Temperament, history and fashion: how to choose the right dog breed

• Border Collie

The character of a dog depends on heredity and breed characteristics, but proper upbringing and training is also of no small importance.
In this article we will tell you about the natural characteristics of the breed and how to properly start raising and training your pet. The Border Collie is an active and cheerful breed of dog that needs long walks and exercise. They feel great in a large family, leading an active lifestyle.

1. Country of origin : UK
2. Height at withers : male: 50-53 cm; female: 47-52 cm
3. Weight : 15-20 kg
4. Lifespan : 12-15 years
5. Use : Companion Dog

Content

• The main character traits of a border collie: female or male?
• Border Collie Personality

• Basic commands
• Raising a dog

In this article you will learn what features of character and behavior are inherent in the border collie. By studying this information about the temperament and disposition of border collies at different ages, you will get an idea about the breed. Find out how the character of a bitch differs from the behavior of a dog. We hope our article will help you figure out which gender of puppy is best for you.

The main character traits of a border collie: female or male?

The border collie puppy is an active and restless pet. If you take care of and train your puppy, you can avoid pampering. Constant damage to things does not indicate the baby’s bad character, he is just very active and needs somewhere to throw out his energy. You can buy toys for him, he will be active with them, direct his energy to playing with them. Already from 3-4 months (the time of socialization), he is able to perceive the general rules of education. At this time, it is important to begin socializing and training the dog.

Bitch: character

There is an opinion that Border Collie females have a more submissive and gentle character. But experts believe that character largely depends on heredity and individual characteristics. There are always exceptions, bitches with a very difficult character, and there are males with an easy-going and submissive character. But still, there is a difference in the behavior of the sexes. There are advantages and disadvantages for female and male genders.

Advantages:

• Strong relationship with owner and home
• Emotionally sensitive perception
• Girls are smarter and smarter than boys
• Accepts training tasks well
• During walks, he runs less in the bushes
• Doesn't rush at strangers
• The breed is ideal for breeding, just one assessment from the exhibition is enough

Flaws:

• Sly
• Periodic menstruation

Description of the breed

The latest changes to the Border Collie standard were made in 2009. Representatives of the breed have physical strength, endurance, grace, and excellent build. Borders are smart, sensitive, loyal, and willing to work tirelessly for a long time. There is not a drop of glamor in them. Rather, we can call them village cuties. At the same time, researchers at the University of British Columbia recognized this breed as the smartest in the world.

• Height at the withers – males: about 53 centimeters, females a little less.
• Weight - about 23 kilograms.
• Life span is 12-15 years.
• The head is wide, tapering closer to the nose, with medium-sized cheekbones, a clearly defined transition from the forehead to the muzzle.
• Ears are medium-sized, set wide apart, erect or semi-erect. Hearing is a strong point for these dogs.
• The eyes are medium in size, oval in shape, widely set, brown. Borders with a blue color are allowed to have a splash of blue.
• The nose is straight, with developed nostrils. The color of the earlobe depends on the color of the dog: the classic color is black, in brown dogs it can be brown, in blue-colored individuals it can be blue-gray.
• The jaws are strong, with a regular scissor bite.
• The body is muscular, developed, its length is slightly greater than the height at the withers. Powerful lower back.
• The chest is wide, deep, with curved ribs.
• The back is well muscled and tightly knit.
• The forelimbs are set parallel, with powerful bones and tucked elbows.
• The hind limbs are athletically developed, standing with an inclination towards the base of the tail. The thighs are strong and long. Oval paws with well-developed pads and strong claws.
• The tail is medium, set low, covered with hair, with a curved tip. In the active state - raised, but does not lie on the back.
• of wool : medium and long. Thick, quite tough. Mane, trousers and fringes are observed. On the ears, front of the legs and muzzle the hair is shorter and smoother. The undercoat is thick and soft for protection from weather conditions.
• Any color The only thing that is unacceptable is the predominance of white.

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Male: character

Advantages:

• High performance, very durable
• Solid appearance, a big plus for exhibitions
• Persistence in achieving results in the learning process

Flaws:

• Independent and more stubborn than a girl. Requires more strict training than a girl.
• To fulfill your physical and natural needs, you need a longer time for walks. According to physiology, he is not capable of quickly emptying the bladder.
• Can run away from its owner if it smells a female in heat.
• During the period of estrus in females, fights with other males are possible.

History of the breed

The Border Collie descends from the herding dogs that guarded herds on the mountainous slopes of the English-Scottish border. Shepherds purposefully bred light, fast and hardy dogs that were alien to aggression towards humans. The breed was first mentioned in Scottish legends dating back to 1570.

Having become part of Great Britain at the end of the 18th century, the Kingdom of Scotland significantly expanded its grazing territories, and the need for working breeds became more acute. The beginning of the 19th century was marked by the introduction of the collie breed at the Birmingham Dog Show to guard sheep.

As a result of many years of breeding work, dogs were obtained not only with a high level of working qualities, but also with a varied exterior. In addition to the standard black and white tie, other Border Collie colors were on display, including red and merle.

In 1881, based on the working qualities of dogs, the first standard was adopted, which was in force until 1915 - the date of official registration of the breed by the English Great Dane Club. Only in 1988, 70 years later, the International Canine Association FCI recognizes Border Collie dogs, approving the breed standard No. 297.

Is it possible to influence and correct the character of the Border Collie?

Raising and training a Border Collie is of great importance, as soon as you bring him into your home. Do not allow people to chew things, stop attempts to pester strangers while walking, do not allow them to eat from someone else’s hands, pick up food from the floor, or beg for food from you while eating. It is forbidden to jump on and bite people, even to show your love. Only training and proper upbringing will change a dog’s character for the better. The puppy training process is based on the method of motivation, encouragement and praise. It is prohibited and unacceptable to treat the dog harshly during training.

Frequent diseases and problems

The most common ailments include:

1. juvenile cataract;
2. retinal atrophy;
3. hip dysplasia;
4. deafness and blindness (more often in merle-colored dogs);
5. epilepsy;
6. elbow dysplasia;
7. osteochondrosis;
8. oncology;
9. autoimmune diseases (allergies, thyroiditis);
10. optic nerve dystrophy;
11. demodicosis

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How to raise a border collie puppy

If you train your pet correctly, then over time you will get an obedient dog that will follow all commands and delight you every day. Experts believe that several factors may influence a Border Collie's susceptibility to following various commands:

• pet's temperament - the speed of the pet's reaction to stimuli, both positive and negative;
• character - how exactly the dog resists various unpleasant influences;
• obedience - the dog’s ability to accept human leadership;
• vigilance - the speed with which the dog notices potential danger, both in relation to itself and in relation to the owner;
• aggressiveness - the pet’s ability to react hostilely to potential danger;
• curiosity - interest that is developed when a dog feels, hears and sees something;
• sociability - the ability to interact with people;
• possessiveness is the interest shown by animals in certain objects, for example toys.

How quickly your dog learns commands depends on which traits predominate in the character of your border collie puppy. By paying attention to the character traits of your animal, you can find an approach to it and adjust its behavior in certain situations.

• Eagerness will get you nowhere . You should not try to teach your border collie puppy all the commands at the same time; you need to learn the commands one by one. You need to have patience and act methodically. You should not scold your pet at the moment when he makes mistakes, and when he succeeds in something, then the pet should be encouraged.
• Don't hit . It is prohibited to use physical punishment against a pet until it is three months old. You should limit yourself to variable intonation, but avoid shouting. Once your Border Collie puppy is three months old, it is acceptable to use a light spank while saying "Ew" as punishment. It is necessary to punish immediately when the animal commits an offense, and not after it, since the animal simply will not understand what exactly it was punished for.
• Subsequence . The main goal is to ensure that the pet follows the command the first time. Commands should be pronounced clearly and in an even voice so that the dog understands and obeys you. All family members should be involved in raising the dog, but they must act together. It is forbidden to allow situations in which you scold the puppy, and another family member praises him or simply does not pay attention.
• Pamper . Remember to reward your Border Collie puppy with a variety of treats and praise when he has done what is asked of him.

Care

The most important thing: if it is not possible to provide your pet with the required activity, it is better to pay attention to another breed.

When buying a border collie, you should immediately think about purchasing a powerful vacuum cleaner: these dogs shed heavily during the season. During the molting period, dead fur must be combed out at least once every two days, otherwise tangles will inevitably occur. In normal times, once a week is enough. Before the process, it is better to moisten the dog’s fur with a mixture of water and conditioner - this will significantly simplify the procedure. It is not recommended to use additional tools, such as a slicker, as they can damage the undercoat.

Borders love to swim in rivers and lakes, but do not like baths. The washing procedure, which is unpleasant for the dog, should not be performed more than once a month or two months.

It is enough to trim your nails once a month. A dog with sufficient activity does not need such a procedure at all - the claws are worn down naturally.

Borders' ears get quite dirty. Cleaning is needed as needed - with a cotton pad with a special lotion.

To prevent dental problems, it is worth treating your dog with tomato juice and bones from time to time - by gnawing on them, the pet cleans its teeth.

Borders are unpretentious when it comes to food. The main attention should be paid to the balance of the dog’s diet and activity - a lack or excess of food will disrupt the harmonious development of the body. The basis of the diet is raw meat, any except pork.

The Border Collie needs constant physical and mental exercise: the more, the better. Moreover, mental stress will tire your pet much faster than physical stress. There are never too many walks, activities, or exercises for this breed. It’s better not to keep them on a chain or in an enclosure.

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Basic commands

You will use some commands more often, others less often. But they will still come in handy to easily interact with your border collie and even keep him safe in various situations.

• Aport. One of the most difficult teams. Many people perceive it as very easy and simple, but with many dogs you will have to work hard. This skill is used for other exercises: searching, searching, selecting an item and many others. Usually they are all used in service. When working out a command, “Aport” and “Give” are used, and a gesture is also used.
• Give. On the command “Give” the dog must give up the object.
• Lie. A connecting command that needs to be learned for other commands. In addition, it will not interfere at home or on the street.
• To me. You will need to use this command quite often. So start with it as soon as your Border Collie puppy learns his name. Never call the dog to punish, and do not scold if it comes on its own, even after mischievousness before it. This behavior on your part may alienate the animal.
• Place. A puppy or an adult dog must clearly know where his place is located. He can sleep anywhere, if you allow it, of course, but he must know this command. You can use it outside the home, marking the place with a leash or your favorite toy.
• Near. It is possible to teach your pet the “Near” command at any age, be it an adult dog or a small puppy. When you move to a new home, you should immediately think about training your puppy.
• Sit. One of the very first commands that a border collie puppy should learn.
• Stand. The command is useful in everyday life, for example, for combing a dog.
• . The prohibiting command is one of the most mandatory and taming it begins from the first day the puppy appears in the house. Requiring the command “Fu!”, “No!”, “No!” - immediately stop the unwanted action.