General AppearanceThe 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.
Head
Essentially an old-fashioned Collie
type. Broad in skull, slightly blunt in muzzle.
Scissors bite. Teeth of good size. Ears are medium size, broad at the base and taper
towards the tip. May be carried drop, semi-erect or prick, and need not be
matching. Are sensitive in their use. Eyes are fairly large and set wide apart. Color is
usually medium brown. Liver or red merle dogs may have amber eyes. Blue merles
and greys often have one or both eyes blue.
Faults:
Undershot or overshot bite.
Body
Slightly longer than high. Backline is straight
from withers to loin, with a slight muscular rise over the loin. Chest is deep, showing great lung capacity and
strength.
Forelegs are straight, with the forearms showing
strength.
Hind legs are longer than the forelegs, and are wide
set, with hocks well let down.
Feet oval. High-arched toes, with thick, heavy pads.
Fault: Ewe
neck.
Tail
Set low. Carried low with a slight upward
twirl toward the end. Never carried over the back.
Coat
Varied lengths - rough, medium or smooth.
May be straight, wavy or even curly. The rough-coated dog will have
well-feathered forelegs, breeches and tail, and an abundant mane. The top coat
is dense and of medium texture. The undercoat is soft, short and dense to
provide adequate weather resistance.
Color
Black and red. Less predominant colors
include gray, blue merle, red merle, lemon and sable. May have white trim only,
or may be accompanied by tan points.
Disqualification:
Albinism.
Size
Varies from 17 to 24 inches, with weight
from 25 to 65 pounds. Males average 21 inches and 45 pounds; females average 19
inches and 35 pounds.
Disqualifications
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid.
Viciousness or extreme shyness. Albinism.