The Complete Guide to Rough Border Collie Health and Grooming

Rough Border Collies are a high-energy breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They need at least an hour of exercise per day.

Their thick, rough coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. A slicker brush or a pin brush is ideal for this task.

Rough Border Collies are prone to eye problems, including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Regular eye exams are crucial to detect any issues early on.

Their intelligence and high energy levels make them prone to anxiety and stress if they don't receive enough physical and mental stimulation.

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The Border Collie's history is a fascinating one, and it's rooted in its original purpose as a working dog. In the 1800s, a variety of sheep herding dogs existed in Great Britain, each with their own unique herding styles.

One dog, Hemp, stood out in 1873 sheepdog trials by herding sheep without barking or nipping, instead using a calm stare to intimidate them into moving. This trait would become a hallmark of the breed.

For more insights, see: Border Collies Herding Sheep

The first standard for the breed was drawn up in 1906, but it was a description of working ability, not physical appearance. This emphasis on function has shaped the breed ever since.

In 1915, the name "Border Collie" was first recorded, referencing the dog's origin around the English and Scottish borders.

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Caring for Your Rough Border Collie is a big responsibility, but with the right approach, it can be a breeze. These dogs need a lot of physical and mental activity every day to satisfy their quest for work.

You'll want to make sure your Rough Border Collie has access to a yard, as they can't live in an apartment. They need space to run around and get some exercise.

Exercising your Rough Border Collie is crucial, but you should take the weather into account. They can overheat faster than humans and are more susceptible to heat stroke.

Consider reading: How Much Exercise Do Border Collies Need

A good rule of thumb is to limit walks to early morning or late afternoon, and avoid pavement, especially asphalt or blacktop. This will help prevent paw pad burns.

If you live in a cold climate, consider investing in canine snow boots to protect your Rough Border Collie's paws. Trust me, you don't want to deal with ice balls stuck in their paw pads.

On rainy days or when you're not up to a walk, play with your Rough Border Collie indoors or take them to a dog park. This will give them a chance to get some exercise and socialize with other dogs.

Puppies require more energy and attention than adult dogs, so be prepared to give them two walks per day. This will help prevent boredom and destruction when you're away, and ensure they sleep through the night.

Remember, a tired dog is a happy dog!

Check this out: When Are Border Collies Fully Grown

As a border collie owner, you'll want to make sure you have the right tools for the job. A good slicker brush is essential for getting deep into the undercoat.

Border collies have a double-coat, which means they shed a lot more hair than other breeds. This can be a challenge to deal with, but regular grooming can help keep the shedding under control.

You'll want to aim to groom your dog about twice a week, but when they're blowing their coat, you'll need to up this to once a day. This is especially important during the shedding season, which lasts for between six to eight weeks.

The right brush can make all the difference in keeping your border collie's coat healthy and looking its best. A slicker brush is a great tool to start with, as it will help you get deep into the undercoat.

Start at the bottom of your dog's coat and brush a line of fur away, making sure to get right to the skin. Then, move up and brush the hair down, using a pull-away type of stroke. This will help prevent matting and tangling.

Don't forget to brush your dog's entire coat, including the tail and armpits. Regular grooming will help keep your border collie's coat looking its best and reduce shedding.

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Rough border collies are a wonderful breed, but like all dogs, they do come with some health concerns. CHD (Congenital Heart Defect) is a major concern for this breed, which can affect their quality of life.

Border collies also have a double-coat, which sheds heavily and requires regular grooming. You'll need to brush them about twice a week to prevent loose hair from building up around the house.

Some minor health concerns for rough border collies include PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), lens luxation, and OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder). These are all relatively common issues in the breed.

During shedding season, which lasts for six to eight weeks, you'll need to brush your border collie every day to prevent matting and tangling. This can be a bit of a challenge, but it's worth it to keep their coat looking its best.

Here's a list of some potential health concerns for rough border collies:

Overall, rough border collies are a wonderful breed that require regular grooming and attention to their health. With the right care and attention, they can live a happy and healthy life for around 10-14 years.

The rough Border Collie is a remarkable breed with some key characteristics you should know about. Lifespan-wise, they typically live for 14 – 16 years.

Their weight and height vary by sex, with males weighing around 27-34kg and standing 56-61cm tall, while females weigh a bit less at 23-30kg and stand 51-56cm tall.

In terms of size, they're classified as large dogs.

Border Collies are a bundle of mental and physical energy, making them a high-maintenance breed if not given a challenging job every day.

They are among the most intelligent and obedient breeds, but can be disastrous family members if not provided with sufficient exercise and mental stimulation.

With enough physical activity, they become dependable and loyal companions, intent on whatever they do and tending to stare, which can be unnerving to other animals.

They also have a strong prey drive and like to chase other animals, making them unsuitable for homes with small pets.

Border Collies are reserved, even protective, toward strangers, but can develop destructive and compulsive habits if left without a job or stimulation.

The Border Collie is a remarkable breed, and understanding their key facts can help you decide if they're the right fit for you. They have a relatively long lifespan, living between 14 and 16 years.

Their size is quite impressive, with males weighing around 27-34kg and females a little less at 23-30kg. This makes them a large breed, perfect for active families or individuals.

Males stand 56-61cm tall, while females reach 51-56cm in height. This height difference is something to consider when choosing a Border Collie as a pet.

Their colours are quite varied, including sable, sable and white, tricolour, and blue merle. If you're looking for a specific colour, you can consider these options when selecting a Border Collie.

Here's a summary of the key facts: