The breed was originally known as the "Working Collie" in the early 1900s and through selective breeding has evolved the Border Collie we see today. It is believed that the breed emerged from a mixed ancestry, including the Bob tailed sheep dog, the Bearded Collie and the Harlequin Collie. There is also some references that the collie was often crossed with the setter. This could account for the milder temperament of the Border Collie.

In 1893, Adam Telfer, a farmer living in Otterburn, mated a couple of his working collies, Roy and Meg and produced one called Old Hemp, which might be regarded as the foundation sire of the Border Collie breed. Hemp indeed was early recognised as the very quintessence of the working sheep dog and his services were in great demand. Not only did he sire some two hundred puppies before he died in 1901, but he seems to have been capable of transmitting his own pre-potency to his offspring with the result that Border Collie pedigrees are about as clearly defined as any in the livestock world.

The first recorded import of a Border Collie into Australia was Hindhope Jed in 1901 and research has led us to believe that they were first shown in 1907. They were first shown at the Sydney Royal in 1933 as "Any Other Variety". Later, they were shown in the non-sporting group and in 1953, a separate group was formed, comprising the Australian Cattle Dog, the Australian Kelpie and the Border Collie. This was called "The Australian Working Dog Group" and it was at this time that the RAS Kennel Control classed the Border Collie as an Australian Working Dog because it was one of the main working dogs in Australia and greatly relied on in our sheep and wool industry. This classification has carried through to the present day, although other breeds were added to these in 1961 and the group was then renamed the "Working Dog Group".

The Border collie’s intelligence, tractability and stamina are breed assets which have long been recognised and sought after in their sheep dog work . These same traits are now being put to good use by our "suburban" Borders in the fields of obedience, tracking and agility.

- Intelligent:- Being very intelligent they are easily trained, but because of that intelligence, if allowed to do as they please, they may think up some mischief. Like children, they need to be trained from an early age.

- Caring, active and patient

- Willing to involve the dog in family activities

- Willing and able to train the Border Collie

- Willing to groom the dog once a week

- Daily exercise:- They really require a good stretch-out in the park at least twice a week, remember they are a working breed. They are an ideal companion if you are a jogger, or if you just like to go for a walk.

- Weekly grooming (at least). Because of the particular texture of the Border Collie coat it very rarely tangles. This only happens when it is losing its coat and at this time it will require more brushing to remove the loose dead hairs, as they will matt if left unattended.

- Regular well balanced meals and no tid bits as these will result in an overweight pet and carrying excess weight will shorten its life considerably. Your dog can however be given a hard biscuit or a large raw bone to chew on, to clean its teeth and exercise its gums (this will help prevent doggy breath).

- Attention from owner and others. The Border Collie needs to be a part of its family

- Plenty of training, play and attention to prevent boredom.

- Keep your dog free of worms, worm them 4 times a year (more often in young puppies). Heart worm is now prevalent in most areas and therefore, it is very necessary for dogs to be given preventative tablets.

- Vaccinations:- ensure that your dog receives an annual booster injection for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo-virus and Kennel Cough.

- A dry warm kennel to shelter from the rain, cold and summer sun.

The most important decision to make is whether to select a male or a female Border Collie. This is entirely your choice. However, you will need to consider some of the following points first:-

* Males are stronger, larger and can be more dominant than females

* Males shed coat usually once a year. Females shed coat with a season (heat)

* Females also come into season about every six months and a season lasts approximately 3 weeks.

A puppy with good temperament should readily come to you. Check the temperament of both parents if possible, but remember the dam can be sometimes protective. Ensure the puppy has been vaccinated, wormed and has commenced heartworm treatment. Generally, Border Collies are easily trained. Some character variances can be attributed to different breed lines.

Markings should be the last thing to be considered for a pet. Even for show, markings should not be put above good conformation. Some breeders and judges like classical markings but this is not required in the Breed Standard. The standard only requires white not to predominate. Ideally, body patches are undesirable.

Socialising the puppies with people and other dogs is important and most breeders ensure this takes place. Socialising should be followed up by the new owner having visitors handle the puppy in your home. Do not take the puppy out on the streets unless it has had its 12 weeks vaccination and at least a week after this. Household obedience training for the puppy from 3 months of age is recommended.

The Border Collie is an extremely active and intelligent dog, it needs to be included in family activities on a regular basis to prevent boredom and for socialisation.

The Border Collie breed on the whole has no major health problems and as a result many live to 15 or 16 years of age, some even older. However, like any breed, occasionally problems can occur. There are three main problem areas in which the Border Collie Club of NSW has become practically involved:-

1) Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (often called "C.L". or Storage Disease) The Club is currently funding research into this disease, which affects dogs between the ages of 15 and 22 months. The Club has pamphlets which explains the disease and lists the symptoms and carrier dogs. If you are intending to breed it is a MUST that you get a copy of this pamphlet and keep abreast of the developments.

Click for: (Pedigrees of Proven Carriers)   Click for: (More CL Information)

2)    Collie eye anomaly (usually referred to as CEA). Responsible breeders now test all breeding stock for CEA. Puppies should be tested between 6 and 8 weeks of age. Make sure the breeder of your pup has done so. Mild CEA will not affect a dog in any way, but the animal should not be used for breeding.

3) Hip Dysplasia (often refereed to as "H.D") The club maintains a register of dogs whose owners have forwarded information on their dogs HD status. If you are intending to breed, you should familiarise yourself with this ailment. You may decide to have your dog X-rayed in order to determine his/her HD status

4) O.C.D The club also has a register for recording dogs OCD status. Again familiarisation with this ailment is important if you wish to breed. Testing again involves X-rays.