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Border Collie breed guide
The American Kennel Club calls the Border Collie a remarkably bright workaholic, great and maybe a bit too great for owners without the time, energy or means to keep it occupied.
An intense gaze called the herding eye is a breed hallmark and the rough and smooth coats come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Temperament
These energetic dogs settle down for cuddle time when the workday is done. They are among the most agile, balanced and durable dogs on the move.
Early socialization is especially vital, with positive exposure to a wide variety of people and situations from early life through about seven months and obedience training that continues throughout life keeps the dog happy.
Lifespan
Border Collies live 12 to 15 years. They are very hardy and healthy. Breeders screen for hip dysplasia, progressive renal atrophy, deafness, epilepsy, collie eye anomaly, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis and trapped neutrophil syndrome.
Care
Both coats are dense, weather-resistant double coats: the rough one is medium length with fringe hair and the smooth one shorter and coarser. Grooming is the same for both, going over the dog with a pin brush once or twice a week to keep the coat free of mats and tangles.
A high-drive athletic breed, the Border Collie needs vigorous daily exercise beyond a walk around the block or a quick romp in the yard. It thrives with a job to do and space to run, which makes it a breed for an active owner.
History
Rome's emperors drew up plans to invade Britain for years before Claudius carried them out in the year 43. The occupying legions brought livestock for food and where livestock goes, herding dogs follow.
The large, heavy-boned herding dogs imported by the Romans began the line behind today's Border Collie.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 5 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 5 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 3 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 4 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 5 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 3 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 3 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 3 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |