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The Border Collie is widely regarded as the most intelligent dog breed in the world, developed on the border of England and Scotland to work sheep with an intense, silent, crouching style unlike any other herding dog. It is a medium-sized, athletic breed with a work drive that does not switch off. It suits active owners and families who can give it a real job, and it is a poor fit for sedentary households or anyone who wants a dog that is content to lie around.
Border Collies are brilliant, intensely focused, and eager to work, and they learn faster than almost any other breed. They bond deeply with their families and are typically good with older children, though their herding instinct can lead to nipping at heels or attempting to herd young kids and other pets. They can be reserved with strangers and sensitive to noise and motion. Without adequate exercise and mental engagement they develop obsessive behaviors, anxiety, or destructiveness.
The AKC standard calls for males 19 to 22 inches at the shoulder and females 18 to 21 inches, with weight typically 30 to 55 lbs. The build is lean and athletic. Coats come in rough (medium-length) and smooth (short) varieties.
The Border Collie has a weather-resistant double coat that sheds moderately year-round and heavily in spring and fall. Rough coats need brushing several times a week to prevent mats behind the ears and in the feathering; smooth coats need weekly brushing. Border Collies are not hypoallergenic.
Border Collies can inherit hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, collie eye anomaly, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism. Several breed-specific inherited conditions are DNA-testable, including trapped neutrophil syndrome, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, and imerslund-grasbeck syndrome. The MDR1 gene variant occurs at a lower rate than in Australian Shepherds but is present. Merle-to-merle breeding can produce double-merle puppies with vision and hearing defects. Recommended parent testing includes OFA hip clearances, eye clearances, and DNA screening for the breed-specific conditions and MDR1.
Border Collies need 90 or more minutes of vigorous daily exercise plus mental work: herding, agility, flyball, disc, or advanced obedience. A walk around the block does not meet this dog's needs. They do best in a house with a yard and an owner committed to daily activity. They are not apartment dogs. They should live indoors with the family.
Typical lifespan is 12 to 15 years. Exercise, mental stimulation, lean weight, and eye monitoring support a healthy life.
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