Border Collie Appreciation Day is November 24th! While we think all our canine pals are extraordinary, Border Collies are truly special. A Cherry Hill, NJ vet discusses these wonderful pups in this article.
Smart Pups
The Border Collie has many wonderful traits, but they are most well-known for their intelligence. In fact, Fido has been rated as the most intelligent dog several times!
Give The Pooch A Job
Border Collies are extremely skilled at herding sheep and livestock. They do this a bit differently than other breeds, however. While most herding dogs use tactics like nipping at heels to corral livestock, the Border Collie simply gives his charges the death stare.
Give Fido A Hand
Border Collies are extremely adept at herding. In fact, one Very Good Boy moved a flock of sheep into a small pen by following hand signals and whistles alone! (Fido also sometimes tries to herd his humans.)
What’s In A Name?
Border Collies originated around the borders of England and Scotland … hence the name ‘border’ The word ‘Collie’ is derived from the old Celtic word that means useful.
Movie Stars
Border Collies have also charmed many people by appearing in movies and TV shows. Some famous pups include Shep in Hotel For Dogs and Nana from Snow Dogs.
Another Shep
A second Shep also gained worldwide recognition, but for a different reason. This particular Shep won (and broke) hearts by waiting for his deceased owner at a train station for more than five years. Talk about loyalty!
A Poet’s Pet
Poet Robert Burns, whose work includes the famous line: ‘The best laid schemes of mice and men’ had a Border Collie named Luath. The pooch inspired the poem The Twa Dogs. There’s even a statue of the pup!
Record Breakers
A Border Collie named Chaser took the top prize for being the world’s smartest dog. Chaser stunned his fans by identifying a whopping 1000 objects by name. In another record-breaking feat, a group of 576 Border Collies made the Guinness Book Of World Records for the largest gathering of Border Collies.
Old Hemp
The ‘Father’ of the Border Collie breed was a pooch named Old Hemp. The cute canine was born in 1893, and amazed his owner with his intelligence and temperament. The pup went on to sire more than 200 puppies. The rest, as they say, is history.Do you have questions about caring for a Border Collie? Contact us, your local Cherry Hill, NJ pet clinic, today!
