Breed History
Health and Medical Concerns
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Temperament and Lifestyle Fit
Diet & Nutrition
Border Collie Grooming Guide
Coat Maintenance
While short-haired Border Collies need less maintenance, these dogs, in general, require brushing 2 to 3 times a week. Use a slicker brush and comb away loose hairs.
Skin Health
These dogs do not require any special skin treatment. To keep them safe from skin issues, use gentle and vet-approved shampoos.
Bathing
They require a bath every 6 to 8 weeks, or if they get noticeably dirty. Use shampoos that are easy on their skin, and be sure to dry them thoroughly.
Nail Trimming
Border Collies need to have their nails trimmed every month. Use sharp nail clippers made for dogs.
Ear Care
Their ears should be checked weekly and cleaned monthly. Use a pet-safe ear cleaning solution and wipe away the debris with cotton balls.
Eye Care
Cleaning their eyes should be done as needed. Use a clean, damp cloth and wipe away the visible discharge and dirt.
Teeth Care
It’s recommended to clean their teeth daily to prevent plaque buildup. Use a pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrush.
Physical Characteristics
Head
The Border Collie has a moderately broad skull with a distinct stop. It’s proportionate to the body and is wedge-shaped.
Eyes
Border Collies have oval-shaped eyes that are moderate in size. Common colors include brown to dark brown, gold, blue, and heterochromia.
Ears
The ears are triangular and medium-sized. These can be erect, semi-erect, or tipped.
Body
They have a lean and athletic build with a strong neck. Their chests are deep and broad.
Limbs
Their forelegs are straight and muscular, while the hindquarters are broad and powerful. They have paws that are compact and oval-shaped.
Tail
The tail is moderately long and set low. It is well-furnished and slightly curved at rest.
Coat
Border Collies can have a medium-length, rough coat and a smoother, shorter coat. This comes in multiple combinations of colors, including white, lilac, black, blue, red, sable, and gold.
Size
Male: 48.3-55.9 cm (19-22 inches); Female: 45.7-53.3 cm (18-21 inches).
Weight
Male: 18-25 kg (40-55 lbs); Female: 13.6-20.4 kg (30-45 lbs).
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