Note: The all-breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America. Also see Registering Border Collies for a list of registries that currently register purebred Border Collies.
* — The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the World Canine Organisation, which includes members (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 332 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
The Border Collie breed was established approximately 100 years ago and originated in the countryside bordering Scotland and England. Through selective breeding, the Border Collie developed into a breed well recognized for his intensity, energy and trainability as well as his ability to work long days and on rugged terrain. Said to have an uncanny ability to reason and incredible instinct, the Border Collie has become the world's premier sheep herding dog and is still used worldwide in this capacity. From the beginning, the Border Collie was a true working animal and, today, the breed is still bred for his working ability rather than type. The Border Collie is one of a small number of breeds who is primarily exhibited in events that test these abilities, through herding and obedience trials for example, and is rarely exhibited in conformation shows.
The Border Collie is recognized as the finest sheep-herding dog in the world. He is very intelligent and highly trainable. Alert and eager, he displays a single-mindedness for the task at hand. He is affectionate with friends but may be reserved toward strangers.
Today, Border Collies are still seen working on farms and in sheep herding trials; however, they are also one of the most popular breeds participating in many dog sports, such as flyball, agility, and frisbee to name a few. This is a breed that excels in many jobs, including Hearing Dog and Search and Rescue Dog. He is swift, agile, tireless, and has an incredible desire to work. His high-energy nature requires both mental and physical stimulation.
The Border Collie's coat may be rough (long coat), semi-rough, or smooth (short haired). Typically, the coat colour is black & white, but colours vary and include: red & white, tri-colours (brown, black & white), liver, blue merle, red merle, yellow or white with small amounts of brown, black or red. Eye colour ranges from amber to dark brown and sometimes blue. Bone structure also varies from lightweight to heavy-boned.
When herding, the Border Collie assumes a pose with the head and forelegs lowered, eyes intense, tail down with the bottom third of the tail upturned. The Border Collie can become focused on any moving object, including very tiny insects. Known as "heading" or "gathering" herders (as opposed to "heelers"), the Border Collie's instinct is to run wide around a herd, gather the animals, and return them to the shepherd. Every movement from the livestock is seen and reacted to accordingly.
While a well trained Border Collie can be a wonderful companion, it should be kept in mind that these dogs are primarily working dogs. If you are new to the Border Collie breed, it is strongly recommended that you do your homework — Learn about the breed before you choose to adopt a Border Collie into your home, be sure that this is the right dog for you, and that he/she will fit into your lifestyle.
Border Collies are basically a hardy breed; however, they can be subject to some inherited diseases which are listed below as well as allergies and skin conditions. In addition, because the Border Collie is such an active breed, he can also be prone to athletic injuries, such as pulled muscles, cruciate ligament ruptures, cuts and punctures, as well as ripped toenails and footpads.
The main health concerns in the Border Collie breed include:
Eye Diseases, including Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) — A congenital disorder where parts of the eye do not develop normally. Severity ranges from no visual impairment to blindness. According to the American Border Collie Association (ABCA), the incidence of CEA in Border Collies in North America is about 2.5%. However, the carrier rate may be as high as 25%. Since early 2005, a test administered by OptiGen has been available which can determine whether a dog is affected, a carrier, or clear. See Collie Eye Anomaly / Choroidal Hypoplasia (CEA) Test for further details.
Epilepsy — At this time, the incidence and heritability in the Border Collie breed are unknown.
— The Border Collie breed has a relatively high incidence of deafness.
Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (CL)— Also known as Storage Disease — A rare, inherited disease which affects the nerve cells of the body. This disease has been diagnosed in dogs, humans, cats, sheep, goats, cattle, horses and lovebirds. In dogs, CL has been reported in many breeds, including the Border Collie. Affected dogs appear normal at birth but begin to exhibit symptoms around one to two years of age. The age of onset and severity of the disease varies among individuals but symptoms can include a decline in progressive motor control with seizures and a loss of coordination; cognitive and abnormal behaviour; and visual impairment. Affected Border Collies rarely survive beyon 26 to 28 months of aga and there is no treatment or cure at this time. For further information, see: Canine Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis — A website designed to provide basic information on canine ceroid lipofuscinosis (neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis), and serve as a resource for those concerned with this disease: breeders, owners, veterinarians, and researchers. In addition, a DNA Test is available from OptiGen: CL Test for Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
If you are considering the adoption of a Border Collie puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
The Border Collie's coat is easy to maintain but regular combing and brushing will ensure the coat is kept in good condition. During shedding times, extra care is needed for the soft, thick undercoat.
Grooming — This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training — For information on training your Border Collie, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Starting your Border Collie on Cattle, Sheep or Ducks Video
Video Edition, Published by Rural Route Video, Duration: 90 Mins.
New from Australia, all round Border Collie training video, showing young dogs progressing through their early months and on through a sound training program! Covers all basic commands.
— Available from Dogwise.com.
That'll Do, Widening the Sheepdog's Experience Video
by Glynn Jones (See other books by author)
Video Edition, Duration: 50 Mins.
Widen the sheepdog's experience by teaching more specific commands, then reduce command contact. Features herding expert H. Glynn Jones.
— Available from Dogwise.com.
Training and Working a Border Collie Video
Video Edition, Published by Rural Route Videos, Duration: 2 hrs.
Featuring Border Collies and covering all basic commands and training techniques.
— Available from Dogwise.com.
Herding Dogs — A new section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes training and general information about Herding/Stock Dogs; listing of Stock Dog Clubs and Associations; listing of upcoming shows and events; and more.
Clubs, Sports and Activities — Information on various dog sports and activities, including flyball, agility, disc dog, herding, and much more. Plus listings of non-breed specific clubs from across Canada. (Note: For Border Collie specific clubs, see the Breed Clubs section.)
Working Dogs — See Canada's Guide to Dogs' section on Working Dogs to learn more about some of the wonderful jobs that dogs are involved in.
Select from the following links to view Border Collie Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Shows and Events; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and Merchandise specific to the Border Collie breed:
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