If you have any more questions, please reach out to your local Greencross Vets. The average lifespan of a Border Collie is 12-15 years and theyre generally very fit, active dogs. If confined without activity, this breed will quickly become unhappy and destructive. Like all dog breeds, they are susceptible to certain inherited or partially inherited health problems. Rough coats have usually been the most widely recognized border collies in the ring and on TV though, so some people mistakenly think that all border collies have a long coat. Carried erect or semi-erect and sensitive in use. Karma was the same, and I still find my Karma's hair in nooks and crannies of the house, many months later. Some breed organisations consider the smooth-coat and rough-coat dogs to be variations of the same breed. Their mental health is in constant need of stimulation, so they can channel that energy and intelligence into active pursuits. Smooth Collies or short-haired Collies doesnt have a coarse outer coat. In 1860, she purchased some of the dogs for her own kennel. After Karma died tragically a few months ago, the hole in my heart was so huge that I had a hard time focusing and my grief was extreme (anyone that has experience with these dogs know how absolutely into your heart they get - their intelligence is so incredible) Not long after Karma died, and against my husbands wishes, I got another puppy that I named Indy (he was so broke up over Karma's death that he swore off getting anymore dogs, but now he loves Indy, of course). They can also be trained as search and rescue dogs, scent trackers, and more. Brown, red and white, red and blue merle, tricolors, and tickled are just some of the beautiful combination of colors that Borders have. Border Collies are mostly recommended for owners who have a ranch or farm, but a large yard would suffice. One of the most obvious differences between a rough coat and smooth coat border collie is of course, their coat. Indys hair, on the other hand, is entirely different. There are Borders who have a rough coat, but they look like a smooth-coated dog because their thick fur is even all over. Cyclic Neutropenia: CN is also known as Gray Collie Syndrome. They are also very useful as assistance dogs for the disabled. Simon is what's called a rough-coat border collie, and our precious border collie/Australian shepherd fur-baby Karma was also a rough coat border collie. If rough-coated Borders arent groomed regularly, their fur will mat around the ears, as well as under their armpits and tail. Tendency to Drool: Low Tendency to Snore: Low Tendency to Bark: High Tendency to Dig: Low Social/Attention Needs: Moderate, Length: Medium Characteristics: Double coat, straight Colours: Black with or without white, red and white, solid colour, bi-colour, tri-colour, merle, sable Overall Grooming Needs: Moderate, AKC Classification: Herding UKC Classification: Herding Dog Prevalence: Common. This will mean youre going to be with a pup thats not predisposed to genetic illnesses. Thanks for coming by my friend. Cyclic Neutropenia is a disease that affects the neutrophils of a dog, which are an integral part of the dog's immune system. They, A strong, rugged dog, the Belgian Malinois exhibits a wide range of temperament and aggressiveness. Theyre more suited for homes that are spacious indoors and outdoors. So expect your Border dog to be either shy or standoffish with strangers. Any tendency to coarseness or weediness undesirable. 2020 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Disclaimer I was not trying to replace my Karma, but had a great need to love another dog and yes, to help assuage my grief over losing my precious friend Karma. Rough Collies are also known as the Lassie dog, long-haired Collie, Scottish Collie, and English Collie. Regardless of what type of coat and color a Border Collie has, smooth or rough, long or short, theyre all Border Collies. The Smooth Collie is a breed of dog developed originally for herding. The best ways & tools on how to groom a Border Collie. There are some other hereditary diseases to be aware of, including Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (CL), Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome (TNS) and Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) however breeders are investigating screening tests to reduce incidences. Find more dog breeds and dog care information at Hillspet.com. Because they train easily, Border Collies are also used for police work, narcotics and bomb detection and for search and rescue missions. The breed originated in the lowland and border counties of England and Scotland and may date back to the 1700s. Most affected dogs will die as puppies, and even with the best care, the dog will not likely live past 23 years of age. Irish wolfhounds are big-hearted, gentle and sensitive but their size is an important consideration. Some of the lesser-known coat types of Border Collies are curly-coated and the bearded thats commonly found in a shade of gray. Some are still used as working sheepdogs. If confined without activity and company, these dogs can become unhappy and destructive. It wasnt until the 1950s it became known as the Australian working dog. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Prescription Diet Canine r/d was designed specifically for the management of weight problems in dogs. Nails short and strong. Thus began the breed's transformation from working farm dog, similar to the modern Border collie, to the dog bred as a pet and for the sport of conformation showing that we know today. Privacy Policy Were more than happy to help! But the breed actually originated on the border of Scotland and England (thus the name who knew!). Border Collies with a smooth coat also doesnt pick up debris, dirt, or burr to the same degree as those with rough coats. Unless specifically stated otherwise, use of the "" trademark symbol within this site designates trademarks owned by Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. Bone strong but not heavy. Theyre loyal companions that are an excellent family pet, even to those who have children and other pets. We often think of a Border Collie as the quintessential Australian working dog, rounding up sheep on the farm. Cheeks not full or rounded. They can either have a long- or medium-length, rough-coated fur, or a short, smooth coat. Theyre also more active and tend to bark a lot. Neither nervous nor aggressive. The breed is highly intelligent, learns quickly and responds well to praise. Simon looks like the "typical" border collie that most of us are used to seeing. But since performance is whats essential in this breed, any hue, shade, and amount of white are acceptable. The Smooth Collie is generally a sociable, easily trained family dog. Inside they have all the same border collie characteristics. They dont tend to get too matted or tangled; just give them a brush once in a while to remove the dead hair. With clinically proven antioxidants and optimal mineral levels. Skull fairly broad, occiput not pronounced. Their natural, medium-textured topcoat and short dense undercoat provides good insulation and weather protection. Keen, alert, responsive and intelligent. Some smooth-coated Borders may or may not sport a thick undercoat, and they can either have long and wavy or short and straight guard hair. Whether the dog has a smooth coat or a rough one, a Border Collie will always be a Border Collie. Her hair is smooth, and she rarely sheds (well at least not yet - she's only 6 months old so I'm sure that's coming to at least some extent) Because of the coat difference, she looks so much different than our other collies that at first my family didn't believe that Indy was even a border collie. Their fur dries more quickly after working in the rain, a swim, or a bath. Its not just about getting a breed thats right for you and your family, you need to be right for them too. If you are looking to buy or adopt a border collie and don't have a lot of time to maintain the dogs coat, a smooth coat border collie is definitely one you would want to consider because their coat is a lot less upkeep. Have you seen the movie, Lassie? Although many of us think of Border Collies as Black/White, they actually come in many colours and coat patterns: Black/White, Blue/White, Chocolate/White, Red/White, Tri-Colour Black/Tan/White and Blue Merle to name a few! Collies exhibiting basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials. But generally, these dogs arent famous in canine sports such as agility and obedience. The smooth variety is coarse and short all over with minimal to no feathering. Theyre excellent family pets, especially if they receive house training early on. The features of the head, particularly the "sweet" expression, are considered very important in the show ring. They get along well with children and other animals, usually getting along with other dogs. Tenacious, hard-working sheep dog, of great tractability. Great pictures of their sweet faces. They love to run. Because of their herding instincts, they are protective of their family and territory and make excellent watchdogs. At Greencross Vets, nothing is more important than the health and wellbeing of your four-legged friend. Although Indy looks a lot like a border collie, she also looks very different because she is whats's called a smooth coat border collie. Smooth Collies are used both as family pets and in obedience competition, agility, herding trials, and other dog sports. So alike yet so different. If youre active, with lots of space at your place (like a big backyard or farm), and can give your pet lots of love and attention, then a Border Collie could be right for you. Alpine Publications, c. 2002. Whenever youre purchasing a Border Collie puppy, make your selection is based on its personality and not its looks. An affectionate and loyal family member, the Akita is happy to be an only dog and can be aggressive toward other dogs outside the family. Bladder stones can be very painful and may reoccur in the same dog after being dissolved. Moderately long, the bone reaching at least to hock, set on low, well furnished and with an upward swirl towards the end, completing graceful contour and balance of dog. During the 19th century, Border Collies became popular among English gentry. Border Collies are a moderately-sized breed (standing up to 50cm on average at the shoulders), and are also athletic and muscular, hence why they make such great workers! Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. A bright, clever breed, the Border collie is best suited for country living. Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum. We have to do our part to keep their coat healthy and in tip-top shape. As with all canines, females are a tad smaller than males. There may also be the potential for epilepsy and allergies, which may result in skin issues. Indy's hair is much smoother and she is considered a "smooth coat" border collie. Although they get along well with children and other pets they are raised with, they can be reserved and sometimes snappish with strangers, nipping at the heels the same way they would nip at sheep if herding.