Owning
In temperament, the Border Collie is highly intelligent, alert and responsive. It must be biddable, or receptive to training. To its friends, it is affectionate; to strangers, sensibly reserved. Its ability and eagerness to learn are legendary. Intelligence is its hallmark. The Border Collie is one of the breeds that exemplifies the work ethic. Border Collie puppies have a short, soft, dense, water-resistant coat that becomes the undercoat in adult dogs.

Characteristics
The Border Collie is intelligent, alert and responsive. Affectionate towards friends, he may be sensibly reserved towards strangers and therefore makes an excellent watchdog. An intensive worker while herding, he is eager to learn and to please, and thrives on human companionship. Any tendencies toward viciousness or extreme shyness are serious faults.

Did you know?
The Border Collie was recognized by the AKC for inclusion in the Miscellaneous Class in 1955. As of 1997, the top Obedience Trial Champion, by lifetime points, is OTCH Heelalong Chimney Sweep owned by D & K Guetzloff (7239 points). Open Registration for the Border Collie will end on January 1, 2001. The AKC will accept dogs registered with the American Border Collie Association (ABC), the American International Border Collie (AIBC), and the North American Sheepdog Society (NASD).

AKC Recommends
The American Kennel Club recommends that anyone interested in a breed should take the time to thoroughly learn about that breed, talk to responsible and knowledgeable breeders and seek out the resources of the AKC national club formed by individuals devoted to preserving and protecting their breed for future generations. The AKC offers links to the official national Club of this breed - the club's officers, breeder referral, and breed rescue contact persons.