Border collies, originally bred on the border of Scotland and England, are highly intelligent and obedient dogs. Averaging between 30 – 50 pounds and standing 19 – 22 inches tall, they are generally black and white, but red, blue, and chocolate coloring, with or without tan or white, is also acceptable. Intended to work in inclement weather, they have a double coat. The outer coat can be long or short.

Highly cherished by their owners as working dogs, they do not make good family pets unless you continually provide them with intellectual and physical stimulation.

Border collies respond best to training between the ages of 10 months to 2 ½ years. A Dairy Farmer who wants help from his dog to bring in the cows for milking in the morning and in the evening need only teach four or five commands: Move faster, move slower, flank, come by and way to me are the most important.

Training a border collie with whistle commands is a relatively easy process because this dog is naturally inclined to bring livestock to its owner. The ultimate goal of training does not result in a finished product. The basic training process is ongoing as you will continually teach your dog to take time, to slow down and to think of you, his handler.