Border Collie Facts

Created to herd sheep, the Border Collie is a dog that’s not just agile but incredibly smart. And here are some of the most interesting Border Collie facts that help set this amazing breed apart.

A Distinguishing Name

The Border Collie gets its name from the fact that it was developed on the border of England and Scotland. In the past, the breed was simply just known as the Collie. However, with the rise in popularity of the Rough Collie, it needed a name that would help distinguish it as a unique breed.

Before the name Border Collie was officially recognized it was known by various names such as the English Collie, Welsh Collie, Scotch Collie, and also the Farm Collie.

Border Collie Facts

 

 

Range Of Colors

The traditional and most common Border Collie coat color is black with a white collar, tail tip, and stockings. But there are many other acceptable coat colors as well. That is, except for solid white. Merle, tri-color, solid black, red and white, tan and white, and gray and black are just some examples.

Border Collie Facts

 

 

Built For Mileage

When working to herd sheep this breed can sometimes run forty to fifty miles in a single day. In fact, the official Border Collie standard was written so that dogs must have a rib cage and chest that allows for both heart and lung capacity that can perform to such a capacity.

Border Collie Facts

 

 

A Low-Set Tail Matters

There’s a reason that the breed has a tail that’s low-set. And that’s because it helps the dog to balance itself as it stops, starts, and turns on a dime to keep the sheep in line.

Border Collie Facts

 

 

A Guiding Light

Many shepherds prefer a Collie with a white-tipped tail. The white tip is often referred to as a “shepherd’s lantern,” as it can help to guide the way home in the evening since it stands out well against the dark night sky.

Border Collie Facts

 

 

Running Hot

Border Collies are such diligent workers that they can put the job before themselves. In fact, particular care must be taken when the dog is working in strong sun or in hot weather, as they may work until they develop heatstroke.

Border Collie Facts

 

 

High I.Q.

The Border is considered to be one of the world’s smartest dog breeds. Helping to prove their intelligence is Chaser the Border Collie. This spectacular pooch has proven to understand the English names for more than one thousand individual objects.

Border Collie Facts

 

 

Two Coat Types

There are actually two different coat types that are acceptable for the breed. The smooth coat is smooth in texture and short in length. The rough coat can range from flat to wavy in texture and is medium to long in length. However, it is still short and smooth on the face. Both types have an undercoat.

Border Collie Facts

 

 

Related To Old Hemp

Unlike other dog breeds, most Borders today can claim a single common ancestor. The Border Collie Old Hemp, bred by Adam Telfer, was born in Northumberland England in 1893. Old Hemp had exceptional herding abilities and was therefore used to sire a few hundred puppies.

Border Collie Facts

 

 

The Border Collie Stare

This breed is well-known for its intense stare, also known as the “collie eye.” The dog will use its stare to turn obstinate sheep when herding. It can also use the famous Border Collie stare to in effect hypnotize a single sheep so that it will stay still allowing the shepherd to catch it.

Border Collie Facts

 

 

When The Job’s Done

An effective herding Border Collie needs to be able to respond to a variety of commands from the shepherd. And of course one of the most important is the command used to let the dog know that the job is done. Typically the phrase that is used for this the most is simply, “that’ll do.”

Border Collie Facts

 

 

Convict Companions

In the late 1700s, the British government began sending convicts to penal colonies overseas in Australia. One of the little-known Border Collie Facts is that there were actually Borders on the first convict ships as well.

Sheep were sent on the boats to provide food and wool once they reached Australia. However, these sheep in turn needed the Collies both for protection and so that they didn’t get lost in this new and overwhelmingly large land.

 

Start Shopping for Dog Supplies!

 

Dogs With Webbed Feet

Dogs With Webbed Feet

Dogs with webbed feet have extra skin in-between their toes. These breeds were purposely bred to have this webbing in order to help them perform various jobs, (often in and around the water). The increased surface area that the webbing provides can help them to do...

Hairless Dog Breeds

Hairless Dog Breeds

Usually, when we think of dogs, we think of furry creatures on four legs. But did you know that there are hairless canines as well? These unique dogs are a favorite among owners who need a hypoallergenic pet, or those who don’t want to deal with fleas or shedding....

Dogs With Short Legs

Dogs With Short Legs

Dogs with short legs are often robust and adorable at the same time. While these canines were usually bred for hunting or working, they often make charming family pets, as well. With that being said, let's take a look at some of the most popular short-legged dog...

Retriever Breeds

Retriever Breeds

Retrievers were specially created to retrieve game such as fowl and other animals while hunting, and they are revered for their obedience and trainability. So how many retriever breeds are there? Altogether, there are six official retriever breeds, and in this...

Giant Dog Breeds

Giant Dog Breeds

Dogs can come in a bunch of different sizes, and a few breeds can be as big as humans, or even bigger! Giant dogs require an experienced and responsible owner, and they can be costly to care for, however they are extremely rewarding to keep as pets. That being said,...

Dog Breeds With Beards

Dog Breeds With Beards

One surprising yet adorable feature in some dog breeds is an adorable fluffy beard. This is a popular breed trait that adds a whole lot of personality to a dog. So here are the top dog breeds with beards, and what you'll want to know about each of them! Brussels...

Dogs With Dreadlocks

Dogs With Dreadlocks

Dogs can come with all sorts of different hairstyles, but did you know that they can come with dreadlocks, too? If you want a dog that looks totally unique from all the other canines out there, then a dog with dreadlocks just might be the pooch for you. With that...

Danish Dog Breeds

Danish Dog Breeds

The Kingdom of Denmark is a Northern European country. It is made up of the peninsula of Jutland along with more than 400 islands. This Scandinavian nation is also home to a handful of its very own dog breeds, which to most people’s surprise doesn’t include the Great...

Czech Dog Breeds

Czech Dog Breeds

The Czech Republic is a country in Central Europe. It has an interesting history and has been an independent state since Czechoslovakia dissolved in 1993 and split into two separate countries: the Czech Republic and Slovakia. And it has created some amazing canines....

Polish Dog Breeds

Polish Dog Breeds

Located in Central Europe, the Republic of Poland is a country of stunning beauty with a range of natural habitats. And it’s also home to several remarkable breeds of dogs that were developed for specific jobs. So here are the Polish dog breeds and what you’ll want to...

Dogs That Look Like Cows

Dogs That Look Like Cows

Real cows belong on the farm and don’t make great pets, however dogs that look like cows do! Luckily for cow fans there are quite a few breeds ranging in size from tiny to extra-large, that have a cow-like appearance. So here are the top cow-looking dogs and what...

Dogs That Look Like Horses

Dogs That Look Like Horses

Horses are gallant creatures with long flowing tails and manes. And while these aren’t traits most people think of when it comes to canines, amazingly there are a handful of dogs that look like horses. So here are the top horse-looking dogs and what you’ll want to...

Romanian Dog Breeds

Romanian Dog Breeds

Nestled in Southeastern Europe, Romania is a country with a diverse range of wildlife, and that includes predators. To safeguard livestock in this rugged terrain, four distinct Romanian dog breeds were developed. Dive into the unique characteristics and histories of...

Dogs That Look Like Deer

Dogs That Look Like Deer

Deer are beautiful and graceful creatures that use their speed to evade predators. And it’s no coincidence that most of the dogs that look like deer are fast on their feet as well. Their similar looks are the result of function, and that function is speed. Here are...

Thai Dog Breeds

Thai Dog Breeds

Like many other countries around the world, the Southeast Asian country of Thailand can be credited with developing its own very own dog breeds. And while there are only two, both are incredibly unique with a look and temperament all their own. So here are both of the...

Maltese Dog Breeds

Maltese Dog Breeds

Even some of the smallest countries in the world have created their very own dog breeds. And the Republic of Malta is no exception. This Southern European island nation located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea has developed two unique breeds to call its very...

Dogs That Look Like A Rug

Dogs That Look Like A Rug

Different dog breeds can have wildly different coat types. And with so many breeds out there, a few even have coats that make them look quite rug-like in appearance. Here are nine dogs that look like a rug including what you’ll want to know about each of these...

Dogs That Look Like A Lamb

Dogs That Look Like A Lamb

Dogs are unique to other animals because they come in an endless combination of shapes, sizes, and colors. It's no wonder these beloved pets have made their way into our hearts! No matter what kind of dog you prefer, you're sure to find at least one breed that fits...

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This