Blonde Border Collie
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Find Blonde Border Collie Breeders Near You
Connect with certified breeders who have Blonde Border Collie puppies available.
Find Blonde Border Collie BreedersGet to Know Blonde Border Collies
- Blonde Is a Rare Color Expression: Blonde Border Collies carry a dilute red/fawn coloring that is less common than black-and-white. This coloration does not affect working ability or temperament.
- World-Renowned Intelligence: Border Collies are widely regarded as the most intelligent dog breed, capable of learning hundreds of words and complex task sequences. Their intelligence demands constant mental engagement.
- Unmatched Herding Instinct: They possess a natural herding style known as “the eye,” a focused stare used to control livestock movement with precision and minimal force.
- Work First, Looks Second: Historically bred strictly for performance, Border Collies including blonde variants, were selected for stamina, instinct, and responsiveness rather than appearance.
- Mental Stimulation Is Essential: Without sufficient work or problem-solving activities, Border Collies may develop anxiety, compulsive behaviors, or destructiveness due to boredom.
Breed History
The Border Collie originated along the border regions of Scotland and England, where shepherds needed a highly intelligent, agile dog capable of controlling sheep over rugged terrain. Bred exclusively for working ability, the breed developed unmatched herding instincts and responsiveness to human cues. The blonde coloration is simply a genetic variation within the breed and does not represent a separate lineage. Today, Border Collies excel not only in herding but also in agility, obedience, search and rescue, and canine sports worldwide.
Personality and Behaviour
- Intensely Focused: They form strong working bonds with their handlers and thrive when given clear direction and purpose.
- Highly Energetic: Border Collies require significantly more activity than most breeds and are best suited for active homes.
- Sensitive & Perceptive: They are highly attuned to human emotions and respond best to calm, consistent handling.
Care
- Exercise: Daily vigorous exercise combined with mental challenges (herding, agility, puzzle work) is non-negotiable for wellbeing.
- Training: Advanced obedience, trick training, or working tasks are essential to satisfy their cognitive needs.
- Grooming: Weekly brushing keeps the coat healthy and reduces shedding; more frequent grooming during shedding seasons.
Blonde Border Collie Summary
Weight27-45 lbs
Lifespan12-15 years
ExerciseHigh
TrainabilityDifficult
TemperamentIntelligent
High-spirited
Focused
GroomingModerate
What to ask your breeder?
It's important to ensure your breeder conducts thorough health screenings on the two dogs that were bred for the litter. Reputable breeders should perform genetic laboratory testing and also orthopedic evaluations. There's no way to guarantee every puppy in every litter is 100% free from health problems, but responsible breeding practices greatly reduce the risk.
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Border Collie Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | One of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation PennHIP Evaluation. Results registered with OFA |
| ACVO Eye Exam | Annual Eye Examinations until 7 years (84 months) old . Results registered with OFA |
| DNA Repository | Participation in the OFA/CHIC DNA Repository (DNA Bank) |
| Elbow Dysplasia | (Optional) OFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation |
| Shoulders | (Optional) OFA Radiographic Shoulder OCD Evaluation |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | (Optional) Autoimmune Thyroditis Evaluation from an approved Lab. Results registered with OFA. |
| Congenital Deafness | (Optional) B.A.E.R. hearing test. Results registered with OFA. |
| Cardiac Evaluation | (Optional) Standard Congenital Cardiac Exam. Results registered with OFA. Advanced Cardiac Exam Basic Cardiac Exam |
| Collie Eye Anomaly | (Optional) DNA based CEA test results from an approved lab; results registered with OFA. First Generation Offspring of tested dogs eligible for Clear By Parentage |
| Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis | (Optional) Optigen CL test results registered with the OFA. |
| Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome | (Optional) TNS test; results registered with OFA. email Dr. Wilton at a.wilton@unsw.edu.au for test request |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Blonde Border Collie Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Blonde Border Collie is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
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