You will find in difficult to get a better sporting dog than a Border collie, as it can be trained to work like the Setter, Pointer, Retriever or Water Spaniel. The dog has an excellent sense of smell, is an intelligent hunter, effectively kills vermin, and can be a faithful companion and watchdog.

The origin of the Collie is not definitely known, but the way it appears and displays cunning point out to the wild dog. Buffon held the view that it truly represented all the natural instincts of a true dog. It was intelligent with instincts superior to other breeds, and structured training had nothing to do with it. The Collie was naturally inclined to serve man the best.

The dog is best in its class. It is absolutely manageable and definitely the most active. The Collie is a smooth-coated, hard-working dog ideally suited for hilly areas. It takes time to get used to people. However, you cannot find a more beautiful, graceful, or hard-working dog among the current breeds.

The dog skull is usually flat, tapers en route to the eyes, and is reasonably wide between the ears. A minor depression appears at the top. The skull width depends on the total muscle and skull length. The entire measurement must be considered to calculate the dog's size. Cheeks should not be more prominent or full.

Irrespective of color, the Border collie has a black nose. The muzzle must be quite long, appear normal, and should taper at the nose. Good-sized teeth must be level and sound with very little disproportion. Expressive eyes should be medium-sized, a bit offset, shaped like an almond, and generally brown in color other than the merles which has china or blue and white eyes.

Their eyes present an intelligent and bright look, especially when listening. Jaws should be powerful and clean-cut. Ears appear wider at the base and are small in size. They appear wide apart at the top of the skull. In repose, they slump backwards and stand semi erect when alert. The lips droop slightly to indicate listening.

The powerful neck is somewhat dependent, long, and muscular. The Collie has a strong body, with a deep chest, broad-shoulders that slope, well sprung ribs, and powerful loins. It has a straight front body with muscular and big-boned forelegs that appear straight without bend at the elbow. The hind legs are muscular with well bent stifles, and the legs are sinewy and clean below the hocks. Its feet are shaped oval with closed and arched toes, and well-padded soles.

On the whole, the Border collie is a very active dog. Its expression indicates intelligence, muscular neck show strength, deep chest demonstrates breathing capacity, and speed is indicated by its well-bent hocks and sloping shoulders.

The dog has long legs showing it to be athletic rather than a dull dog. In other words, a Collie must demonstrate intelligence, tenacity, quick movements, and relaxed style. On an average, the dog should be between 22 and 24 inches at the shoulders. Females tend to be a little shorter between 20 and 22 inches. Males weigh between 45 to 65 pound, and females between 40 to 45 pounds.