Border Collie Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Border Collie is a highly intelligent, hard-working dog that responds quickly and eagerly to training. He thrives on games and is willing to please. The Border Collie is even tempered, but he needs constant physical and mental activity for a well balanced dog. Excels in obedience competitions. He is very agile, and has a well proportioned body of lean muscle. Some say he is unsurpassed as a sheepdog in terms of patience, agility and stamina. He is well suited as a household pet, especially in homes with energetic children.

Care and Training: Daily brushing to remove dead hairs. Bathe when necessary. Check ears and coat regularly for ticks. Trim toe nails regularly. Extensive exercise and mental stimulation. Health Issues: Progressive retinal atrophy, ceriod lipofuscinosis, joint problems.

Country of Origin: Great Britain

History:He was named for the Border counties of England and Scotland. Bred for stamina and brains, the Border Collie has the natural instinct to herd. One of the supreme sheepdogs of the world, the agile Border Collie has no peer as a working dog. He can run more than 80 km in a day, doing the work of several men. The herding ability of the Border Collie is legendary. Once you have seen this beautiful breed working sheep, you will never forget the intelligence, eye, and motivation of this exceptional breed. Acknowledged star of the sheepdog trials, and a brilliant performer in the obedience ring, the Border Collie is never happier than when he is working. Unfortunately, because of this great herding instinct, they also tend to want to herd cars and children. A well fenced yard is very important to keep your Border Collie safe. Living with such a dog, without a doubt, can be a very challenging and rewarding experience.

Natural Rearing

OUR dogs at "SEQUOYAH" are now reared naturally on a Natural Diet of RAW food for "Optimum Health". This mainly consists of RAW MEATY BONES and raw meat, plus raw, pulped (in season) vegetables and fruit. The only additives they receive are Flax Seed Oil or Fish Oil, Natural Seaweed (kelp), Vitamins C, & E, raw egg yolks and natural yoghurt. We have found our dogs to be happier and healthier, and the diet we follow is primarily that recommended by Australian vet,Dr. Ian Billinghurst, in his book, "Give Your Dog A Bone", but with the exclusion of all grains & cereals. This would be one of the best dog books I have ever read, giving precise and easy to understand information, packed with common sense!

We believe in health screening to protect this beautiful breed. Any dogs we use for breeding are screened for eyes and hips.

While a well trained and socialized Border Collie makes a superb companion, this does not happen by accident. Many Border Collies tend to be uncertain and a little spookie. They need to be reassured that the world at large is a fine place. Although a certain amount of firmness may be necessary, harsh treatment on your part might tend to create a shy and fearful dog. If possible, you should attend puppy classes. Puppy classes provide a head start on the training process. This is an easy and pleasurable way to socialize your puppy and to expose him to new things in a safe setting. Boredom is the source of many behavioural problems. A Border Collie that is confined alone for long periods of time tends to develop compulsive behaviours, such as chewing or digging.

The Main health problems that currently affect Border Collies are Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), Hip Dysplasia (HD) and a small percentage of Border Collies are known to be carriers of Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (CL) - (Storage Disease) which is an inherited lethal condition for which there is not yet a health screening test. Currently studies are being carried out in Australia where much more information can be obtained, check the hyper link to CL on the links page.
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Another condition affecting some Border Collies, is epilepsy (there is not enough known about epilepsy or its causes as yet and there is no health screening available to date). This condition is more common in English and American lines. Thankfully it is not a big problem in the Australian and New Zealand line, in fact it is extremely rare.

Another condition causing some concern is OCD. This condition however, is thought of by many vets, and in particular those who have studied bone growth disorders in young dogs and promote natural rearing, believe that OCD can be largely prevented by good management and careful nutrition.