Life expectancy

15 years

Age adult

18 months

Height (Shoulder height)

52 cm

Weight

17 kg

Coat texture

two variants: half long coat, which forms crest, trouser like and feathered or stock hair. Both variants are have feathered ears and legs, from the hock to the ground it is short and smooth. The undercoat is soft and dense.

Coat color

many colour combinations, white never predominant

Common illnesses

dysplasia of the hip joint / MDR1 gene mutation / merle factor (deaf, blind, malformation) / idiopathic epilepsy / deafness / primary lens luxation / progressive retina atrophy / diabetes mellitus / neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis / Collie eye anomaly / Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome / Myotonia Congenita / Raine syndrome (dental hypomineralization) / trapped neutrophil syndrome / osteochondritis / Grey Collie syndrome

Food expenses per month in €

about € 44

Suitable for children

Rather not

Needs a garden

Rather yes

Hunting motivated / needs alternative employment

Rather not

First dog suitable

Rather not

Allergy friendly

Rather not

Athletic

Attention

Care and grooming

Eager to learn

Exercise

Nature

sporting / vivacious / alert / active / athletic / intelligent / protective / attentive / likes to work / insistent

Bred for

drive and shepherd sheep, geese, ducks, pigs, cattle

Common illnesses

dysplasia of the hip joint / MDR1 gene mutation / merle factor (deaf, blind, malformation) / idiopathic epilepsy / deafness / primary lens luxation / progressive retina atrophy / diabetes mellitus / neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis / Collie eye anomaly / Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome / Myotonia Congenita / Raine syndrome (dental hypomineralization) / trapped neutrophil syndrome / osteochondritis / Grey Collie syndrome

Dog type according to FCI

sheepdogs and cattledogs (exept swiss cattledogs)

FCI description

Shepherd dogs have the task to defend their herd from bear and wolf attacks. They are usually suspicious of strangers. Especially at dusk, when people go to rest, their instincts of defense and guarding become active. They are often insecure outside their territory. These animals need a task as working dogs. Shepherd dogs are not dependent on humans, because they must react independently and quickly to danger.

Cattledogs drive the cattle of the traders with a lot of barking, sometimes over long distances, to the market. They protect it from thieves and make sure that none escapes. These powerful, robust dogs have great assertiveness, because in certain situations they have to decide for themselves what to do.

Shepherd dogs emerged as agriculture grew and wolves were largely extinct. No longer protecting the independent, but keeping and driving the herd animals together without much barking became their tasks. They work together with the shepherd, have to react to his instructions as quick as lightning, but are also able to make their own decisions. They are fast, intelligent, agile, persevering and want to work.

Undemanded dogs in this group tend to have behavioural problems. Their instinct to keep the herd together is innate. For example, it happens that fast-moving children are tweaked into change. They need a clear, loving education, a task or a substitute task and are to be inspired for sporty activities.

Also, these animals must learn to come to rest. The active part is no problem for them, but if they are overstrained and do not come to rest, this can also lead to behavior problems.

Short description

The Border Collie is a workaholic and needs species-appropriate, firm training and activities. Only Agility and long walks are not sufficient. He needs mental exercises and is often used as a disaster dog, scent dog, herding dog or supports the mountain rescue. His will to work cannot be satisfied. Although he likes children, owners must keep in mind that he can pinch in order to keep his flock together. He is not suitable to be kept in cities and can turn into a problem dog when he lacks sufficiant activities. The most common color combination is black and white. There are two coat variants: wire-haired and moderate long-haired. Grooming is necessary especially during change of coat.