The Border Collie is traditionally a working dog known for its stealth, speed and herding instinct, which still sees it used today on farms to herd sheep and cattle.
They are also much-loved family pets and make ideal dogs for the active family. They are very intelligent and high-energy dogs that generally like to be on the go all the time. As such, they are best suited to owners that can offer them plenty of physical and mental stimulation throughout the day. In addition to regular walks, Border Collies benefit from, and excel at, obedience training and will particularly enjoy agility and flyball. Whilst their in-built herding instinct makes them ideal sheepdogs, it can see them herding other pets and younger members of the family, as well as other moving objects such as cars, so correct training is vital to show them what is acceptable and what is off limits. As a breed, they are generally better suited to older children, given their high energy and desire to herd. Overall, Border Collies are very much people dogs who enjoy the companionship of their human owners and given the right amount of exercise and mental stimulation, they make great family pets.
History
The Border Collie has its origins in the border regions of England, Scotland and Wales where it worked and herded sheep in the hills and mountains. The breed is believed to date back to the 1700s, although ancestors of the Border Collie almost certainly existed much earlier than this.
