ABOUT THE BORDER COLLIE

Where is all began ...

The Border Collie originated in the United Kingdom, or more specifically, in Scotland. Although the border country of Scotland saw the birth of the breed, it was nearby Northumberland which later produced the strain which is now famous throughout the whole world.

The breed was originally known as the "Working Collie" in the early 1900s and through selective breeding has evolved the Border Collie we see today. It is believed that the breed emerged from a mixed ancestry, including the Bob tailed sheep dog, the Bearded Collie and the Harlequin Collie. There is also some references that the collie was often crossed with the setter. This could account for the milder temperament of the Border Collie.

In 1893, Adam Telfer, a farmer living in Otterburn, mated a couple of his working collies, Roy and Meg and produced one called Old Hemp, which might be regarded as the foundation sire of the Border Collie breed. Hemp indeed was early recognised as the very quintessence of the working sheep dog and his services were in great demand. Not only did he sire some two hundred puppies before he died in 1901, but he seems to have been capable of transmitting his own pre-potency to his offspring with the result that Border Collie pedigrees are about as clearly defined as any in the livestock world.

The first recorded import of a Border Collie into Australia was Hindhope Jed in 1901 and research has led us to believe that they were first shown in 1907. They were first shown at the Sydney Royal in 1933 as "Any Other Variety". Later, they were shown in the non-sporting group and in 1953, a separate group was formed, comprising the Australian Cattle Dog, the Australian Kelpie and the Border Collie. This was called "The Australian Working Dog Group" and it was at this time that the RAS Kennel Control classed the Border Collie as an Australian Working Dog because it was one of the main working dogs in Australia and greatly relied on in our sheep and wool industry. This classification has carried through to the present day, although other breeds were added to these in 1961 and the group was then renamed the "Working Dog Group".

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.

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.

Characteristics:    Lively, loyal and agile

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.


Type of Owner Required:    -  Caring, active and patient  -  Willing to involve the dog in family activities  -  Willing and able to train the Border Collie  -  Willing to groom the dog once a week or use a professional groomer regularly.

Border Collies Need:

Daily exercise:- 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). Because of the particular texture of the Border Collie coat it very rarely tangles. This only happens when it is losing its coat and at this time it 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 its 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 from owner and others. The Border Collie needs to be a part of its family

Plenty of training, play and attention to prevent boredom.

Keep your dog free of worms, worm them 4 times a year (more often in young puppies). Heart worm is now prevalent in most areas and therefore, it is very necessary for dogs to be given preventative tablets.

Vaccinations:- ensure that your dog receives an annual booster injection for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo-virus and Kennel Cough.

A dry warm kennel to shelter from the rain, cold and summer sun AND AN ABUNDANT SUPPLY OF CLEAN FRESH WATER

Selecting a Puppy and General Information:

The most important decision to make is whether to select a male or a female Border Collie. This is entirely your choice. However, you will need to consider some of the following points first:-

Males are stronger and larger than females, they lightly shed coat usually once a year.

Females shed coat with a season (heat) approx every 6 - 8 months and a season lasts approximately 3 weeks. Desexing your pet is the most responsible action if your not a registered breeder. 

Once desexed there arent many differences between a male or female, they will both be a kind and loving pet.  Males can be trained not to mark on certain items etc and desexing also helps with this.

A puppy with good temperament should readily come to you. Check the temperament of both parents if possible, but remember the dam can be sometimes protective. Ensure the puppy has been vaccinated, wormed and has commenced heartworm treatment. Generally, Border Collies are easily trained. Some character variances can be attributed to different breed lines.

Markings should be the last thing to be considered for a pet. Even for show, markings should not be put above good conformation. Some breeders and judges like classical markings but this is not required in the Breed Standard. The standard only requires white not to predominate. Ideally, body patches are undesirable.

Socialising the puppies with people and other dogs is important and most breeders ensure this takes place. Socialising should be followed up by the new owner having visitors handle the puppy in your home. Do not take the puppy out on the streets unless it has had its 12 weeks vaccination and at least a week after this. Obedience training for the puppy from 3 months of age is recommended.

The Border Collie is an extremely active and intelligent dog, it needs to be included in family activities on a regular basis to prevent boredom and for socialisation.

Questions to Ask When Buying a Pup:
Has the puppy been immunised and regularly wormed and can we have the vaccination certificate?
Will you be giving me with the puppy a copy of his current diet and a suggested feeding program?
If we have any problems do you mind if we call for some advice?
Is the pup registered with the Royal NSW Canine Council?
Where is he used to sleeping and what training has he had?
What is the temperament of the pup’s parents? Can we see them?
Have the parents been DNA tested for hereditary diseases ?
How much does it cost to look after a Border Collie properly?

this information and more about Border Collies is available from the Border Collie Club of NSW www.bccnsw.com