Border Collie

The basic physical characteristics of the Border Collie include the following

-Vibrant, medium-sized canine
-Similar in appearance to an Australian Shepherd (without the bob-tail)
-Half-perked ears
-Round dark brown eyes

Personality and Temperament of the Border Collie

-Excels at training, conditioning and obedience
-Highly intelligent
-Attentive and responsive dog
-Thrives on being praised
-Frequently used in competitions in agility
-Although compatible with other dogs, may become aggressive with canines of the same sex
-Can cohabitate with felines (cats)

Other Physical Characteristics of the Border Collie
The average height of the Border Collie, varies based on the gender of the breed. For example the height of the female is 18-21 and the male is 19 to 22 inches. The weight of the male 30-45 pounds and bitches are three pounds lighter. The average life span of the Border Collie is 12 to 15 years.

Border Collie ’s Health Problems
Despite the healthiness of the Border Collie breed, certain dogs are prone to an eye disease (common to Collies known as Collie Eye Anomaly (PRA)) deafness, epilepsy, and hip dysplasia. Other Border Collies are allergic to fleas.

Ideal Living Conditions

Although the Border Collie is too active for apartment life and not recommended, they fair better with acreage. If necessary they can live in kennel as long as they have ample interaction with their owner and get daily activity. Chaining up the Border Collie is a horrible existence that this breed should not be succumbed to.

Since this breed is highly intelligent, it requires more than physical activity. The Border Collie wants to do work that requires them to exercise their brain muscles as well (in example: returning a wandering sheep back to the fold or chasing after a ball.