Today we are looking into the pastoral group to give you information and facts about....

the border collie!

Border collies are a medium sized dog, still bred for their working ability. Their coat colours can come in black and white, red and white, black and grey, tricolour, yellow, yellow and white, all black and sable. This breed sheds an average amount and is double coated. Regular grooming will keep their coat glossy and healthy.

Border collies are highly intelligent and therefore require a lot of stimulation. They are capable of being trained to very high levels and work hard to please their owner. Plenty of exercise is vital for this breed to be happy and stimulated. Without enough exercise and training the border collie has been known to slip back into their instinctive herding ways and nip at people and animals.

Dominance is very common in the breed and owners should be consistent in being the distinct leaders in order to prevent their collie taking over.

The border collie is a demanding breed and this should be taken into consideration before adopting. This breed is suited to an owner who has alot of time for extensive walks and training. This breed will not cope well with minimal walks and being left alone a lot.

That being said, with the right owner border collies can be amazing pets, giving you unconditional love and fun. They are ideal sporting and obedience dogs and are used in many competitions all over the world.

Border collies are prone to hip dysplacia, epilepsy and deafness.

Their life expectancy 12- 15 years.

Did you know...

The border collie originated in Northumberland, the breed descended from a dog used by the vikings to herd reindeer.

When the border collie is at work herding, it is actually working the hunting pattern driven by instincts from its wolf ancestors, with the "kill" part suppressed.