History
The first historic foundings of this breed dates back to the 18th century at the borders of Great Britain and Scotland. This region was called the borders, from where the 'border' part in their name origins.
The Border Collie was originally bred to herd flocks of sheep. Nowadays, these dogs are also often competing at high levels in various dog sports.
Appearance
The Border Collie is a medium sized dog, with an average size of 55cm (21,65 inch) high for males and 50cm or about 20inch for females. Most healthy Border Collies weigh between 13 and 20kg (29 to 44lbs).
Their build is very athletic and their fur can vary in length from short to medium long. Border Collies can be found in many colors but white should never be the most prominent. Color combinations can be: Black and white, Chocolate, ee red, blue merle, red merle, sable, lilac,...
The ears can be fully raised, tipped at the top or tipped in half.
Personality
Because of them being bred as herding dogs, they have a huge amount of energy and stamina. Border Collies are enthusiastic, alert and are intelligent. The combination of these characteristics, leads to bored Border Collies becoming true menaces.
Most Border Collies are sensitive dogs, meaning they tend to react more to voice corrections from their owner than most other dogs.
Because their instinct to control everything around them (as they are supposed to do with sheep), they aren't the best family dogs when the kids act unpredictable. In these cases, they might start showing herding behaviour towards the kids to take control over them.
Trainability
Because of their high intelligence level, they are highly trainable and enjoy these training sessions when performed with a positive mindset. It is important to challenge them both physically and mentally. They figure things out pretty quick, but are also more unforgiving during training because of this. Things you teach them wrong, can stick with them for a long time.
Energy level
Border Collies are extremely high energy level dogs. Their owners should be prepared to challenge them both mentally and physically in order to fulfill their needs. If not challenged, a Border Collie will seek out something to do himself and most often they then start destroying stuff or barking excessively.