Breed All About It !
Spotlight on : The border collie
Description : Border Collies come in a variety of colors and color combinations , including white , black , blue , blue merle , brindle , lilac , red merle , chocolate , liver , sable , sable merle , gold , and red . Their coats range from short and smooth to long and wavy . Their intelligent expression is a breed hallmark .
Temperament : One of the smartest of all breeds , Border Collies are specifically bred for intelligence and obedience . They have extraordinary instinct , and an uncanny ability to reason . This breed ' s superior intellect , though , also makes them a challenge to live with . Owners need to commit the time , energy , and means to keep their dog occupied . Their enthusiasm and loyalty to their owners make them a great family dog . Their ample stamina , combined with their trainability and willingness to please , make them excellent candidates for agility . You must remain vigilant if you own a Border Collie , however , as their high intelligence means they learn very quickly - that includes learning how to do anything they set their minds to . They can be master escape artists who can virtually pick the lock on your gate , or find other creative ways to get free . This breed ' s intensity and zeal and workaholic nature can unfortunately make them unsuitable for many homes , as some people just cannot keep up . Be sure you are willing to resolve staying one step ahead of these challenging beauties if you are planning to adopt one . They are not intended to be just a " housedog ," and trying to suppress their inherent behavior , without providing alternate outlets for their high-spirited energy , is simply not fair to them .
Average Height / Weight : Border Collies measure about 18 - 22 inches at the shoulder in height , and weigh approximately 30 - 45 pounds .
Health Issues : This breed can be prone to hip dysplasia , seizures , hypothyroidism , progressive retinal atrophy , lens luxation , Collie eye anomaly , and occasionally , compulsive behavior .
Life Expectancy : 12 - 16 years .
Exercise : It is imperative that Border Collies get plenty of mental and physical exercise daily . Lack of activity will result in frustration and boredom , likely leading to obsessive or destructive behavior . Having a job to perform , such as agility , herding , or obedience work , is key to this breed ' s happiness . Several long walks are also important , as are off-leash romps in a safe , fenced-in area , where they can fetch balls or play frisbee to work off some energy .
Grooming : Border Collies are not high-maintenance in the grooming department . They are typically light shedders . A weekly brushing is sufficient to keep shedding to a minimum , distribute natural oils throughout their coat , and help prevent matting . Baths are usually only needed once every few months .
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Pawsitively Pets -- August 7