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