Breed History

The Border Collie as a breed was originated in Northumberland, a place on the very border of England and Scotland. The breed is developed for the purpose of herding livestock, especially sheep. The name “Border Collie” came from the simple fact the breed had been developed in a place on the Anglo-Scottish border.

All Border Collies today are known to be descents of the Old Hemp, a tri-color dog that was bred by Adam Telfer. Old Hemp was a smart, quiet dog used by many shepherds as he was well known as the best herding dog around.

The first time the term “Border Collie” was used was in 1915 by the Secretary of the International Sheep Dog Society James Reid, naming the breed in order to register them as a separate breed along with other Collie breeds already registered. Although the breed didn’t have its present name up till then, Border Collies had worked with and helped many shepherds around the border area of England and Scotland for hundreds of years and with great success, well known for their herding qualities and intelligence.

The Border Collie didn’t become popular until the very end of the 19th century, when they were presented at the first official sheep dog trial placed in Bala, Wales, when Old Hemp won the trial first time in 1984 and continued with his winning prestigious competitions, so we basically have this amazing dog to thank for all the popularity and fame the Border Collie has today.

The Border Collie is known to be the best herding dog breed. They are extremely intelligent, athletic, and energetic and there is no comparing the Border Collie to any other breed when it comes to obedience. The Border Collie is often referred as the most intelligent of all breeds.

In the absence of adequate physical and mental stimulation, Border Collies quickly become bored and destructive. They can be obsessive, and their obsessions take many forms. They are famous for attacking moving objects, including lawnmowers, weed-whackers, and vacuum cleaners. Rakes, brooms, and snow shovels are equally stimulating to them. Others have been known to attack wheelbarrow tires, puncturing them with a single bite. Most Border Collies are passionate about tennis balls and toys.
These intelligent, complex creatures are also known to develop compulsive behaviours. Some become mesmerized by reflective surfaces, such as mirrors, glass, or the stainless steel on refrigerators and dishwashers. Others go berserk at the sight of a fly. Some snap at the rain. Others spin in endless circles and almost all of them have a propensity to herd small children by biting and nipping at their ankles.
 

A Border Collie will always win your heart, but prospective owners must carefully consider their own lifestyle before committing to a 12- to 15-year relationship. While these dogs are a wellspring of affection and comfort, there are important physical and mental requirements associated with owning one. Border Collies like to be busy!

Border Collies are a good choice for farmers, ranchers, country dwellers, and marathon runners who understand the importance of including their four-legged friend in their day-to-day activity, whether that be herding, farm chores, jogging, hiking, swimming, or riding shotgun in the family car. 

( This information was copied from the American Kennel Club website) 

If you don’t have a farm, you’ll need to provide your new Border Collie with something to do. They do not need sheep to be happy. You and your family will become their “herd”, and you’ll be amazed to see how his natural instinct turns on!  Keeping them busy with toys, activities and attention are important. Ours enjoy being with the family and are quiet in the house. They like to go hiking, swimming , boating, running along as we ride our horses, playing with the kids and especially the garden hose, and going in our side by side adventures! 

When looking into border collies, you should ensure their parents have been properly screened. This reduces your puppy’s chances of inheriting conditions that can shorten their life. 

Border collies are generally healthy dogs and very hardy since they spend a lot of time working. Certain genetic conditions can occur. Routine evaluations will keep you updated on any treatment your pet may need. 

Hip dysplasia. This hereditary condition causes arthritis in your dog’s legs because their joints fit together correctly. 

Collie eye anomaly. This is a border collie-specific condition that causes an abnormality in the back of their eye. This condition can be tested Epilepsy. Border collies are prone to epilepsy, inducing seizures earlier in life. There is no cure, but there are medications that can help manage the symptoms.  

Periodic blood testing will monitor how well your dog is doing on medication and if it’s working for them. Seizures typically start between six months and three years of age.

Imerslun-Gräsbeck Syndrome. This inherited blood disorder can cause problems for your border collie. 

Multi-drug resistance. This is common in medium-sized herding dogs. It’s a condition that causes your dog to be sensitive to certain common medications. Genetic screening is available for this condition. 

Bone disorder. When border collie puppies grow too fast, the cartilage in their joints doesn’t attach right. This condition is called osteochondritis dissecans. Surgery may be required to fix the issue. If your puppy grows faster than four pounds per week, they could be at risk.

Water Toxicity 

CAN A DOG DRINK TOO MUCH WATER?

It's unusual, but the answer is yes. Also known as hyponatremia, water intoxication in dogs occurs when the animal ingests a lot of water in a short period of time, often while playing catch in water or swimming. This can dilute important electrolytes in the bloodstream, particularly sodium, which regulates the amount of water in and around the body's cells.

When sodium is in short supply, the cells will swell. This swelling can lead to brain damage, heart failure, and sadly, death.

Always supervise your dog when he's playing in the water.

Limit your dog's time in the water by taking a break every 10 to 15 minutes.

• Encourage frequent potty breaks.

Don't use diving toys that sink.

Instead of round objects like tennis balls, play fetch with a flatter toy that allows his mouth to close more tightly around it.

Don't let your dog drink from a high-pressure hose.

Don't skip wellness visits. Healthy kidneys help your dog's body process fluids more efficiently, and your pet's annual blood work will alert us to any kidney deficiencies.