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Border Collie Purebred
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intelligent. No, make that extremely intelligent, alert, and responsive.
Many regard this dog as the most intelligent of all the dog breeds.
He is energetic, eager, highly intense, responsive and very receptive to training. The BC exemplifies the canine work ethic.
An intense worker while herding, he is eager to learn and to please, and thrives on human companionship.
The BC is a first rate, working dog, that is well known for herding cattle and rounding up sheep. He is brilliant in sheepdog trials a persistent winner of obedience and agility competitions.
These dogs excel at several dog sports throughout the country including agility and herding trials.
These sheep herding wizards were abundant throughout Great Britain all during the 1800s. Border Collie's became very popular - in 1873 the first official sheepdog trial took place to test the abilities of these fine shepherds.
A dog named Hemp did so well at the trials that he later sired a high number of offspring. In fact, he is considered to be the "father of the Border Collie".
His way of herding was done with intimidation, using eye contact with the livestock - exactly what we think of as todays current style of herding using this breed. In fact, this fixed stare is this dog's trademark.
This dog breed was developed in England and Scotland during the 19th century. In fact, the name Border refers to the English-Scottish border. This dog breed is an exceptional herder and will literally walk across the backs of the sheep in his herd in order to most quickly cross to the other side.
Affectionate towards friends, he may be sensibly reserved towards strangers and therefore makes an excellent watchdog.
Watch one of these guys in action
These dogs make really bad pet choices for people who cannot provide a considerable amount of daily physical and mental exercise.
The Border's ability and eagerness to learn and work are legendary. This is a dog that loves to work and if you do not find a job for him, he'll do it himself. And chances are high that you will not like the job that he has made for himself. He is extremely work-oriented and is genetically programmed to work.
His hard, muscular body has a smooth outline which conveys the impression of effortless movement and endless endurance - all characteristics which have made him the world's premier sheep herding dog. They stands 17-21 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 38 and 52 pounds.
If allowed to run loose, these dogs have the tendency to chase any fast moving objects such as bikes, cars, or joggers. The ideal place for him is a house with a well-fenced yard. Keep in mind that this working dog requires plenty of outdoor exercise.
Country of origin: Border between England and Scotland
Lifespan: 12-13 years
Colors: Variety of colors and 2 coat types: longer and short
Known health problems: Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, Collie eye anomaly, osteochondritis desecans
Famous Borders: Hemp (father of the breed), Fly and Rex, the movie Babe; Mike, in the movie Down and Out in Beverly Hills
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Return from Border Collie to Herding Dog Group
