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