Border Collies

The Border Collie is a breed of herding dog that originated from the borders of England, Wales and Scotland. They are widely regarded as the most intelligent dog breed in the world. Border Collies are highly energetic. They are still frequently used on farms all over the world for assisting with the handling of livestock. They have also become popular as pet and sport dogs. These dogs can be protective of a human family member and are, most of the time, affectionate to those they know. They are not a dominant dog and tend to try to avoid fights. Border Collies are easily trained but need a lot of exercise, otherwise they can have a tendency to start bad habits.

Origins

 The Border Collie is descended from droving and gathering breeds originating on the Scottish, Welsh and English borders, including the Cumberland Sheepdog. Mention of the "Collie" or "Colley" type first appeared toward the end of the nineteenth century, with every current Border Collie tracing back to a dog known as Old Hemp. Old Hemp, a tri-color dog, was born September 1893 and died May 1901. He was bred by Adam Telfer from Roy, a black and tan dog, and Meg, a black-coated, strong-eyed bitch. Hemp was a quiet, powerful dog that sheep responded to easily. Many shepherds used him for stud and Hemp's working style became the Border Collie style.

These dogs were traditionally known simply as "collies," but terms like working collie, old-fashioned collie, and farm collie have also been applied to them. It was in 1915 that James Reid, Secretary of the International Sheep Dog Society in the United Kingdom, first used the term "Border Collie" to distinguish those dogs registered by the ISDS from the Kennel Club's "Collie," which originally came from the same working stock but had developed a different, standardized appearance following its introduction to the show ring in 1860.

 Appearance

In general, Border Collies are medium-sized dogs without extreme physical characteristics and a moderate amount of coat. Their double coat can be anywhere from slick to lush, and can come in many colors, although black and white an red and white are most common. Black tricolor (black/tan/white), and red tricolor (red/tan/white) also occur.Rarely all white coats will be seen. 

Eye color varies from deep brown to amber or blue with occasionally one eye of each color, usually seen with merles. The ears of the Border Collie are also highly variable ,some have fully erect ears, some fully dropped ears, and others semi-erect ears. Although working Border Collie handlers sometimes have false superstitions about the appearance of their dogs (handlers avoid mostly white dogs due to the fact that sheep are also white and are less frightened, this supposedly makes the sheep less obedient to the dog.)From personal experience that is a total false hood. In general a dog's appearance is considered to be irrelevant. It is considered much more useful to identify a working Border Collie by its attitude and ability than by its looks.

Temperament

 Border Collies are an intelligent, breed with an instinctive desire to work closely and intensely with a human handler. They are very well behaved and can be very excitable dogs. Although the primary role of the Border Collie is that of the working stock dog, dogs of this breed are becoming increasingly popular as pets. True to their working heritage, Border Collies make very demanding, energetic pets that are better off in households that can provide them with plenty of exercise and ample play with humans or other dogs. Border collies are happiest usually when they have a job to do.

Livestock work

Working border collies can take direction by voice and whistle at long distances when herding. Their great energy and herding instinct are used to herd all kinds of animals, Mainly the traditional sheep and cattle.

The use of dogs for herding sheep makes good economic sense. In a typical pasture environment each trained sheepdog will do the work that it would take about three human individuals to do if there were no dogs available. In vast arid areas like the Australian Outback, the number increases to five or more. Attempts to replace them with mechanical approaches to herding have only achieved a limited amount of success. In general stock handlers find dogs more reliable and more economical. 

Shepherds in the UK have taken the most critical elements of herding and incorporated them into the Sheepdog trail. The first recorded sheepdog trials were held in Bala, North Wales, in 1873. These competitions enable farmers and shepherds to evaluate possible mates for their working dogs, but they have developed a sport aspect as well,

Dog sports

Border Collies excel at several dog sports in addition to their success in herding trials. They dominate the higher jump heights at dog agility competitions.

The Border Collie's speed, agility, and stamina have allowed them to dominate in up-and-coming dog activities like flyball and Disc competitions.