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570-398-1814 • 640 Railroad Street, Jersey Shore
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 make 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 obedience training and 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 with their energy level. 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 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. Typically light shedders, a weekly brushing is sufficient to manage shedding, and help prevent matting. Baths are usually only needed once every few months.
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Residential... Commercial... Industrial
570-398-1814 • 640 Railroad Street, Jersey Shore
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