| Border Collie
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 A Border Collie bred to Kennel Club (UK) standards |
| Country of origin
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| United Kingdom
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| Classification
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| FCI: | Group 1 Section 1
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| AKC: | Herding
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| ANKC: | Group 5 (Working Dogs)
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| KC(UK): | Pastoral
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| NZKC: | Working
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| UKC: | Herding Dog Breeds
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| Breed standards (external links)
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AKC (http://www.akc.org/breeds/bluetick_coonhound/index.cfm), ANKC (http://www.ankc.aust.com/borderco.html), KC(UK) (http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/discoverdogs/working/w841.jpg)
NZKC (http://www.nzkc.org.nz/br516.html), UKC (http://www.ukcdogs.com/breeds/herdingdogs/bordercollie.std.shtml)
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A Border Collie is a hard-working breed of dog that originated in the border country of England and Scotland. Border Collies are noted for being affectionate with friends and reserved with strangers. Border Collies are highly intelligent herding dogs. Like most of the breeds in the working dog category, they have a tendency towards neurotic or destructive behavior if not given enough to do.
Appearance
Border Collies are balanced, medium-sized dogs with alert, keen expressions. Their double coats come in all colors, most commonly black and white.
Breed standards
As is the case with many breeds of dogs that are still used for their original purposes, breed standards vary depending on whether the registry is more interested in a dog who performs its job superbly or a dog whose appearance meets an ideal standard. It is possible (although unlikely) for a dog to do both, but its options for competition in dog shows might be limited depending on its ancestry and on the opinions of the various kennel clubs or breed clubs involved.
For example, in the UK, there are two separate registries for Border Collies. International Sheep Dog Society [1] (http://www.isds.org.uk/) and other similar organizations encourage breeding for herding ability, whereas the Kennel Club (UK) encourages breeding for a specific appearance.
As another example, the breed was recognized in 1995 by the American Kennel Club, which promotes standards based on appearance and promotes registration of dogs whose parents were registered. The recognition was under protest[2] (http://www.bordercollie.org/akc.html) from the United States Border Collie Club[3] (http://www.bordercollie.org/core.html), which felt that emphasis on the breed's working skills would be lost under AKC recognition.
Some people believe that the emphasis placed on appearance has ruined the breed for its traditional livestock work because breeding for appearance eliminates emphasis on intelligence and working ability. Others believe that, in today's world, where livestock work is uncommon, the beauty of the breed is the factor that should be preserved. However, most people who own Border Collies as pets and also compete with them in the wide variety of dog sports available to them prefer to have Border Collies who come from working lines, not show lines, because the intelligence, drive, and athleticism are preserved over a lush coat or standard size and weight.
Characteristics
 Red and white Border Collie playing a favorite game Border Collies are extremely energetic and require a lot of attention. They are better off in a household that can provide them with plenty of exercise and a job to do. Like most herding breeds, they will attempt to herd family members, cats, squirrels, bicycles, cars, or anything else that moves in the absence of other charges. Border Collies make bad pets for people who cannot provide a considerably amount of daily exercise, both physical and mental. Many Border Collies end up in shelters or rescue groups because families, attracted by their appearance, discover that they cannot even begin to provide the attention and effort required for this driven, active, easily bored breed.
Dog activities and sports
These collies can take direction by voice and whistle at long distances when herding sheep, but a hallmark of the Border Collie is the ability to work outside of visual contact without direction. Their great energy and herding instinct has also been employed driving birds off of airport runways. Border Collie competitions may involve actual herding or simulated tasks.
Because of their working background, Border Collies excel at several dog sports. They dominate the higher jump heights at dog agility competitions, so much so that in England the Border Collies occasionally are given competitions separate from all other breeds.
Famous Border Collies
See also
- McNab, a variety of Border Collie
External links
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