Billings_iStock_000009354962_Large.jpgFrom catching frisbees to fetching the exact pink left slipper you’ve been looking for, Border Collies seem to have an intelligence that rivals that of most small children. In people terms they’re smart, in dog terms they are a veritable doggie Einstein or Hawking.

A Brief History of the Border Collie

Originally bred for intelligence and obedience in the Scotland area, the Border Collie was a working dog specifically bred for herding sheep. Their intelligence lent itself to better workability and a greater diversity of tasking.

Most of today’s Border Collies can trace their heritage back to one specific dog known as “Old Hemp”, which was born in 1893 and died in 1901.

A Modern Look

Border Collies are employed all around the globe today because of their intelligence and workability as herding dogs. When used in conveying and keeping herds of sheep together and or directionally focused, these Collies can outperform humans by up to three times in many cases.

In the urban environment their roles are more companion based and sometimes they are known for their athleticism with frisbees and obstacle courses.

A Family Companion

The high-energy approach to life of a Border Collie, can be best balanced by more than one daily walk, and are well suited as a kid-friendly or family dog. The herding natural attribute might lend itself to keeping children in groups or “herds”.

Ability to spot danger and take verbal direction makes for a strong partner in a family environment.

Their vocabulary recognition skills are off the charts, with one Border Collie allegedly having more than 1000 words of vocabulary recognition.

Border Collie Care

  • Plenty of exercise and or lots of activity will make a Border Collie a happy dog as they are intensely active. This means that a great deal of attention should be available due to the specifics of a working dog nature.
  • The working nature of the Border Collie will mean that they require a “job” or detrimental consequences stemming from their boredom or anxiety like becoming an escape artist.
  • Toys are tools for Border Collies so plenty should be available and interaction with the toys and Border Collies together make for a primed and happy dog.
  • Border Collies are relatively healthy dogs but special efforts should be kept in scope for grooming. The busy nature of Border Collies means that their coat will gather lots of extraneous elements that need removed.

    • These endearingly lovable and intelligent dogs can be exceptionally functional members of our families and support systems.

    When adopting take the time to look up a Border Collie mixed breed as they may have even more to offer than the pure bred version.

    Always keep active dogs up to date with immunizations and health and wellness exams to keep up with the demanding activities and exposures.