Hello pet lovers, it’s been a while since our last pet blog. Today we are looking at all the wonderful things about the Border Collie dog, a dog renowned for its exceptional intellect among domestic canines. Hailing from the borders of Scotland, Border Collies are known to possess great shepherding skills and have served in the region for many years. Their ability to observe and display strength when needed have been great assets to sheepherders. We love the Border Collie and their big intellect cannot go missed, let’s take a closer look at this wonderful pooch!
Border Collie dogs are medium-sized dogs, while not the biggest in the canine world, they certainly maintain a sturdy frame that is able to move with great agility. Depending on age and gender, height and weight can vary, the heavier side can reach up to 20kg (42lbs). Their coats vary between both smooth and rough double coats with a signature black and white patterning although various color combinations are possible.
The average lifespan of the general dog population is around 13 years, Border Collies tend to have a range between 10-15 years with some dogs reaching around 17 years in age, an ancient time in canine years. Mortality rates see around 23% attributed to cancer and around 17% due to diseases related to old age. Border Collies live active lifestyles and are great working dogs that benefit from daily activity and nutritious diets.
Intellectual prowess is a highlight of the Border Collie and it’s important to understand just how intelligent this precious pup really is.
Border Collie dogs possess outstanding learning capability as an inherited trait. Cognitive ability in dogs can vary between breeds and the Border Collie is known to excel in this area, rapidly learning new routines and behaviors when trained. Repetition and reward is important for training dogs, Border Collies tend to need only a handful of tries before they are able to understand and remember desired instructions. Dog training is not an easy process and most owners will need to breakdown complex tasks and routines, Border Collies on the other hand will be able to pick up on instruction with relative ease. Simple training techniques suffice in teaching this dog various tasks, the most important aspect of training is establishing an initial bond of trust and communication between dog and owner.
Dogs have a habit of biting things, as intelligent learners, teaching a Border Collie what it can and cannot bite is relatively easy. Consistent prompting to avoid biting certain objects will eventually remain as part of the dog’s behavior.
Acting as the caretaker of the area, Border Collies are always alert and aware of their surroundings. Signs of danger do not often go unmissed by their senses and they will be quick to alert you swiftly, urgent communication should not be ignored. Border Collies are proud and carry themselves with strength in the presence of other people and dogs.
Aside from observing their surroundings, Border Collie dogs will carefully take notice of your expressions and body language. Emotions are a strong part of communication and your Border Collie dog will respond accordingly. First encounters will also be influenced by a person’s emotions that are conveyed through their body language, eyes and general tone. Feelings of happiness will be approached with enthusiasm and other emotions will also influence reactions from your dog.
Living, working and building a relationship with a Border Collie is a great path in life. For dog lovers wanting to raise this type of dog dogs, it’s best to think carefully around the basic needs of this breed. As intelligent canines, both mental and physical stimulus is important on a daily basis. Greater attention and time commitments are needed to nurture this dog along with equal consideration to emotional response. If your lifestyle does not involve herding or other tasks where your dog may be involved, finding an energy outlet is very important.
Physical exercise is very important for the development and general wellbeing of this strong and energetic dog. Exercise sessions can be between 2-3 hours with breaks in between. Environment and lifestyle choices are very important to consider and daily walks, exercise and general outdoor activities may be difficult to carry out in the city. We love the Border Collie and its beautiful fur coat is fabulous, however, it’s important to note that the long and thick coat also sheds on a regular basis. Grooming and cleaning hair around the home is very important and for some who possess allergies, careful attention needs to be given before moving ahead with raising a Border Collie. Woof! 🧡
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