THE VERSATILE BREED WITH BRAINS AND BEAUTY
The Border Collie had its origins in the border country between England and Scotland. It was adopted as an Australian Working Dog because of its outstanding qualities as a sheep dog. The first recorded import of a Border Collie was Hindhope Jed in 1901. Always recorded on the register of the Victorian Working Sheepdog Association, a Show Register was commenced in Victoria in 1951. All of our show dogs today can be traced back to their working ancestors.
In 1993 the Royal Melbourne Show had an entry of 185 Borders, quite a feat for a Breed which had gained official status just over 40 years before.
A DOG FOR ALL PURPOSES
A Loving Family Pet; A Terrific Obedience Worker; Sheep Dog Supreme; A Guardian of You and Yours; A Reasonably Easy-Care Show Dog.
BUT ........THE BORDER COLLIE NEEDS LOVE, COMPANIONSHIP AND DAILY MENTAL AND PHYSICAL EXERCISE.
This is not the dog to purchase if you are going to leave it in the backyard all day with no company. It is a highly intelligent and sensitive dog and that bored brain will find something to do for amusement, usually something original and not amusing to you! Even if you do not intend to go to the extent of training for Obedience Titles, and want your dog only as a family pet, it is advisable to attend Obedience School with your Border Collie. A short session of training each day has these advantages:
1. It gives your dog something to think about.
2. Your dog has all your attention as an individual for this time
3. It strengthens the bond between you and your dog
THIS IS A LOVING AND LOYAL "PEOPLE DOG" AND IT NEEDS PLENTY OF COMPANY WITH ITS "FAMILY", IT SHOULD SHARE SOME OF YOUR LIFE.
WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?
Like all recognised breeds, our Borders have a Breed Standard which describes the "ideal" Border Collie, the characteristics which should be seen in a member of the Working Group. The Standard is what Judges judge by and Breeders should breed to.
Size:
Dogs 48 to 53 cms (19 to 21 ins)
Bitches 46 to 51 cms (18 to 20 ins)
Colour:
All have the characteristic white markings to a degree. Markings do not affect the quality of your dog as a dog. Body colours accepted are: black, chocolate, blue, red, also tricoloured black/white with tan
Coat:
Double-coated with short, thick and soft undercoat and moderately long medium textured topcoat. Coat is such as to resist weather and dirt.
Temperament:
Intelligent, instinctive tendency to work, responsive to training. Keen, alert, eager expression, loyal and faithful nature.
General Appearance:
A medium sized dog, well proportioned and balanced, appearing capable of doing a day's work. Not all Borders are perfect specimens, but each has ifs own special qualities, especially if it's your own.
Border Collies are basically a sound, healthy dog, with an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. A breeder should be questioned by an intending purchaser as to any known problems in the dog's family.
They are quite easy to groom if cared for regularly, thorough brushing and combing are needed to get out the dead coat and avoid problems, especially at the usual moulting times. A well trained dog enjoys its grooming times and it is the quality time between dog and owner that every dog needs.
Most Border Collies have a strong in-built herding instinct which can quickly turn into a chasing habit if not curbed. Early training and obedience school should help your dog become the one you want.
YOUR BORDER PUPPY NEEDS LOTS OF LOVE AND ATTENTION, BUT ALSO NEEDS TRAINING AND DISCIPLINE TO MAKE SURE IT DOES WHAT YOU WANT. THIS IS A "STRONG" WORKING BREED, DEVELOPED TO CONTROL LARGE HERDS OF LIVESTOCK, MAKE SURE YOU PROVIDE GUIDELINES TO AVOID YOUR BECOMING ONE OF ITS "SHEEP".
If intending to purchase a Border puppy, regardless of what you want it for, do some homework. Visit Shows, Obedience Trials, perhaps even your local Obedience Club, talk to owners, breeders, trainers, vets, to inform yourself well. Study the Breed Standard and visit several litters and inquire about the grandparents as well as parents of the puppies to get a better idea of what you may be buying before you make that important final choice.
