Unlike many modern-day breeds, the Border Collie’s origin has been rather well-documented, thanks in part to a large following and interest in the preservation and advancement of this fascinating breed. Prior to the establishment of dog breeds, the British Isles—including today’s areas of Scotland, England, and Wales—were long-known for their herding dogs. Throughout the centuries, these canines were known as shepherd dogs and were not considered distinct breeds. These dogs varied from county to county, with different areas having their preferred strain. The dogs that were used in the counties and shires along the Anglo-Scottish border are believed to be the ancestors of the modern-day Border Collie.
The word Collie can be traced back to the 1650s, and it is believed to be derived from the English word coaly, which means coal-black. This term was used to describe the color of certain animals of the time, such as the Colley sheep, which were sheep with black faces, or the Colfox, which were foxes with black-tipped ears and tails. The shepherds’ Colley dogs were often coal-black in color with white tips. The name remains one of the biggest mysteries about the breed.
In 1906, the International Sheep Dog Society was formed to preserve and advance the dogs known as Shepherd’s Dogs, or Shepherd’s Collies, with the help of breeders, trainers, and enthusiasts. Their goal was to focus on enhancing the dogs' working abilities, including eye traits and trainability. It wasn’t until 1915 that the name Border Collie was applied to the dogs, and the name was used to distinguish the dogs first recognized by the ISDS from Collies of other sorts, such as the Smooth Collie and Rough Collie.
Because sheep have always been a staple in many cultures throughout the world, this ensured a steady demand for dogs with the skills to move and herd sheep. Thus, the Border Collie’s talents, eagerness to learn and listen, intense eye, and overall superiority in certain types of herding caught the attention of sheep farmers near and far. Today, the Border Collie is still used for herding sheep and a number of other animals, such as cows, ducks, geese, and more. They also excel in many other areas and disciplines, such as obedience, tracking and article search, flyball, dock diving, and therapy work, and they remain one of the most agile breeds in existence.
Breed Characteristics
Head: Mesaticephalic skull-type, moderate in size, wedge-shaped, and in proportion to the rest of the body. The head is clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkles. The topskull is somewhat broad from the front and flat in profile. As in the rest of the body, there should be no evidence of exaggeration in the head, including that of the bone, skin, length, or width.
Eyes: Moderate in size, oval to almond in shape, and may occur in any color or combination of colors. Pupils should be perfectly round and symmetrical. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes.
Ears: Medium in size, triangular, set somewhat apart on the skull. The requirements for the Border Collie’s ears are rather lenient (if the dog can hear the shepherd, that should typically be sufficient). Ears may appear erect, semi-prick, rose, 1/3-1/4 erect, drop with lift at the base, or mismatched. Tips may fall forward or outward. The ears are never overly large and hound-like.
Muzzle: The muzzle is medium in size, full, powerful, and tapers to the nose, giving the skull its wedge-shaped appearance. The upper and lower jaws have good bone substance, appearing strong and well-developed, never appearing snipey or weak.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented, black, or self-colored, according to the coat. The nostrils are well-opened.
Neck: Moderate length allows for proud head carriage and a great range of motion for stalking, crouching, running, and turning. The neck is strongly muscled, with a slight arch. It tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. It is clean-cut, without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.
Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.
Body: Solid, of good substance, and well-knit. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters. The body exhibits good athletic substance but is neither heavy, thick, racy, nor refined. There is sufficient length to allow for effortless and exact movement.
Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Tail: The tail is set rather low on the sloped croup, thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The carriage directly reflects the dog’s confidence, interest, and excitement level. When working or concentrating, the tail may be held outward or low (never tucked). When excited, it may be raised high above the level of the topline like a flag. It may be held downward (again, not tucked) in a neutral position when neutral. The tails are moderately long, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tails may be straight, gently curved, or with a shepherd’s crook at the end of the tail.
Movement: The Border Collie’s original function required a variety of maneuvers carried out over diverse terrain for long periods of time, including galloping, turning, stopping, direction changes, stalking, and creeping. Therefore, the Border Collie’s movement should be indicative of overall excellent coordination, balance, agility, endurance, and health. Movement in the show ring at the trot should be effortless, efficient, energetic, and tireless, with no sign of encumbrance. The head is often carried approximately level with the topline, but higher or lower carriage at the dog’s discretion is correct as well. The dog should not be strung up or raced around the ring. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the center line of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring. Moderation conserves energy, allowing for longer use of the body in locomotion. Therefore, an exaggerated, overextended, or “flying” trot gait is NOT correct for the Border Collie.
Temperament: The Border Collie is considered by many to be the most intelligent (and perhaps most highly driven) dog breed in the world. Developed for the specific purpose of working long hours over vast terrain under the direction of his owner requires nothing less of a dog. The Border Collie was designed to work and, in fact, needs to work. Whether it be on a ranch moving flocks and herds or as a companion running an agility course, a busy Border Collie is a happy Border Collie. Due to their considerable physical and mental exercise demands, this is not the breed for everyone. The dogs require early obedience and socialization to ensure that they understand their role in their human world. They also require life-long training and/or a physically demanding and mentally stimulating job to ensure they do not become bored (potentially neurotic or destructive). Well-adjusted Border Collies are generally good companion dogs, loyal and loyal to their owners. However, not all Border Collies are all-around family dogs since many will bond with whoever is the most interesting and interactive with them instead of treating everyone equally. Mature individuals may be reserved toward or disinterested in strangers, including friendly strangers, which is not incorrect for the breed. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
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Breed Standard
BREED GROUP 10: Pastoral and Stock Dog Breeds
Proportions: The Border Collie is an off-square to somewhat rectangular breed, with balance, athleticism, and endurance placed above all other conformational characteristics. The ideal body proportions may range from 5:4 to 10:9, with the body length (from the prosternum to the point of the rump) being slightly longer than the height at the withers. The dog should always appear athletic and capable of working all day long. There is no exaggeration in the Border Collie other than their energy, drive, and intelligence. The body is well-put-together, with adequate substance and medium bone (lighter bone is always preferred over heavy bone). They are never heavy, weedy, racy, low-slung, or square. The weight of males or females is always in proportion to height.
Head
General Appearance: Mesaticephalic skull-type, moderate in size, wedge-shaped, and in proportion to the rest of the body. The head is clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkles. The topskull is somewhat broad from the front and flat in profile. As in the rest of the body, there should be no evidence of exaggeration in the head, including that of the bone, skin, length, or width.
Expression: Their expression is intensely keen, watchful, anticipatory, eager, and alert.
Stop: The stop may range from moderate to definite.
Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is 1:1, with the topskull being just longer than the muzzle. A slightly longer or shorter muzzle is not incorrect so long as the dog is correct in all other areas. The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis may be parallel or just slightly convergent.
Muzzle: The muzzle is medium in size, full, powerful, and tapers to the nose, giving the skull its wedge-shaped appearance. The upper and lower jaws have good bone substance, appearing strong and well-developed, never appearing snipey or weak.
Lips or Flews: The lips are clean and fit tightly over the teeth and jaws, leaving no overhang and revealing the wedge-shaped muzzle outline.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented, black, or self-colored, according to the coat. The nostrils are well-opened.
Cheeks: Cheeks may be smooth or slightly padded.
Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. The bite may be level, scissor, or reverse scissor. Contact must be made between the top and bottom incisors. Missing or broken teeth due to routine work are not to be penalized.
Eyes: Moderate in size, oval to almond in shape, and may occur in any color or combination of colors. Pupils should be perfectly round and symmetrical. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes.
Ears: Medium in size, triangular, set somewhat apart on the skull. The requirements for the Border Collie’s ears are rather lenient (if the dog can hear the shepherd, that should typically be sufficient). Ears may appear erect, semi-prick, rose, 1/3-1/4 erect, drop with lift at the base, or mismatched. Tips may fall forward or outward. The ears are never overly large and hound-like.
Body and Tail
General Description: Solid, of good substance, and well-knit. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters. The body exhibits good athletic substance but is neither heavy, thick, racy, nor refined. There is sufficient length to allow for effortless and exact movement.
Neck: Moderate length allows for proud head carriage and a great range of motion for stalking, crouching, running, and turning. The neck is strongly muscled, with a slight arch. It tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. It is clean-cut, without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.
Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.
Topline: Level from withers to croup. The back is broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is deep, taut, and may be flat, level, or slightly arched yet supportive. The topline is never swayed or roached.
Croup: Long and gently sloped.
Underline: A slight tuck-up may be present, or the underline may run parallel to the topline. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight.
Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided.
Tail: The tail is set rather low on the sloped croup, thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The carriage directly reflects the dog’s confidence, interest, and excitement level. When working or concentrating, the tail may be held outward or low (never tucked). When excited, it may be raised high above the level of the topline like a flag. It may be held downward (again, not tucked) in a neutral position when neutral. The tails are moderately long, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tails may be straight, gently curved, or with a shepherd’s crook at the end of the tail.
Forequarters and Hindquarters
Forequarters: The forequarters are always balanced with the hindquarters and well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. Shoulder blades are approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm.
Elbows: The elbows are close to the body. The distance from the point of the elbows to the ground may be equal to or slightly greater than the distance from the withers to the brisket.
Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle and bone, and parallel to one another. Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns.
Pasterns: Never weak or broken.
Hindquarters: The upper and lower thighs are equal in length, strong, sturdy, of good bone, and well-muscled. Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another. Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one to two paw-lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another.
Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns.
Angulations: The angulation of the hindquarters is always in balance with the angulation of the forequarters.
Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Coat
Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog.
Coat Type: The Border Collie comes in two coat varieties: the smooth coat and the standard rough coat.
Smooth-coat variety: The coat is weather-resistant, short, smooth, and close to the body throughout. The texture is coarse, dense, short to medium in length, and glossy, with a shorter protective undercoat. The coat may appear slightly longer on the neck, forming a light ruff, and on the tail.
Long-coat variety: The coat is weather-resistant and short on the face, forehead, and front of the forelimbs and hindlimbs. The coat is medium to medium-long, close-fitting, and longer on the neck, ears, rear of the front and hindlimbs, feet, and tail, forming well-developed fringe and furnishings. Undercoats are shorter, soft, and protective. The coat may be wavy or straight. The coat should never appear abundantly thick, abundantly long, or silky.
Coat Color or Pattern: All coat colors and patterns are equally permissible. Large patches or amounts of white indicating homogenous merle genotype/phenotype are undesirable.
Movement
The Border Collie’s original function required a variety of maneuvers carried out over diverse terrain for long periods of time, including galloping, turning, stopping, direction changes, stalking, and creeping. Therefore, the Border Collie’s movement should be indicative of overall excellent coordination, balance, agility, endurance, and health. Movement in the show ring at the trot should be effortless, efficient, energetic, and tireless, with no sign of encumbrance. The head is often carried approximately level with the topline, but higher or lower carriage at the dog’s discretion is correct as well. The dog should not be strung up or raced around the ring. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the center line of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring. Moderation conserves energy, allowing for longer use of the body in locomotion. Therefore, an exaggerated, overextended, or “flying” trot gait is NOT correct for the Border Collie.
Temperament
The Border Collie is considered by many to be the most intelligent (and perhaps most highly driven) dog breed in the world. Developed for the specific purpose of working long hours over vast terrain under the direction of his owner requires nothing less of a dog. The Border Collie was designed to work and, in fact, needs to work. Whether it be on a ranch moving flocks and herds or as a companion running an agility course, a busy Border Collie is a happy Border Collie. Due to their considerable physical and mental exercise demands, this is not the breed for everyone. The dogs require early obedience and socialization to ensure that they understand their role in their human world. They also require life-long training and/or a physically demanding and mentally stimulating job to ensure they do not become bored (potentially neurotic or destructive). Well-adjusted Border Collies are generally good companion dogs, loyal and loyal to their owners. However, not all Border Collies are all-around family dogs since many will bond with whoever is the most interesting and interactive with them instead of treating everyone equally. Mature individuals may be reserved toward or disinterested in strangers, including friendly strangers, which is not incorrect for the breed. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Faults
All dogs should be in proper healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles.
Proportions: The Border Collie is an off-square to somewhat rectangular breed, with balance, athleticism, and endurance placed above all other conformational characteristics. The ideal body proportions may range from 5:4 to 10:9, with the body length (from the prosternum to the point of the rump) being slightly longer than the height at the withers. The dog should always appear athletic and capable of working all day long. There is no exaggeration in the Border Collie other than their energy, drive, and intelligence. The body is well-put-together, with adequate substance and medium bone (lighter bone is always preferred over heavy bone). They are never heavy, weedy, racy, low-slung, or square. The weight of males or females is always in proportion to height.
Head
General Appearance: Mesaticephalic skull-type, moderate in size, wedge-shaped, and in proportion to the rest of the body. The head is clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkles. The topskull is somewhat broad from the front and flat in profile. As in the rest of the body, there should be no evidence of exaggeration in the head, including that of the bone, skin, length, or width.
Expression: Their expression is intensely keen, watchful, anticipatory, eager, and alert.
Stop: The stop may range from moderate to definite.
Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is 1:1, with the topskull being just longer than the muzzle. A slightly longer or shorter muzzle is not incorrect so long as the dog is correct in all other areas. The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis may be parallel or just slightly convergent.
Muzzle: The muzzle is medium in size, full, powerful, and tapers to the nose, giving the skull its wedge-shaped appearance. The upper and lower jaws have good bone substance, appearing strong and well-developed, never appearing snipey or weak.
Lips or Flews: The lips are clean and fit tightly over the teeth and jaws, leaving no overhang and revealing the wedge-shaped muzzle outline.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented, black, or self-colored, according to the coat. The nostrils are well-opened.
Cheeks: Cheeks may be smooth or slightly padded.
Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. The bite may be level, scissor, or reverse scissor. Contact must be made between the top and bottom incisors. Missing or broken teeth due to routine work are not to be penalized.
Eyes: Moderate in size, oval to almond in shape, and may occur in any color or combination of colors. Pupils should be perfectly round and symmetrical. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes.
Ears: Medium in size, triangular, set somewhat apart on the skull. The requirements for the Border Collie’s ears are rather lenient (if the dog can hear the shepherd, that should typically be sufficient). Ears may appear erect, semi-prick, rose, 1/3-1/4 erect, drop with lift at the base, or mismatched. Tips may fall forward or outward. The ears are never overly large and hound-like.
Body and Tail
General Description: Solid, of good substance, and well-knit. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters. The body exhibits good athletic substance but is neither heavy, thick, racy, nor refined. There is sufficient length to allow for effortless and exact movement.
Neck: Moderate length allows for proud head carriage and a great range of motion for stalking, crouching, running, and turning. The neck is strongly muscled, with a slight arch. It tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. It is clean-cut, without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.
Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.
Topline: Level from withers to croup. The back is broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is deep, taut, and may be flat, level, or slightly arched yet supportive. The topline is never swayed or roached.
Croup: Long and gently sloped.
Underline: A slight tuck-up may be present, or the underline may run parallel to the topline. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight.
Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided.
Tail: The tail is set rather low on the sloped croup, thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The carriage directly reflects the dog’s confidence, interest, and excitement level. When working or concentrating, the tail may be held outward or low (never tucked). When excited, it may be raised high above the level of the topline like a flag. It may be held downward (again, not tucked) in a neutral position when neutral. The tails are moderately long, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tails may be straight, gently curved, or with a shepherd’s crook at the end of the tail.
Forequarters and Hindquarters
Forequarters: The forequarters are always balanced with the hindquarters and well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. Shoulder blades are approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm.
Elbows: The elbows are close to the body. The distance from the point of the elbows to the ground may be equal to or slightly greater than the distance from the withers to the brisket.
Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle and bone, and parallel to one another. Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns.
Pasterns: Never weak or broken.
Hindquarters: The upper and lower thighs are equal in length, strong, sturdy, of good bone, and well-muscled. Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another. Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one to two paw-lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another.
Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns.
Angulations: The angulation of the hindquarters is always in balance with the angulation of the forequarters.
Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Coat
Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog.
Coat Type: The Border Collie comes in two coat varieties: the smooth coat and the standard rough coat.
Smooth-coat variety: The coat is weather-resistant, short, smooth, and close to the body throughout. The texture is coarse, dense, short to medium in length, and glossy, with a shorter protective undercoat. The coat may appear slightly longer on the neck, forming a light ruff, and on the tail.
Long-coat variety: The coat is weather-resistant and short on the face, forehead, and front of the forelimbs and hindlimbs. The coat is medium to medium-long, close-fitting, and longer on the neck, ears, rear of the front and hindlimbs, feet, and tail, forming well-developed fringe and furnishings. Undercoats are shorter, soft, and protective. The coat may be wavy or straight. The coat should never appear abundantly thick, abundantly long, or silky.
Coat Color or Pattern: All coat colors and patterns are equally permissible. Large patches or amounts of white indicating homogenous merle genotype/phenotype are undesirable.
Movement
The Border Collie’s original function required a variety of maneuvers carried out over diverse terrain for long periods of time, including galloping, turning, stopping, direction changes, stalking, and creeping. Therefore, the Border Collie’s movement should be indicative of overall excellent coordination, balance, agility, endurance, and health. Movement in the show ring at the trot should be effortless, efficient, energetic, and tireless, with no sign of encumbrance. The head is often carried approximately level with the topline, but higher or lower carriage at the dog’s discretion is correct as well. The dog should not be strung up or raced around the ring. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the center line of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring. Moderation conserves energy, allowing for longer use of the body in locomotion. Therefore, an exaggerated, overextended, or “flying” trot gait is NOT correct for the Border Collie.
Temperament
The Border Collie is considered by many to be the most intelligent (and perhaps most highly driven) dog breed in the world. Developed for the specific purpose of working long hours over vast terrain under the direction of his owner requires nothing less of a dog. The Border Collie was designed to work and, in fact, needs to work. Whether it be on a ranch moving flocks and herds or as a companion running an agility course, a busy Border Collie is a happy Border Collie. Due to their considerable physical and mental exercise demands, this is not the breed for everyone. The dogs require early obedience and socialization to ensure that they understand their role in their human world. They also require life-long training and/or a physically demanding and mentally stimulating job to ensure they do not become bored (potentially neurotic or destructive). Well-adjusted Border Collies are generally good companion dogs, loyal and loyal to their owners. However, not all Border Collies are all-around family dogs since many will bond with whoever is the most interesting and interactive with them instead of treating everyone equally. Mature individuals may be reserved toward or disinterested in strangers, including friendly strangers, which is not incorrect for the breed. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Faults
All dogs should be in proper healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles.
Dog Fact #50
Lagotto Romagnolos are an Italian breed of dog that are bred exclusively for hunting the sought after truffles. The program at Barot University of Truffle Hunting Dogs in Italy can take up to four years to complete for dogs and their handlers.
