The supreme sheep herding dog, the Border Collie lives to work. This is the dog for the athletic person who is ready to engage a dog in directed activities.

A Border Collie’s idea of work includes driving sheep and other animals; obedience and agility competitions; search and rescue; narcotics and bomb detection; guide dog for the blind and deaf; and even movie and television actor. His intense concentration, deep desire to please, as well as speed and intelligence give the breed the edge in just about any job he undertakes.

Border Collies have been cherished by farmers for hundreds of years. They arose in the “border” area between Scotland and England.

Border Collies may have a longer (rough) coat or a shorter (smooth) coat. The rough-coated are more familiar in the United States. Most Border Collies are black with white, or black and tan with white. However, they may be any color except solid white.

Excerpts from the Standard

General Appearance: A graceful and agile medium-sized dog;  energetic, alert, and eager; highly intelligent. Body is slightly longer than high.

Size, Proportion, and Substance: Height—males, approximately 19 to 22 inches at withers; females, 18 to 21 inches.

Fun Facts

One new job for the Border Collie is on the golf course. Some New England and mid-Atlantic golf courses were being overrun by Canada Geese. Clever grounds superintendents enlisted the aid of Border Collies to drive them away. Specially trained Border Collies now work the courses every day, rounding up the geese and herding them off the grounds.

Excerpted from The Complete Dog Book For Kids © 1996, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.