The border collie hails from the borderlands of England and Scotland (hence the name!). These agile, intelligent, and tireless canines were bred to herd sheep. As a result, these collies evolved into perfectly tuned working dogs with a strong affection for their owners and an insatiable appetite for running, hustling, and frolicking.
Ranging from 13.5 to 20.5kg (30 to 45 pounds), border collies can wear any of seventeen colours and seven different markings. They’re sociable with other dogs and best around older children, as toddlers may tip over if a border collie gets in a “herding” mood.
For dog owners, these pets provide endless entertainment and wonder. Talk to a border collie person, and they’ll tell you:
1. Border Collies Are Workaholics
Flickr / @Kathy Mazzola
Border Collies are goal-oriented, driven, and feel most satisfied when they have a task to accomplish.
Given they were bred to guard and move herds of sheep, Border Collie DNA is now coded with a hardcore drive to get things done. Of course, this means owners need something to keep a Border Collie occupied. You know, like a twenty-four step obstacle course.
2. And They Play Hard, Too
Flickr / @Craig Paterson
Border Collies seem to possess an endless and self-sustaining energy source.
If scientists uncovered a swirling purple core inside a Border Collie, the world would suddenly make complete sense. After hours of chasing, running, splashing, and romping—when any other dog ought to fall down and pass out—a Border Collie can still run a few circles around you.
3. You Can’t Put Anything Past a Border Collie
Flickr / @Kathy Mazzola
Herding dogs, by nature, are highly observant. When they’re not keeping the herd in line, they’re watching over the family and keeping an eye on the horizon, looking for intruders or predators. So, if you feel like you’ve got a set of eyes stalking you, that’s just your ever-watchful Border Collie, keeping track of virtually everything.
4. Collies Say Me, Me, Me, Me, Me!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWtopqMjtur/?tagged=bordercollie
When they’re not working or playing—or even when they are—Border Collies crave your attention, affection, and pats on the back for their hard work and stellar performance.
They know how to work for praise, and will show off in the Cute Department to gather up oohs and aahs from the crowd.
5. Border Collies Are Smart Enough to Cure Cancer
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWtnQxwFxGW/?tagged=bordercollie
Having trouble with your homework? Ask a Border Collie! These dogs are supernaturally smart. (If only they spoke our human language…)
Their keen observation skills and ability to recognise patterns and expectations, plus their eagerness to please, make them one of the most intelligent breeds out there.
6. They’re the Canine Equivalent of a 4×4
Flickr / @narrow roads
Border Collies aren’t designed for apartment living, and would absolutely choose a rugged, wild landscape for a back garden over anything else.
Short of climbing trees, the Border Collie will take to any wild terrain like a fish in water. The more the merrier when it comes to adventure and exploration!
7. ESPN’s Dog of the Century
Flickr / @Valerie
If you harbour dreams of parenting an Olympian athlete, a Border Collie is your safest bet.
With their medium build, incredible strength, and uncanny intelligence, Border Collies are highly trainable and exceptionally agile. In any canine agility competition, you’re guaranteed to find more than a few Border Collies wowing the crowd.
This level of skill requires dedicated work on the owner’s part. It takes time, training, and consistency to nurture an athlete of this calibre. But the results are truly astonishing!
These highly intelligent dogs need a lot of physical exercise and mental stimulation. If they’re left alone for long periods of time they can become bored or frustrated and this can lead to them acting out, chewing things or barking. If you’d prefer not to leave your Collie home alone Rover.com has lots of wonderful sitters who offer dog boarding across the country. Our dog sitters and walkers treat your dog like family so you can rest assured they’ll be in good hands!
