Border collies are midsize herding canines from the United Kingdom. They are renowned for their impressive sheep-herding abilities. Border collies' coats appear in two forms. Some border collies have fur that is long or moderately long, and some have short fur.
The Breed
These working pooches, at maturity, generally get to anywhere between 18 and 22 inches tall, starting from the shoulder area. Adult specimens usually weigh between 30 and 45 pounds, as well. Border collies are dynamic and spirited creatures, and appreciate lots of space in which to move around. Ample and frequent physical exercise is a must for them, period, whether games of fetch, running or anything else. As far as disposition goes, these dogs are often considered to be dedicated, reliable and family-focused pets, as long as their basic needs are fulfilled. They can be quiet, aloof and careful around unfamiliar people, however. Average border collie life expectancy is 12 to 15 years.
The Coats
All border collies grow hair, even the short-haired or smooth-coat ones. Although hairless varieties of dogs exist, all border collies have hair. Their fur is thick and soft. Longer-haired border collies have coarse fur that either has a subtle wave to it or is even in appearance. Short-haired border collies have soft hair that stays close against their bodies. Colorwise, border collies are often black with prominent white markings. Many border collies also have beige elements to their coats. They also exist in a variety of other color styles -- think reddish and white.
Coat Maintenance
No matter what their coats are like, border collies need routine combing or brushing sessions numerous times weekly. They shed twice annually. Frequent brushing helps keep their coats free of dead hair and pesky knotting and tangling. Short-haired border collies' coats don't generally accumulate as many lingering hairs as their longer-haired counterparts' coats do. This accumulation is particularly abundant both in the autumn and springtime. Light coat clipping isn't uncommon in warmer times of the year.
Feathering Fur
Although short-haired border collies mostly have extremely short coats, some parts of their bodies feature conspicuous featherlike fur, specifically their chests, front limbs, thighs and rear ends.
