Our modern sheep-herding collie was improved in the nineteenth
century, and the genetic refinement of its working skills occupies
thoughtful livestock producers on several continents to this
day. Breeders try to balance a dozen heritable working traits
to produce the best dog for their purposes, factoring in climate,
terrain, livestock type, and the kind of dog they get along
with. Guided by a skilled trainer, a talented dog develops
remarkable mastery over livestock. The true Border
Collie is known by how it works sheep and cattle,
and by no other standard.
Herding Characteristics
Because their early work was to gather sheep from the hills,
Border Collies are, by nature, gatherers rather than drovers
or tenders. They can, nevertheless, be taught to drive stock
away from the shepherd and even to keep their charges within
certain boundaries. They are also sensitive to commands from
their handlers and can distinguish slight variations in the
many whistles they understand, responding appropriately to
each tone.
Shepherds look for exceptional athletic ability, a biddable
nature, and superior livestock sense. In general, a dog that
is light on its feet, flowing in its movement, quick to cover
its stock, and has great endurance is the most valued. The
dog's temperament must be sensitive enough to bend its will
when asked, tough enough to stand up to the pressures of training,
eager to learn, with enough confidence and determination to
carry on with its work without constant guidance. Some Border
Collies are reserved rather than outgoing, but they must love
to work with and for the master. While innate livestock sense
is bred into all good working collies, their working style
can vary. Most people admire a dog that works with its head
low to the ground, with its hindquarters high and its tail
tucked between its hind legs. They can run as fast as the wind,
yet stop in an instant or switch directions without stopping.
They don't take their eyes off their sheep. Their intense gaze
is focused on the stock, willing them to obey, to go where
the dog directs them, to stop if the dog blocks their path.
The stock aren't rushed or afraid, but they certainly respect
the dog. A good Border Collie's obsession is its livestock,
and this is as it should be.
Sheepdog trials have a very practical purpose of proving the
worth of the most desirable Border Collie studs and dams. Each
year, there is one, and only one, Border Collie champion: the
dog or bitch that wins the National Handlers Finals sheepdog
trial sponsored jointly by the United States Border Collie
Handlers Association and the American Border Collie Association
registry.
The Breeding Behind a Good Border Collie
How did Border Collies get to be such smart and useful livestock
dogs? During the nineteenth century, forward-looking shepherds
felt that the faithful farm collie could be made more useful
with the addition of traits from other types of dog: the "eye" of
a staunch setter, the speed and silent nature of a racing hound.
No dog has all the herding traits in perfect proportion, and
the intricate assemblage is easy to lose. Breeding a good Border
Collie is not easy. It takes great experience with dogs and
herding requirements, and a bit of luck in addition.
Soundness
In the days when dogs that were unfit to work could not be
kept, most dogs with physical problems were put down. As Border
Collies became more popular with farmers around the world,
hobby trials competitors, and pet and dog-sport owners, some
latent problems began to surface. The International Sheep Dog
Society and the American Border Collie Association have programs
that are reducing the incidence of inherited eye diseases.
All dogs should be tested by a canine ophthalmologist, preferably
between 6 and 12 weeks of age. Dogs having or producing pups
which have genetic eye abnormalities should not be bred. There
is some hip dysplasia, and conscientious breeders have radiologists
certify that breeding dogs are clear of hip dysplasia. The
American Border Collie Association will record this information,
as well as eye certification, on pedigrees. Osteochondritis
dissecans (OCD) occasionally causes shoulder lameness, and
some researchers feel there is a genetic component. Epilepsy,
which can have a genetic basis, occurs occasionally. Obviously,
affected dogs should not be bred.
Appearance
While a group of one hundred Border Collies will probably
look as if they belong to the same breed, they will not have
a uniform appearance. Since a "good" dog can be judged
only by its herding performance, there is no "breed standard" of
appearance to which Border Collies should conform. In general,
they are of medium size (25-55 pounds), with coats that may
be smooth, medium, or rough. Colors are black, black with tan,
and, less common, reddish-brown, all usually with white markings.
Predominantly white Border Collies, though unusual, also occasionally
appear.
Border Collie Registries
The original registry for working sheepdogs is the International
Sheep Dog Society in Great Britain. In 1946 two words, "Border
Collie," were added to the pedigree to ensure that the
dogs were not confused with the British Kennel Club's Collie.
In North America, the principal registry for working dogs is
the American Border Collie Association, Inc., 82 Rogers Road,
Perkinston, MS 39573. The only registry of Canadian Border
Collies is the Canadian Border Collie Association, K. Curtis,
Secretary, RR 1, Joyceville, Ontario KOH 1YO, Canada. The United
States Border Collie Club, Inc., supports these registries
for their efforts to preserve and promote the working Border
Collie.
Despite strong opposition from all people who value the genetic
heritage of the breed, both the Kennel Club in Great Britain
and the American Kennel Club have taken up the registration
of Border Collies. They have imposed written physical standards
as breeding guidelines and award titles for conformation in
dog shows. In Australia, New Zealand, and Britain, where a
strain of Border Collies has been bred for dog shows for twenty
years or more, those dogs have a predictable physical type,
but their ability to herd livestock has been severely compromised.
The United States Border Collie Club, Inc., opposes registering
Border Collies with organizations, such as the American Kennel
Club, which offer conformation classes for Border Collies.
Since its formation in 1975, a primary purpose of the USBCC
has been to protect working Border Collies from misguided efforts
to create a breed based on physical characteristics instead
of on skill in herding livestock.
Border Collies for Sports and as Pets
Because they are highly motivated to work in partnership
with their owners, Border Collies are well suited to most canine
sports. To compete in their performance events such as Obedience
and Tracking tests without registering with the AKC, a Border
Collie owner must neuter the dog and apply for an Indefinite
Listing Privilege.
Many Border Collies and their owners enjoy the fast-growing
sport of Agility, as it enhances the relationship between dog
and handler and develops a confident, bold, and motivated dog.
The best Agility is found in meets sanctioned by the United
States Dog Agility Association, Inc., P. O. Box 850955, Richardson,
TX 75085-0955. Some Border Collies excel in Fly Ball and Frisbee
competitions. In northern climates, Border Collie sled-dog
teams are competitive in middle-distance races.
As pets, Border Collies have a mixed record. While some people
have no difficulty controlling the dogs' herding instinct,
high energy and quick minds, less-skilled owners may be frustrated
by these traits. The calm, well-behaved dogs seen at sheepdog
trials are the result of careful attention to the dogs' mental
and physical needs. Border Collies that herd are fulfilled.
In pet environments, with experienced dog people who give them
the structure, love, and fellowship they crave, they can be
superb pets. With less-skilled owners, unfortunately, they
can become a neurotic nuisance. An honest appraisal of your
lifestyle, skills and needs before getting a Border Collie
can save you from heartache. It is very hard to find a farm
home or a new pet home for a Border Collie which has developed
bad habits, and every year many Border Collies are destroyed
because they proved to be too much dog for their owners.
Care
Yes, Border Collies shed. Rough-coated dogs develop thick
undercoats in winter which must be combed out at the onset
of summer's heat. Teeth must be cleaned and toenails clipped.
A veterinarian will recommend a program of vaccinations and
medications. Be aware that heat exhaustion is a killer. Border
Collies often lie in shade or cool water after a hot run or
hard work. Even so, their obsessive natures do lead to unnecessary
deaths from hyperthermia. Be warned, also, that allowing them
to roam free inevitably leads to trouble, as the herding instinct
can be activated by anything that moves. Border Collies' attraction
to motion should be confined to safe outlets, as most chronic
car-chasing is eventually fatal. Inappropriate herding should
be stopped immediately by saying no and meaning it. The USBCC
recommends spaying or neutering pet dogs for the owners' comfort
and for the sake of the breed's working instincts.
Dogs are a commitment. Before you acquire a Border Collie
puppy, be sure you want to spend two years training and thirteen
more enjoying a highly energetic dog that anticipates your
every move, shares your every joy, comforts all your sorrows,
and beats you in every race.
Puppies
If you need a livestock dog, it is imperative to find a puppy
whose parents work to a high standard. They should have a livestock
dog temperament suited to your handling skills. If your interest
in a Border Collie pet has survived our warnings, be prepared
to answer questions about your dog-owning experience and your
plans for raising a Border Collie puppy. Responsible breeders
will be very careful about where their puppies go. Visit the
breeder and spend time with the adult dogs. Temperaments vary
from shy to bold, calm to excitable, although all will turn
serious when they work livestock. For whichever purpose you
acquire a puppy, take care to establish your authority and
control as a kind, benevolent master. A Border Collie's personality
can be ruined by harsh treatment, neglect, or letting it assume
a dominant role in the household. People who own Border Collies
like their intelligence, high energy, and their desire to participate
in every phase of human activity. However, they do take time,
patience, and dog-handling skills to develop into either a
working dog or a fine companion dog. A well-trained Border
Collie is a pleasure to live with and will be reliably well
behaved anywhere.
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