Information about the Border Collie ORIGIN OF THE BORDER COLLIE It must be remembered that before anything else the Border Collie is a sheepdog. He is renowned as the world’s greatest sheepdog and would have to be the most widely used working dog around today. The name itself gives some indication as to the dogs’ origins and so the reasons for its basic structure. The Border Collie was originally developed in and for the conditions existing on the vast tracts of land on the Welsh and Scottish borders with England . Here the terrain varies from mountains to sweeping moorlands, the winter weather conditions being very bleak with snow, wind and sleet. Land such as this was suitable for very little except sheep and with the introduction of sheep grew the need for a suitable herding dog. It is believed the Border Collie comes from a very mixed ancestry of larger and less sensitive dogs such as the Bob-tailed sheepdog and the Bearded Collie. The Border Collie, as we know him today, probably emerged over two hundred years ago from this more rugged but intelligent stock. Selective breeding helped develop a dog that could cope with the harsh conditions and the work required. Size and agility to cope with the mountainous terrain, stamina and economy of movement to cope with the moorlands, coat and ear type for the weather conditions. Sheep can be anywhere from nervous/frightened to aggressive. The ‘stealth’ referred to in the Standard is the Border Collies’ ability to ‘work’ his flock in a manner that does not disturb or distress them - a light footed, quiet movement, not drawing attention to itself until required. The first sheepdog trial was held in 1876. With the introduction of International Sheepdog Trials in 1906 the outstanding ability of the Border Collie became apparent to the whole world and he subsequently became very much sought after in other countries, e.g. New Zealand and Australia. In conjunction with these very early sheepdog trials there was often held a competition to find the ‘best looking’ dog entered - a forerunner to our modern dog show. The Border Collie is still very close to his working origins. In Australia in the early 50’s several states had drawn up their own standards for the breed but it was not until 1963 that the ANKC adopted a national standard for the Border Collie. Successful breeding to type was often difficult during these early years, one factor being that until the early 60’s Border Collies from working stock, or with unknown pedigrees, could be registered for breeding and the showring. In UK, where the breed originated, it did not enter the showring until 1976 when it received Kennel Club recognition, and in USA the Border Collie was not given full recognition as a show dog in the Herding Group until 1995. Old Hemp

ANKC Border Collie Breed Standard ANKC Extended Breed Standard Border Collie Colours

Owning a Border Collie Border Collies make wonderful pets..... in the right homes. In the wrong environment this active, intelligent dog can cause havoc and distress both to itself and its owners. Give careful consideration to whether or not you can provide the kind of mental and physical stimulation this breed needs before you bring one into your life. Physical Requirements     * Do you have or are you prepared to spend money to equip your home with adequate fencing? Border Collies, particularly younger animals have no road sense and the natural instinct when they encounter a moving vehicle is to chase it. Some border collies learn that this is their "job" and become obsessed with this activity. These are the ones that are not run over at the first or second attempt. Either way a Border Collie without an adequately fenced yard is a recipe for disaster.     * Do you have enough space for your Border Collie in your yard or access to parkland? Don't forget that access for dogs in council parks is often restricted. This is something you will need to take into consideration.     * Will you have the time and the inclination to exercise your Border Collie everyday? This is not something you can ignore, your Border Collie will become bored if it is not given adequate activity. Excess barking or destructive activity could be the result.     * Whilst this is not a high maintenance breed in terms of grooming requirements you will need to take sometime to ensure that your dogs coat does not become matted. Border Collies have a double coat. This is of great benefit to them in terms of insulating them from extreme weather conditions but it can cause problems with matting. Generally the Border Collie only requires 1 or 2 thorough brushings a week, however the undercoat is shed at least once a year by adult males and up to twice a year by non-desexed females. During this time it is important to brush them thoroughly at least once or twice a day. This removes the dead hair and stops matts forming. Generally the worst areas for matting are under the tail and at the back of the hind legs. Do you have the patience and time to devote to your dog's coat needs?     * Shelter and an adequate diet are obvious but important considerations that you will have to provide when owning any dog not just a Border Collie. As are veterinary costs including: vaccinations, worming, heartworm prevention and any other problems that may arise. Can you afford a dog? If you've answered yes to all of these then give careful consideration to the mental stimulation a Border Collie will require if any of the above questions received a negative answer then the Border Collie is probably not for you. Mental Stimulation The Border Collie is widely acclaimed as the "world's smartest dog". This "intelligence" has meant that the Border Collie has long been recognised as the premier herding dog in the world, not to mention one of the most successful obedience breeds. It is this intelligence however that can make it a difficult pet in the wrong home. Simply exercising your Border Collie physically will not meet its needs. The Border Collie needs to have its mind occupied, in short it needs a job.   The nature of that job needs to be directed by you the owner. Left to its own devices the Border Collie will often develop annoying habits in its quest to find a "job" for itself. Often when this occurs the "job" the Border Collie settles for will not be one that pleases its owners.  For a Border Collie that is not getting adequate attention the "job" that they settle for may well be something that draws their owners attention even if that attention is negative. The other consideration is that of the pack. When you own a dog you and your family form its pack. If you fail to understand the importance of the pack and your place as a pack leader many Border Collies will set about making sure that they take on the role of the pack leader. Your dog must not run your household. To understand this concept you need to make an effort to research and understand basic canine behaviour. As an owner of a Border Collie are you prepared to:     * Attend obedience classes with your puppy? Will you be prepared to keep going if you are having trouble controlling your dog? The puppy socialisation courses offered by many vet surgeries in Australia are very beneficial as an introduction but they are not always enough. Many new dog owners will need to continue some form of training at their local obedience club.     * To understand more about the basic behaviour and interaction with a dog try to read books such as "Who's The Boss" by Val Bonney. Once you have control of your dog and you have established yourself as the pack leader the Border Collie is a wonderful family pet. They thrive on being part of the family.  Allowing them some restricted access to the house, taking them for outings in the car are all thoroughly enjoyed by your Border Collie. A home where the Border Collie is included in family activities is ideal. They thrive on contact with their "pack".

The Border Collie Lively, loyal, agile and intelligent Being very intelligent they are easily trained, but because of that intelligence, if allowed to do as they please, they may think up some mischief. Like children, they need to be trained from an early age and be provided with physical exercise and mental stimulation. The Border collie’s intelligence, tractability and stamina are breed assets, which have long been recognised and sought after in their sheep dog work. These same traits are now being put to good use by our "suburban" Borders in the fields of obedience, tracking and agility and much more. Of course, the Border Collie is first and foremost, a sheep dog and for many years was used for this purpose only. However, the breed has shown its ability to adapt to city life: as long as the Border Collie is in the right home, it is a most attractive and companionable dog, intelligent, loyal and full of fun. Type of Owner/Friend Required - Caring, active and patient. Willing to involve the dog in family activities, able to train the Border Collie and spend time with them and also willing to groom the dog once a week. Requirements of the Dog - Daily exercise:- As adults they really require a good stretch-out in the park at least twice a week, remember they are a working breed. They are an ideal companion if you are a jogger, or if you just like to go for a walk. Weekly grooming (at least). Due to the texture of the Border Collie coat it very rarely tangles. This only happens when it is losing its coat and at this time they will require more brushing to remove the loose dead hairs, as they will matt if left unattended. Regular well balanced meals and no tid bits as these will result in an overweight pet and carrying excess weight will shorten their life considerably. Your dog can however be given a hard biscuit or a large raw bone to chew on, to clean its teeth and exercise its gums (this will help prevent doggy breath). Attention and time from owner and others. The Border Collie needs to be a part of a family, plenty of training, play and attention will help to prevent boredom. Keep your dog free of worms, worm them 4 times a year for intestinal worms (more often in young puppies). Regular Heartworm medication is also essential as heartworm is now prevalent in most areas. Vaccinations:- ensure that your dog receives an annual booster injection for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo-virus and Kennel Cough and also a regular general health check. A dry warm kennel to shelter from the rain, cold and summer sun. Toys to help with they very active mind and body. An ABUNDANT SUPPLY of CLEAN FRESH WATER Buying a Puppy This is a very important decision and you are best to go to a reputable breeder! Asking questions and listening to the answers is a way to find out whether someone is doing the right thing for the breed or whether they really don’t care. The ones that care will have plenty of questions for you as well. Some questions you may want to ask 1. Are your dogs pedigreed and registered with a canine control council? 2. Do your dogs have good temperaments? This should be one on the most important things. 3. Can you please name and explain heridatory disease that affect this breed? 4. Have your dogs been certified as having a good hip score for this breed? 5. Have the Sire and Dam been DNA tested for CL,CEA and TNS? 6. Based on the DNA test results is the mating suitable? (see article “DNA Testing – What does it mean?”) 7. What general health problems have you produced since you have been breeding? 8. Are the puppies getting vaccinated wormed and vet checked before you sell them? 9. What information will I receive with my puppy? eg diet, general care, desexing, grooming 10. Will I be able to ring you if I have a problem? 11. What guarantees do you offer if the puppy has an inherited problem? 12. How much is the puppy? And what does this include? 13. What role will you as the breed play if I am unable to keep the dog at any stage of it’s life? 14. Are you a member of any breed clubs? If the answer to any of these questions is not satisfactory think again before purchasing a pup. If the breeder provided in depth answers to these questions and also asks you questions including why you want a border collie, how you plan to keep it, what activities are you planning on doing, have you looked at other puppies etc then they are probably are breeders who will support you, remain in contact with you, be interested in their puppies lives and take the responsibility of producing a litter seriously for the remainder of the dogs life.