DESCRIPTION: The Border Collie is a medium sized bundle of energy. The body is slightly longer than the height at the withers. The skull is fairly wide with a distinct stop. The muzzle tapers to the black nose. The ears are usually half-pricked. The eyes are generally dark brown, except in merles where one or more eye may be blue. The tail reaches at least to the hock and is sometimes raised when the dog is excited, but never carried over the back. The sleek short-haired or coarse medium-length coat comes in black and white, tri-color, red and white, black and gray, and all black. White should never be the main color. It is said that a Border with mostly white does not work well with herding as the sheep or cattle do not respond to the dog if white is the main color. The long haired variety should have a mane and tail brush. The hair on the face, ears and front legs is always short and sleek. Since Border Collies are bred for working ability and intelligence rather than physical beauty, conformation varies widely.

PERSONALITY: Border Collies are very smart and responsive, sensitive and trainable, and highly energetic with great stamina. The adolescent Border Collie often goes through a phase where he will challenge his master's authority. Many are highly reactive and sound sensitive, so they do not do well with small children, and because of its herding instincts, the Border Collie may be snappy with children and strangers. A Border Collie's dominance level is variable. They should be very well socialized as puppies to prevent shyness. To be truly happy, the Border Collie needs a lot of ongoing attention, extensive daily exercise, and a job to do. They can become destructive if bored or ignored and are known as advanced escape artists, but they do very well in obedience and agility training.

POSSIBLE MEDICAL PROBLEMS: Prone to hip dysplasia, PRA and an eye disease common in collies called Collie Eye Anomaly. Buy only from OFA and CERF certified stock. Also may be prone to epilepsy and deafness, and many Borders acquire allergic fleabite dermatitis.

• SIZE: Medium
• WEIGHT: Males; 40-50 lbs., Females; 30-40 lbs.

• CHILDREN: Best with older, considerate children.
• TRAIN-ABILITY: Very easy.
• DOMINANCE: High.
• FRIENDLINESS: Moderately protective.
• INDEPENDENCE: Moderately dependent on people.
• OTHER PETS: May be aggressive with dogs of the same sex; do not trust with non-canine pets.
• COMBATIVENESS: Tends to be fairly dog aggressive.
• NOISE: Likes to bark.

• EXERCISE: Vigorous daily exercise needed.
• INDOORS: Very active indoors.
• OUTDOORS: Best with acreage.
• JOGGING/WALKING: Excellent companion.
• APARTMENTS: Not recommended.
• CLIMATE: Does well in most climates.
• OWNER: Not recommended for novice owners.
• LONGEVITY: Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).
• TALENTS: Excels in herding, agility and competition obedience. Also proficient in therapy work, narcotics detection, search and rescue, and can be a "clown" performing tricks.

The New England Border Collie Rescue needs your help. They are volunteers who work together in the New England states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, and in Eastern New York State and Northern New Jersey to find homes for stray, abandoned or unwanted Border Collies. Please Visit The NEBCR Today!