Note: The following information was taken from the Dogs Queensland Group 5 - Working Dogs - Border Collie brochure.
Background
The Border Collie has its origins in the border country between England and Scotland. It has been adopted as an Australian working dog because of its outstanding qualities as a sheep and cattle dog. All of today's registered Border Collies have been bred from the original working dogs.
The first recorded import of a Border Collie was Hindhope Jed in 1901.
Average Lifespan
When considering a dog, please realize that you are taking on its lifetime. Border Collies live from between 12 to 14 years of age.
Average Size
Height at shoulder:
Dogs 48-53cm (19-21 ins)
Bitches 46-51cm (18-20 ins)
Breed Personality/Characteristics/Temperament
The Border Collie is highly intelligent, with an instinctive tendency to work and is very responsive to training.
These dogs make keen, alert, loyal and sensitive companions.
As well as being loving family pets, they excel at obedience,agility and tracking, and make great sheepdogs as well as reasonably easy-care show dogs.
Borders are very much 'people dogs' and need much interaction with their family. this is not a dog to be left alone in the backyard all day with no company.
The combination of brains and boredom will result in the dog finding something to do for amusement - which may not be amusing to you!
Even if you want your dog purely as a family pet, it is advisable to attend obedience school.
A short training session each day gives your dog something to think about, reinforces your position as leader of the pack, focuses all your attention on your pet while strengthening the bond between you and your dog.
Compatibility With Other Pets
A Border Collie will enjoy having another dog for company (preferably the opposite sex).
Because of this breed's natural herding instinct, small pets that tend to run away may find themselves continually being herded into whatever area your Border Collie has designated for them.
If you live on an acreage,have a run made to restrain your dog when it is alone, especially at night, as it will consider your neighbours stock perfect for chasing.
This precaution will protect your dog as well as respecting other peoples property.
Please Take Note
A Border Collies's strong in-built herding instinct can quickly turn into a dangerous chasing habit if not curbed.
Because they are tempted to round up any moving object, this can include traffic - so train your dog to understand that 'traffic herding' is not permissible.
As well as lots of love and attention, you Border Collie needs training and discipline to make sure it does what you want.
This is a strong working breed developed to control large numbers of stock, and left to its own devices it could become quite a nuisance.
You must provide guidelines to ensure that you don't inadvertently become one of the sheep.
Ideal Owner/s
Because Border Collies grow so quickly and are extremely active, they are usually too 'full on' for very young children and elderly folk.
Their inbred herding instinct can also make them a problem for the young.
Children ten years of age and older or active adults make suitable owners.
© Australian National Kennel Council Inc.
Elkana Border Collies