| The Border Collie is a highly intelligent dog that regularly | | | | slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a |
| wins awards for obedience. She needs lots of open | | | | guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and |
| space to exercise in. She is a working sheep herding | | | | competent instructions to accomplish this can be found |
| dog and she is the happiest with a job to do. She will | | | | on the net. |
| get too bored and possibly destructive just sitting | | | | *Life Span. The Border Collie can live between 12 and |
| around a house alone. She is considered to be one of | | | | 15 years with proper nutrition, medical care and |
| the most intelligent dogs. | | | | excellent living conditions. |
| *Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size | | | | *History. The Border Collie originated in Scotland and |
| (two years old or older) of the male Border Collie is 19 | | | | England. The American Kennel Association first |
| to 22 inches to the withers (highest point of the | | | | registered Border Collies in 1995. |
| shoulder) and 30 to 45 pound. The females range | | | | *Some Registries: |
| from 18 to 21 inches to the withers and 27 to 42 | | | | Border Collie Society of America Inc. |
| pounds. | | | | UKC United Kennel Club |
| *Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have | | | | NKC National Kennel Club |
| certain inherited health problems associated with that | | | | CKC Continental Kennel Club |
| specific breed and the Border Collie is no exception. | | | | APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc. |
| Some of the medical problems you might encounter | | | | AKC American Kennel Club |
| are Progressive Retinal Atrophy (inherited disease of | | | | FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale |
| the retina that can cause vision loss and blindness), | | | | NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club |
| Canine Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (inherited | | | | KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain |
| neurological disorder that can lead to progressive | | | | ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club |
| degeneration of brain and eye cells and can cause | | | | ACR = American Canine Registry |
| severe impairment and early death), canine hipand | | | | Litter Size: 4 to 8 Border Collie puppies |
| elbow dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip | | | | Category: Herding. |
| joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), Collie | | | | Terms To Describe: Loyal, intelligent, faithful, obedient, |
| Eye Anomaly, epilepsy and flea allergies. | | | | *SPECIAL GOOD POINTS |
| This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other | | | | Good watch dog. |
| diseases may also be significant threats, please | | | | Has lots of energy. |
| contact your veterinarian for a complete list. She | | | | High intelligence. |
| should visit the veterinarian several times in the first | | | | Wants to please. |
| year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an | | | | Trains quickly. |
| adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots | | | | Usually along with other dogs but possibly not other |
| and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she | | | | small pets. |
| should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups | | | | OK with older children. |
| and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets. | | | | Can tolerate cold. |
| *Grooming. The Border Collie has a medium length | | | | Good with the Frisbee. |
| double water resistant coat that needs to be brushed | | | | *SPECIAL BAD POINTS |
| every few days, daily if possible. She should be bathed | | | | Poor guard dog. |
| rarely as this strips her coat of its protective oils. | | | | Can get bored and destructive if left alone for long |
| Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat | | | | periods of time. |
| and also help you keep a closer eye on her health and | | | | Needs room to run, not for an apartment. |
| strengthen your emotional bond with your pet. | | | | Possibly not good with very young children. |
| Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week | | | | One person dog. |
| with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. | | | | May nip at joggers, bicycles and other moving people |
| Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and | | | | and objects. |
| tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal | | | | Needs to be socialized early for shyness. |
| disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss | | | | *Every dog is an individual so not everything in this |
| of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease. | | | | information may be correct for your dog. This |
| Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and | | | | information is meant as a good faith guideline only. |
| clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow | | | | |