Border Collie

Border Collies live 12 to 15 years. Hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy occur in the breed. Collie Eye Anomaly and MDR1 drug sensitivity are also documented. Epilepsy appears in some lines. Source your puppy from a breeder who DNA tests breeding dogs and schedule annual vet visits. This is a healthy breed overall when sourced responsibly.

The rough or smooth double coat sheds moderately and needs brushing two to three times a week. Brush daily during seasonal coat blows to manage heavy shedding. Bathe every six to eight weeks. Check ears weekly, trim nails monthly, and brush teeth regularly. Rough-coated dogs need extra attention to prevent mats behind the ears and on the legs.

Your Border Collie needs at least 90 minutes of vigorous physical and mental exercise every single day. Running, herding, agility, disc, and flyball all suit this breed. A Border Collie without a proper outlet will obsessively herd children, cars, or anything that moves. This is the most energetic and mentally demanding breed most people will ever own.

Border Collies are widely considered the most intelligent dog breed in the world. They learn commands faster than almost any other breed and need advanced training to stay mentally satisfied. Basic obedience is just the beginning. Enroll in agility, herding, or advanced obedience classes. Without mental stimulation to match their ability, Border Collies develop obsessive or anxious behaviors.

Feed a quality protein-rich diet twice daily calibrated to your dogs activity level. Working Border Collies burn significantly more calories than those in a typical home environment. Adjust portions based on body condition rather than the bag guidelines. Add a joint supplement as your dog ages.

The Border Collie developed along the border between Scotland and England, bred by farmers who needed a dog capable of herding sheep across miles of rugged terrain without human direction. The breed traces back to a dog named Old Hemp, born in 1893, who passed on the characteristic low, intense herding style through thousands of descendants. Border Collies work with a strong eye and controlled movement that other herding breeds lack. Today they dominate agility, disc, and obedience competitions worldwide.