just a few. The Border Collie is also prone to epilepsy or frequent seizures.
Maintenance:
To maintain a Border Collie’s great looks, he should be brushed at least one time a week. Doing so will keep his fur in excellent condition, free from tangling and matting, and lessen shedding. Two times each year, he will fully lose his coat, during those times it is likely that the rate of brushing will be increased. Moreover, he only needs to have a bath when his owner begins to notice an odor. The Border Collie may bark, so he should be trained to do so only when his owners allow it. He loves to play, and always enjoys a quick paced walk, especially when the weather is crisp.