Some Border Collies have a coarse coat about three inches long, while others have a sleek coat about one inch long. A variety of colours are seen including black and white, red and white, black and grey, all black and tri-colour. The longer-haired Border Collie usually has a lush mane and tail.

Border Collie dog grooming

• Professional Grooming: The Border Collie should be groomed professionally every 8 to 12 weeks depending on the volume of shedding, meaning visits should be more frequent around Spring and Autumn when the biggest coat change happens. Alongside this, the Collie should be bathed monthly to maintain a healthy skin and coat. We recommend Dotty Dogs Grooming Salon in Hexham, and Mel would be more than happy to have a chat with you about your collies dog grooming needs!
• Maintenance: Brushing once a week along with a monthly bath is recommended.
• Brushing: Brushing weekly is recommended to minimise shedding at home, you should always use products and tools that won’t damage the coat or skin of your Border Collie.

Personality:

Border Collies are active, working dogs best suited to country living. If confined without activity and company, these dogs can become unhappy and destructive. The breed is highly intelligent, learns quickly and responds well to praise.

Because of their herding instincts, they are protective of their family and territory and make excellent watchdogs. They will look out for the family kids. Although they get along well with children and other pets they are raised with, they can be reserved and sometimes snappish with strangers, nipping at the heels the same way they would nip at sheep if herding.

Living With:

Border Collies are extremely energetic dogs and must have the opportunity to get lots of exercise. They love to run. They also need ample attention from their owners and a job to do, whether that be herding livestock or fetching a ball.

They should be socialised well from the time they are young to prevent shyness around strangers, and they should have obedience training, which can help deter nipping behaviour and a tendency to run off or chase cars.

Border Collies are considered average shedders. Brushing at least weekly is needed to keep the coat nice. This breed lives about 10 to 14 years.

History:

Border Collies are herders and were bred to work sheep, but they can manage just about any type of herd and will even herd children in the family.

The breed originated in the lowland and border counties of England and Scotland and may date back to the 1700s. The ancestors of the Border Collie are thought to be other types of Collies, such as the Bearded Collie and Scotch Collie, and some breed historians believe Spaniel might be in the mix somewhere.

During the 19th century, Border Collies became popular among English gentry. Today, they are still used for working livestock and are family pets. Because they train easily, Border Collies are also used for police work, narcotics and bomb detection and for search and rescue missions. They also make good guide dogs for the blind. Borders have recently entered AKC show rings amid controversy and protests from fanciers who worry breeding for appearance may compromise working ability.

Orchard House Veterinary Centres

We all species and breeds here at Orchard House Veterinary Centres, but the Border Collie has a special place in the heart of our director, Tim. As many of you will know, Tim has been the owner of many collies over the years, and currently has two .. Drum and Cambo!

Learn all about us here, and book an appointment with your collie today!