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"Small Dog Breed Catalog"
Small Dog Breed Catalog: Page 7
of 56
Border Collie Dog Breed
The Border Collie is a first rate, everyday working dog, that is well
known for herding cattle and rounding up sheep. Many regard this dog
as the most intelligent of all the breeds. He is brilliant in
sheepdog trials and the persistent winner of obedience competitions.
He was originally bred for brains, speed, and stamina. Nowadays, he
makes an excellent companion as well as a great helper and is one of
the most trainable dogs. The Border Collie are outstanding guide dogs
for the blind. He is active, alert, affectionate with his owners, and
capable of excelling at obedience and agility work. His level of
intelligence can create a stubborn mind-set and therefore would
require consistent and patient training. He is a sensitive breed and
is not recommended for families with young children as it may snap if
teased or irritated. However, he can be good with children if he was
raised with them from puppy hood. Socialization is essential as soon
as possible to help minimize his timidity around strangers. He can
become wrapped up on a certain activity or a toy and will fetch until
he drops. The Border Collie can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, eye
problems, and hearing problems.
Size: The Border Collie stands 17-21in at the shoulder and weighs
between 38 and 52lb.
History and origin: This breed was developed in England and Scotland
during the 19th century. In fact, the name Border refers to the
English-Scottish border. This breed was a result of mixing bloodlines
of several working collies at that time. He is an exceptional herder
and will literally walk across the backs of the sheep in his herd in
order to most quickly cross to the other side. He is able to control
the sheep using his fixed stare, which is this dog's trademark.
Because of this skill, this breed was exported to different countries
where sheep are farmed. It was not until July 1976 that a standard
for the breed was approved by the British Kennel Club.
Feeding: Recommended feeding for the Border Collie is about 1- 1 '
cans (13.3oz size) of a high-quality meaty product with added biscuit
in equal amount or 3 cupfuls of a complete dry food.
Exercise: This working dog requires plenty of outdoor exercise, but
do not let him off the leash unless he has learned the 'Come' command
perfectly. If allowed to run loose, he has the tendency to chase
bikes, cars, or joggers. The ideal place for him is a house with a
well-fenced yard. He enjoys fetching a ball or a Frisbee.
Grooming: The Border Collie has a medium-length shedding coat that
needs regular brushing with a good pony dandy brush and comb. Check
the ears for signs of canker and check the ears and feet for foreign
object. Dead fur should be removed during grooming.
Copyright 2006 by Jay Jennings. All rights reserved.
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