Border Collie
Medium
Great Britain
The Border Collie originated in the border country between Scotland and England where the shepherds' breeding selection was based on biddable stock sense and the ability to work long days on rugged terrain. As a result of this selective breeding, the Border Collie developed the unique working style of gathering and fetching the stock with wide sweeping outruns. The stock is then controlled with an intense gaze known as "eye", coupled with a stalking style of movement. This selective breeding over hundreds of years developed the Border Collie's intensity, energy and trainability which are features so important that they are equal to physical size and appearance. The Border Collie has extraordinary instinct and an uncanny ability to reason. One of its greatest assets is the ability to work out of sight of its master without commands. Breeding based on this working ability has made this breed the world's premier sheep herding dog, a job the Border Collie is still used for worldwide.
The Border Collie is highly trainable, excelling at obedience and agility work. He is an intensive worker while herding, is eager to learn and to please, and thrives on human companionship. He is generally not recommended for children as he may snap and bite if teased and may try to herd them. He is active, alert, affectionate, and intelligent. He also requires lots of exercise and a fenced yard as he wants to herd everything and everybody. He will instinctively chase cars, bikes, and joggers if allowed to run loose. He has a stubborn mind-set, may become fixed on a certain game or toy; will not come on command. The best owner for this breed is a firm, patient leader who has time to work and train the dog.
