Border Collie

The breed has ancient origins, and although not as graceful as a rough collie, it is nevertheless a highly intelligent, much-loved, hard working dog that responds quickly and eagerly to training and serves as a faithful companion dog.

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Background
The ancestors of today's Border collies are believed to be dogs - reindeer herders, brought into Scotland by the Vikings from the last half of the eleventh century and crossed with local valley sheepdogs. This breed was officially recognized, first by the FCI, in 1987. It took a long time before they were recognized as a purebred because they were not as graceful-looking as their close relatives - rough collies. The name comes from the fact that the breed was long used in the border parts of England and Scotland.

Characteristics
Very agile, the breed has a well-balanced body; a moderately wide scull with a definite stop; a muzzle that narrows toward the nose to form a slightly obtuse angle; high-set erect or half-erect ears; and ovoid eyes set wide apart.
Two types of coat exist - straight, hard, thick, moderately long (about 3 inches) and smooth and short (1 inch). The coat comes in black & white (classic), gray & white, red & white, blue merle with white or tri-color (black-white-tan).
Some say that the Border collie is unsurpassed as a sheepdog in terms of patience, agility, and stamina.

Care
To help prevent skin diseases, daily brushing to remove dead hair is a definite requirement, especially when the dog is shedding. Extensive and speedy exercise is preferred, such as having the dog run on a long leash alongside bicycle.

Puppies and Training
A litter of six to eight puppies is delivered comparatively easily. The puppies are very friendly and extremely intelligent, and they learn quickly

Size
Male: 20 - 21 inches, 40 - 51 lbs
Female: 19 - 21 inches, 35 - 44 lbs