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The Border Collie
originated in the United Kingdom, or more specifically, in
Scotland. Although the border country of Scotland saw the birth
of the breed, it was nearby Northumberland which later produced
the strain which is now famous throughout the whole world.
The breed was originally known as the "Working Collie" in the
early 1900s and through selective breeding has evolved the
Border Collie we see today. It is believed that the breed
emerged from a mixed ancestry, including the Bob tailed sheep
dog, the Bearded Collie and the Harlequin Collie. There is also
some references that the collie was often crossed with
the setter. This could account for the milder temperament of the
Border Collie.
In 1893, Adam Telfer, a farmer living in Otterburn, mated a
couple of his working collies, Roy and Meg and produced one
called Old Hemp, which might be regarded as the foundation sire
of the Border Collie breed. Hemp indeed was early recognised as
the very quintessence of the working sheep dog and his services
were in great demand. Not only did he sire some two hundred
puppies before he died in 1901, but he seems to have been
capable of transmitting his own pre-potency to his offspring
with the result that Border Collie pedigrees are about as
clearly defined as any in the livestock world.
The first recorded import of a Border Collie into Australia was
Hindhope Jed in 1901 and research has led us to believe that
they were first shown in 1907. They were first shown at the
Sydney Royal in 1933 as "Any Other Variety". Later, they were
shown in the non-sporting group and in 1953, a separate group
was formed, comprising the Australian Cattle Dog, the Australian
Kelpie and the Border Collie. This was called "The Australian
Working Dog Group" and it was at this time that the RAS Kennel
Control classed the Border Collie as an Australian Working Dog
because it was one of the main working dogs in Australia and
greatly relied on in our sheep and wool industry. This
classification has carried through to the present day, although
other breeds were added to these in 1961 and the group was then
renamed the "Working Dog Group".
The Border collie’s intelligence, tractability and stamina are
breed assets which have long been recognised and sought after in
their sheep dog work. These same traits are now being put to
good use by our "suburban" Borders in the fields of obedience,
tracking and agility.
Of course, the Border Collie is first and foremost, a sheep dog
and for many years was used for this purpose only. However, the
breed has shown its ability to adapt to city life: as long as
the Border Collie is in the right home, it is a most attractive
and companionable dog, intelligent, loyal and full of fun.
Characteristics
- Lively, loyal and agile
- Intelligent - being very intelligent they are easily trained,
but because of that intelligence, if allowed to do as they
please, they may think up some mischief. Like children, they
need to be trained from an early age.
Type of Owner/Friend Required
- Caring, active and patient
- Willing to involve the dog in family activities
- Willing and able to train the Border Collie
- Willing to groom the dog once a week
Requirements Of The Dog
- Daily exercise:- They really require a good stretch-out in the
park at least twice a week, remember they are a working breed.
They are an ideal companion if you are a jogger, or if you just
like to go for a walk.
- Weekly grooming (at least). Because of the particular texture
of the Border Collie coat it very rarely tangles. This only
happens when it is losing its coat and at this time it will
require more brushing to remove the loose dead hairs, as they
will matt if left unattended.
- Regular well balanced meals and no tid bits as these will
result in an overweight pet and carrying excess weight will
shorten its life considerably. Your dog can however be given a
hard biscuit or a large raw bone to chew on, to clean its teeth
and exercise its gums (this will help prevent doggy breath).
- Attention from owner and others. The Border Collie needs to be
a part of its family
- Plenty of training, play and attention to prevent boredom.
- Keep your dog free of worms, worm them 4 times a year (more
often in young puppies). Heart worm is now prevalent in most
areas and therefore, it is very necessary for dogs to be given
preventative tablets.
- Vaccinations:- ensure that your dog receives an annual booster
injection for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo-virus and Kennel
Cough.
- A dry warm kennel to shelter from the rain, cold and summer
sun.
AN ABUNDANT SUPPLY OF CLEAN - FRESH WATER
Selecting A Puppy and General Information
The most important decision to make is whether to select a male
or a female Border Collie. This is entirely your choice.
However, you will need to consider some of the following points
first:-
Males are stronger, larger and can be more dominant than females
* Males shed coat usually once a year. Females shed coat with a
season (heat)
* Females also come into season about every six months and a
season lasts approximately 3 weeks.
A puppy with good temperament should readily come to you. Check
the temperament of both parents if possible, but remember the
dam can be sometimes protective. Ensure the puppy has been
vaccinated, wormed and has commenced heartworm treatment.
Generally, Border Collies are easily
trained. Some character variances can be attributed to different
breed lines.
Markings should be the last thing to be considered for a pet.
Even for show, markings should not be put above good
conformation. Some breeders and judges like classical markings
but this is not required in the Breed Standard. The standard
only requires white not to predominate. Ideally, body patches
are undesirable.
Socialising the puppies with people and other dogs is important
and most breeders ensure this takes place. Socialising should be
followed up by the new owner having visitors handle the puppy in
your home. Do not take the puppy out on the streets unless it
has had its 12 weeks vaccination
and at least a week after this. Household obedience training for
the puppy from 3 months of age is recommended.
The Border Collie is an extremely active and intelligent dog, it
needs to be included in family activities on a regular basis to
prevent boredom and for socialisation.
Health Issues
Detailed information is included on the
Breed Standard page or by following the health links above. |
