Border Collies are energetic, medium-sized dogs well-known for their excellence in herding sheep and other livestock. The modern Border Collie breed is about 100 years old, and was developed on the border between England and Scotland. The Border Collie’s ability to work in the rough terrain and without the direction of humans made them invaluable assistants to many shepherds, and these dogs are still commonly used on farms and ranches.http://www.akc.org/breeds/border_collie/

The intensity, speed, and agility with which the Border Collie works is unmatched by other breeds. These dogs seem to have an innate sense of reasoning, and have a unique method of gathering the stock in wide, sweeping runs and controlling them with a fixed, head-down gaze that is known as the “eye.”http://www.akc.org/breeds/border_collie/

Characteristically, Border Collies require a great deal of exercise and mental stimulation, and a daily walk or romp won’t suffice. These are working dogs that aren’t suited to be mere family companions, but need a “job” to do. Border Collies who aren’t employed as working dogs can get the mental and physical exercise they need by participating in agility competitions, herding trials and other active dog sports, at which they usually excel.http://www.petplace.com/dogs/choosing-a-border-collie/page1.aspx

The Border collie will never be content to be a mere companion to humans; he wants to work, and work hard! These dogs have enormous stamina and endurance and must have a job to do to keep them out of trouble. Border Collies who don't get the daily and extensive physical exercise and mental stimulation they need can be quite destructive.http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bordercollie.htm

Dominance levels vary quite a bit in this breed, even among puppies from the same litter. Dominant dogs need firm leadership to keep them under control, and early socialization and training is especially important with Border Collie puppies who lean toward dominance.http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bordercollie.htm

Some Border collie lines are genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and deafness.http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bordercollie.htmBuy your Border collie from a reputable dog breeder who has his parent stock screened for inheritable genetic conditions before producing puppies.

This breed also tends to be allergic to fleas. Good flea control is important to keep sensitive Border collies from excessive scratching which can lead to secondary bacterial skin infections.http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bordercollie.htm