Purple and Paws Before I adopted Socks, I knew next to nothing about Border Collies and now I consider myself something of an expert on the breed. So, for your reading pleasure, I present ten interesting facts about Border Collies.
- BC’s are (arguably) considered the world’s best herding dogs.
- They originated in the border country between Scotland and England and were bred by farmers to help herd their flocks.
- Watch for the “eye”, a hypnotic stare that compels sheep to move and turn. A BC has no qualms using this on his or her owner (Socks breaks out the eye frequently).
- Border Collies have double coats.
- BC’s wear down their nails naturally.
- They are highly intelligent and can learn very quickly (this is both a blessing and a curse).
- Because BC’s are standoffish by nature, they need socializing and exposure to other dogs and people as a puppy (Socks loves other people and is very friendly towards other dogs, so it seems his previous owners did well in this area).
- They are hyper-reactive to the slightest sound or movement their owners make (another blessing/curse).
- BC’s are prone to epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and deafness.
- BC’s come in many different colors, including black and white, red and white, and merle.