The Border Collie Trainers -
Border Collie Facts & Information
All About Border Collie Training & Care

Border Collie - Free Online Seminars and Free Training Course on Border Collies Border Collie - Free Online Seminars and Free Training Course on Border Collie Puppies Border Collie - Free Online Seminars and Free Training Course on Border Collies Free Training Course on How to Stop Your Border Collie from Barking Free Training Course on How to Stop Your Border Collie from Biting Free Training Course on How to Stop Your Border Collie from Being Aggressive Free Training Course on How to Cure Your Border Collie's Separation Anxiety Free Training Course on How to Housebreak Your Border Collie Free Course on Obedience Training Your Border Collie Get Instant Access to Your Training Now - For Free Sign up to be notified of our next free online seminar as well as subscribe to the Border Collie Mini Course and Learn New and Advanced Border Collie Training and Border Collie Care, Tips, Methods and Strategies, FREE! Sign up to be notified of our next free online seminar as well as subscribe to the Border Collie Mini Course and Learn New and Advanced Border Collie Training and Border Collie Care, Tips, Methods and Strategies, FREE! Sign up to be notified of our next free online seminar as well as subscribe to the Border Collie Mini Course and Learn New and Advanced Border Collie Training and Border Collie Care, Tips, Methods and Strategies, FREE! Subscribe to the Border Collie Mini Course and Learn New and Advanced Tips, Methods and Strategies to Stop Your Border Collie from Barking, FREE! Subscribe to the Border Collie Mini Course and Learn New and Advanced Tips, Methods and Strategies to Stop Your Border Collie from Biting, FREE! Subscribe to the Border Collie Mini Course and Learn New and Advanced Tips, Methods and Strategies to Stop Your Border Collie from Being Aggressive, FREE! Subscribe to the Border Collie Mini Course and Learn New and Advanced Tips, Methods and Strategies to Cure Your Border Collie's Separation Anxiety, FREE! Subscribe to the Border Collie Mini Course and Learn New and Advanced Tips, Methods and Strategies to Housebreak Your Border Collie, FREE! Subscribe to the Border Collie Mini Course and Learn New and Advanced Border Collie Training and Border Collie Care, Tips, Methods and Strategies, FREE! You'll learn new Commands to Obedience train your dog to finally end bad habits like barking, biting or pulling on the leash. You'll learn new Commands to Housebreak and Obedience train your puppy and learn how to eliminate bad habits like play biting or nipping, barking, etc. You'll learn new Commands to Obedience train your dog and learn how to eliminate bad habits like barking, aggression, biting, jumping, or pulling on the leash. You'll learn the secret methods that we've developed that will help you understand why your Border Collie is barking and then use this knowledge to permanently stop your Border Collie's excessive barking. You'll learn the secret methods that we've developed that will help you understand why your Border Collie bites and then use this knowledge to permanently stop your Border Collie from biting. You'll learn the secret methods that we've developed that will help you understand why your Border Collie is being aggressive and then use this knowledge to permanently stop your Border Collie's aggression. You'll learn the secret methods that we've developed that will help you understand why your Border Collie is suffering from separation anxiety and then use this knowledge to permanently end your Border Collie's separation anxiety. You'll learn the secret methods that we've developed that will help you understand why your Border Collie continues to pee or poop where it is not supposed to and then use this knowledge to correctly housetrain your Border Collie and permanently end those annoying and frustrating accidents. You'll learn new Commands to Obedience train your dog to finally end bad habits like pulling on the leash, jumping, chewing, digging, barking, biting, etc. Housetraining and Feeding your Border Collie the right way will suddenly become easy and fun. Socialization and Feeding your Border Collie the right way will suddenly become easy and fun. Housetraining and Feeding your Border Collie the right way will suddenly become easy and fun. The Free Online Seminars and the Free Border Collie Mini Course offers: How to lead and think like a pack dog - the new psychology How to handle this muscled and powerfully built breed. Potty training step-by-step guide for the easiest yet most effective ways to avoid 'accidents' from your Border Collie. How to improve your Border Collie's lifespan with a healthy and nutritious diet. How to teach your Border Collie to listen to you all the time. How to turn your unruly, disobedient Border Collie into a loving, friendly companion. Getting Pro help fast - how to get access to our expert trainers when you need them most One hidden psychological trigger that all Border Collies have... that practically allows you to "analyze" and "control" your Border Collie's every action A surprisingly easy way to teach your Border Collie cool new tricks How to lead and think like a pack dog - the new psychology The 2 main reasons why your Border Collie barks excessively and how to control his excessive barking. 3 dangerous mistakes that most Border Collie owners make when they are trying to potty train their dogs that actually make their dogs more difficult to housetrain and how you can avoid these mistakes. How to obedience train your Border Collie and permanently end behavioral problems like Aggression, Biting, Jumping, Pulling on the Leash, etc. How to improve your Border Collie's lifespan and keep him from getting overly heavy with a healthy and nutritious diet. Getting Pro help fast - how to get access to our expert trainers when you need them most One hidden psychological trigger that all Border Collies have... that practically allows you to "analyze" and "control" your Border Collie's every action A surprisingly easy way to teach your Border Collie cool new tricks How to lead and think like a pack dog - the new psychology The 2 main reasons why your Border Collie puppy isn't housebroken yet and what you should do in each case. 3 dangerous mistakes that most Border Collie owners make when they are trying to obedience train their puppies that actually make their puppies more difficult to train and how you can avoid these mistakes. How to stop your Border Collie puppy from play biting and nipping. How to improve your Border Collie's lifespan and keep him from getting overly heavy with a healthy and nutritious diet Getting Pro help fast - how to get access to our expert trainers when you need them most One hidden psychological trigger that all Border Collies have... that practically allows you to "analyze" and "control" your Border Collie's every action A surprisingly easy way to teach your Border Collie cool new tricks How to lead and think like a pack dog - the new psychology The 2 main reasons why your Border Collie barks excessively and how to control his excessive barking. 3 dangerous mistakes that most Border Collie owners make when they are trying to control their dogs' barking and how you can avoid these mistakes How your instinctive reaction to your Border Collie's barking may actually be making the problem worse! How to improve your Border Collie's lifespan and keep him from getting overly heavy with a healthy and nutritious diet. Getting Pro help fast - how to get access to our expert trainers when you need them most One hidden psychological trigger that all Border Collies have... that practically allows you to "analyze" and "control" your Border Collie's every action A surprisingly easy way to teach your Border Collie cool new tricks How to lead and think like a pack dog - the new psychology The 2 main reasons why your Border Collie bites and how to control his biting. 3 dangerous mistakes that most Border Collie owners make when they are trying to stop their dogs from biting and how you can avoid these mistakes How your instinctive reaction to your Border Collie's biting may actually be making the problem worse! How to improve your Border Collie's lifespan and keep him from getting overly heavy with a healthy and nutritious diet. Getting Pro help fast - how to get access to our expert trainers when you need them most One hidden psychological trigger that all Border Collies have... that practically allows you to "analyze" and "control" your Border Collie's every action A surprisingly easy way to teach your Border Collie cool new tricks How to lead and think like a pack dog - the new psychology The 2 main reasons why your Border Collie is being aggressive and how to control his aggression. 3 dangerous mistakes that most Border Collie owners make when they are trying to stop their dogs from being aggressive and how you can avoid these mistakes How your instinctive reaction to your Border Collie's aggression may actually be making the problem worse! How to improve your Border Collie's lifespan and keep him from getting overly heavy with a healthy and nutritious diet. Getting Pro help fast - how to get access to our expert trainers when you need them most One hidden psychological trigger that all Border Collies have... that practically allows you to "analyze" and "control" your Border Collie's every action A surprisingly easy way to teach your Border Collie cool new tricks How to lead and think like a pack dog - the new psychology The 2 main reasons why your Border Collie is suffering from separation anxiety... and how to cure it 3 dangerous mistakes that most Border Collie owners make when they are trying to cure their dogs' separation anxiety and how you can avoid these mistakes How your instinctive reaction to your Border Collie's separation anxiety may actually be making the problem worse! How to improve your Border Collie's lifespan and keep him from getting overly heavy with a healthy and nutritious diet. Getting Pro help fast - how to get access to our expert trainers when you need them most One hidden psychological trigger that all Border Collies have... that practically allows you to "analyze" and "control" your Border Collie's every action A surprisingly easy way to teach your Border Collie cool new tricks How to lead and think like a pack dog - the new psychology The 2 main reasons why your Border Collie isn't housebroken yet and what you should do in each case. 3 dangerous mistakes that most Border Collie owners make when they are trying to potty train their dogs that actually make their dogs more difficult to housetrain... and how you can avoid these mistakes How you can use our unique "Christmas Bells" technique to train your Border Collie to tell you when it needs to go out How to improve your Border Collie's lifespan and keep him from getting overly heavy with a healthy and nutritious diet. Getting Pro help fast - how to get access to our expert trainers when you need them most One hidden psychological trigger that all Border Collies have... that practically allows you to "analyze" and "control" your Border Collie's every action A surprisingly easy way to teach your Border Collie cool new tricks How to lead and think like a pack dog - the new psychology How obedience training sessions can be positive and fun-filled for both you and your Border Collie. How to permanently end your Border Collie's behavioral problems like Pulling on the Leash, Jumping, Chewing, Digging, etc. 3 dangerous mistakes that most Border Collie owners make when they are trying to obedience train their dogs that actually make their dogs more difficult to train and how you can avoid these mistakes How to improve your Border Collie's lifespan and keep him from getting overly heavy with a healthy and nutritious diet. Getting Pro help fast - how to get access to our expert trainers when you need them most One hidden psychological trigger that all Border Collies have... that practically allows you to "analyze" and "control" your Border Collie's every action A surprisingly easy way to teach your Border Collie cool new tricks 875,000 others have already taken the free mini course training and proven its power to breathe happy, obedient life into their dogs and inspire a loving new relationship with them. If you want to know the secrets to successfully raising a Border Collie into much more than just a loving companion then get started right away - it's the simplest way to get back 100 times what you put into training your Border Collie today.

Border Collie: Training, Characteristics, Exercise, Health

Group

The Border Collie is commonly known as a Sheep Dog; it is descended from British ‘droving’ breeds and also from the Spaniel family of dogs. It is officially recognized as a Pastoral dog by the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom. In the United States, the Border Collie is officially recognized as a herding dog by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Also known as: Sheep Dog.

About Border Collie

Country of Origin, History of the breed The Border Collie is a type of herding dog that originated in Northumberland lying on the border of Scotland and England in the United Kingdom. The breed had been developed from old British droving/gathering breeds and spaniels. The mention of the ‘Collie’ or ‘Colley’ type of dogs first appeared towards the end of the nineteenth century. A tri-color dog known as Old Hemp has been regarded as the common ancestor of all Border Collie dogs of the day. Old Hemp had been bred from a black and tan dog and a black-coated, strong-eyed bitch. Hemp had been a quiet and powerful dog that sheep responded to very easily.

Breed Selector Tool - is the Border Collie the right breed for you?

Is the Border Collie the right breed for you and your family?
Find out by using our Free Dog Breed Selector Tool

Check Your Border Collie's Learning Style

Are you aware dogs also have a learning style that can greatly affect their ability to housetrain as well as be trained correctly. Evaluate your Border Collie's learning style and personality using our free Learning Style tool so that you are better able to provide him with the proper training methods.

Is your Border Collie dominating over you?

Does your Border Collie bark unnecessarily? Does your Border Collie come to you when you call? Download a FREE Report on Dog Dominance for you and your Border Collie and learn how to control your dog.

Do you make these mistakes with your Border Collie?

Are you inadvertently snow-balling bad behavior in your Border Collie? Evaluate your Dog Training Style from our Free Tool and learn how best to deal with your dog.

Border Collie Calorie Calculator

Do you know how many calories your Border Collie needs every day and how many cups of food you should be giving it every day? Click here to use our Border Collie Calorie Calculator.

A General Appearance of the Dog

This dog is active and alert. The Collie’s body has strong foot pads and muscular hindquarters. The ears are not cropped and are medium in size. The overall body shape is balanced and appears to be athletic. The Border Collie is strong and can endure the physical demands of work appropriate to the breed. In addition, Collies are known to be intelligent animals, and their facial expression is lively and alert.

Coat

The Border Collie is bred in several color combinations, which include solid color, bi-color, tri-color, merle, and sable.

The dog’s coat can be either rough or smooth. The Border Collie’s coat is thick and water resistant. The topcoat is straight or wavy and is coarser than the undercoat. The undercoat is short and dense, with a softer feel than the topcoat.

Height

This breed is shorter in height than in length.

Male: 19 to 22 inches
Female: 18 to 21 inches.

Weight: 30 - 45 pounds.

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

Border Collies are very intelligent and protective of family members as well as well-behaved with people who are familiar to them. However, they are also known to destroy property if they are left idle for long periods of time, and they require a great deal of personal attention. Unfortunately, Border Collies are frequently seen in animal shelters because their owners find that they cannot give them enough attention.

The Border Collie is a ‘working dog’ and it needs to be challenged. It is more suited to an outdoor environment, and it behaves well with children and cats, but should be monitored if in the presence of other small animals. The Collie behaves well with dogs of the opposite sex, but it tends to be aggressive with dogs of the same sex. Due to its tendency to stare and monitor behavior, the dog is sometimes seen as intimidating people or other animals. Even with proper attention and exercise, a Border collie is an intelligent animal who may act impulsively. For example, the Border Collie has a natural inclination to escape an environment, so care should be taken so that the dog doesn’t try to jump over fences or ‘bolt’ through an opening in the yard.

As a companion animal, the Border Collie shows affection toward people who are familiar, but the dog will be reserved when a stranger is in the home. Border Collies relate to people by demonstrating interest and alertness; the dog will not show fear or apathy. If the dog becomes overtly aggressive, vicious, shy, or reticent, the owner should consider hiring a professional trainer as these behaviors are considered to be serious faults by professional breeders. These dogs require physical and mental exercise on a daily basis. As a result, they are not well suited to an environment that cannot provide this stimulation.

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

When a person is considering a Border Collie as a pet, he or she must be aware that these animals require consistent physical, as well as mental attention. The dogs respond well to an outdoor, active lifestyle and to long walks, training classes, or another companion dog. In the event that training classes are required, a personal trainer is recommended due to the level of attention required by a Border Collie. An owner needs to prevent the dog from overexertion during periods of high temperature.

Are they suited to homes with kids?

Historically, Border Collies were kept due to their natural inclination for work and high level of energy. In addition, they were easy to train due to their above-average level of intelligence. As puppies, they easily socialize with people and other animals. However, when Border Collies are house pets, they maintain the herding instinct. It is not uncommon to see these dogs attempt to herd small animals, family members, and even large vehicles into a specific area of the house or yard. They will try to herd children out of a swimming pool! Therefore, these dogs are not suitable for households with small kids.

Training

If Border Collies are left alone for long periods of time without any mental or physical stimulation, they can become destructive and suffer from behavioral problems due to neglect.

A Border Collie needs consistency during training. For example, any words or body movements used during training need to be consistently repeated; otherwise, the Collie will perceive any differences as a new command. As previously stated, Border Collies are very intelligent and will pick up on subtle changes in an owner’s or trainer’s behavior.

When Border Collies are puppies, they experience physical elimination simply as a ‘need,’ not a discipline. The dog will feel a need to urinate or defecate and not have the ability to control the urge. An owner or trainer needs to have the Collie pup go outdoors on a regular schedule every day for at least six months. The time outside should be between thirty and sixty minutes. Border Collies tend to drink a great deal of water during the day, so they need to be put outside frequently and consistently.

Activity Level

How active is the breed?

Because of their genetic predisposition toward activity, Border Collies can become restless when confined inside a home or pen. These dogs respond well to indoor activities such as playing with familiar toys, new toys, and learning new tricks. These activities provide the mental stimulation required by this breed of dog. Outside, the Collie enjoys physical exertion such as running across large areas, engaging in ‘herding’ behavior, and playing ‘catch’ with familiar objects.

Exercise Needs

Indoors or outdoors, the Border Collie can learn how to play ‘hide and seek’ with people or with hidden treats. This breed easily learns how to locate objects due to its sharp sense of smell. The dog will engage in this type of play for hours. If the dog must be left alone for a period of time, a companion dog will help keep him/her from getting bored. Also, hiding treats and toys around the yard will provide amusement for the Collie.

Sometimes Border Collies are not inclined to become active when left alone. They may require someone to prompt them and assist them in active behavior.

Grooming

It is important to care for the Border Collie’s undercoat, especially during times of the year when the dog sheds. It is recommended that the Collie’s feet be groomed under the knee only; the hair on the tail and upper-leg areas can be left alone. This is mainly due to the dog’s preference for the lower leg areas to be closely trimmed.

There are several grooming tools which can help groom a Border Collie, such as a matt splitter, a palm brush, and a nail clipper. A matt splitter should be used sparingly to break apart areas of thickly matted fur. A soft-bristle palm brush will result in a smoother coat and a relaxing massage for the dog. Owners can also use a ‘parrot’ (rounded) nail clipper, but it is recommended that a professional groomer or veterinarian perform toenail clipping to prevent harm or discomfort from ‘short trimming’ the dog’s nails.

The breed requires weekly grooming, which includes combing and brushing, to maintain its coat, prevent shedding, and detect insects or fleas. The Collie has a soft, short thick undercoat and an outer coat that is long and dense. The Border Collie requires bathing only if necessary, not on a regular basis. The ears should be checked for ticks and fur in and around the openings of the ears should be trimmed to a short length.

Health & Care

Genetic Problems

The most prominent illnesses found in Border Collies are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism. In addition, males with the ‘merle’ gene (which produces a multi-colored coat) may develop eye problems, hearing problems, or both. It is recommended that a Border Collie be checked for the above illnesses during middle age, beginning at approximately six years of age.

Litter Size: Averages 6 puppies.

Life Span: 10 to 14 years

National Breed Club

In the United Kingdom, the Border Collie is promoted by The International Sheep Dog Society. This organization provides information primarily to England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. The Society can be reached via the Internet at http://www.isds.org.uk/society/membership.htm.

In the United States, this breed is represented by The American Kennel Club. This organization can be reached via the internet at http://www.akc.org/index.cfm?nav_area=homepage. The AKC) voted to recognize the Border Collie as an official breed in February, 1995. The AKC confirmed the showing of Border Collies at competitions in October, 1995.
Recognition

Recognition

The Border Collie is recognized by The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom in the ‘pastoral’ classification. In the United States, the dog is recognized by the American Kennel Club in the ‘herding’ classification.