9 Fun Facts About Border Collies

Border Collies are renowned for their intelligence, agility, and boundless energy, making them one of the most admired dog breeds in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned Border Collie owner or simply a dog lover fascinated by these remarkable canines, there’s always something new to learn about them.

In this post, we’ve rounded up nine fun facts about Border Collies that highlight what makes this breed so unique. From their incredible intelligence to their Roman roots, prepare to discover what sets Border Collies apart from the pack!

1) The world’s “smartest” dog was a Border Collie named Chaser

A Border Collie named Chaser holds the world record for the largest vocabulary of any dog. She was trained by her owner, a psychologist named John Pilley, to recognize and respond to over 1,000 different words. She was also able to categorize objects based on their function, such as recognizing that a frisbee and a ball are both toys. Impressively, Chaser’s language comprehension was almost on par with human toddlers, showcasing the incredible intelligence of Border Collies.

2) “Collie” is a Gaelic word meaning “useful”

Did you know that the word “collie” originates from the Gaelic language? It’s derived from the term cuilean, which means that something is “useful”. In this case, a useful dog. For centuries, the border region between Scotland and England relied heavily on herding dogs to manage their flocks of sheep. As a result, herding dogs in the region became known as “collies.”

3) Queen Victoria loved Border Collies

Queen Victoria was known for her love of animals, particularly dogs. She owned various breeds throughout her lifetime, but it was her fondness for Border Collies that truly captured the public’s attention. In the mid-19th century, she acquired her first Border Collie, Sharp, who quickly became her favourite. Sharp’s intelligence and loyalty won the Queen’s heart, and she soon added more Border Collies to her royal pack. As one of the most influential figures of her time, Queen Victoria’s love for Border Collies had a lasting impact on the breed’s popularity.

4) Most of today’s Border Collies are related to one dog called Old Hemp

Adam Telfer (1859-1940), a world-renowned sheepdog breeder from a long line of Northumberland shepherds, used his expertise in selective breeding to produce Old Hemp, a legendary herding dog hailed as a ‘true master of sheep’. Old Hemp’s exceptional herding abilities were attributed to his unique approach, which involved intense eye contact and minimal barking, proving far more effective than the aggressive tactics employed by other herding dogs of his time. 

His quieter, controlled technique allowed Old Hemp to gently move sheep without causing panic or distress, earning him admiration from shepherds across the British Isles. His extraordinary talents led to high demand for his offspring, resulting in over 200 puppies sired during his lifetime. Many modern Border Collies can trace their lineage back to Old Hemp, who is widely recognised as the foundational “sire” of the breed we know and love today.

5) They make excellent actors

Border Collies are not only intelligent and agile, but they also have an innate ability to steal the spotlight with their acting skills. Their expressive faces and ability to follow commands make them perfect for starring roles in both movies and television shows. 

Babe, the beloved 1995 movie about a pig who learns to herd sheep, featured a Border Collie named Fly as the wise mentor to the titular character. Fly’s real-life name was Miriam, and her exceptional talent and ability to follow commands helped bring the character to life, creating memorable moments for viewers. 

However, it’s not just the big screen that has seen the talents of these amazing dogs. Border Collies have also appeared in numerous television shows and commercials, showcasing their skills and winning the hearts of audiences around the world. So, next time you see a dog performing impressive tricks on screen, there’s a good chance it’s a Border Collie showing off their acting chops!

6) They also make excellent search and rescue dogs

Border Collies are the perfect candidates for search and rescue missions. Their keen sense of smell, high intelligence, and ability to quickly cover large areas, allows them to locate missing persons or objects with remarkable efficiency.

It’s not just their physical abilities that make them excellent search and rescue dogs; their empathetic nature plays a significant role too. Border Collies are known to form strong bonds with their handlers, allowing them to work seamlessly as a team in high-stress situations.

7) Their roots can be traced back to Roman times

Border Collies have a long history. When the Romans invaded Britain around 43 AD, they brought with them herding dogs known for their ability to control livestock. These large, powerful, and tireless dogs were perfect for managing the vast herds of cattle needed for food and transportation.

A few centuries later, the Vikings arrived, bringing their own smaller, more agile, spitz-type herding hounds that were well-equipped to move sheep over Britain’s rugged terrain. Over time, the Roman and Viking herding dogs interbred, resulting in a medium-sized, agile dog that retained the work ethic and intelligence of its predecessors. These dogs laid the foundation for the collie breeds that followed, and ultimately, today’s Border Collie.

8) Border Collies were selectively bred by shepherds who needed the perfect herding dog

Shepherds in the border regions of England and Scotland relied on agile and versatile herding dogs to help them move livestock over rugged terrain. They selectively bred those with the strongest herding instincts, agility, and intelligence, which shaped the Border Collie into the breed we know today.

9) Border Collies hold loads of world records

Border Collies have proven that their abilities go far beyond herding sheep. Here are some impressive records held by these remarkable canines:

• Border Collie “Jiff” holds the record for being the fastest dog on two paws. Jiff can cover ten meters on his hind legs in just 6.56 seconds, and on his front legs, he can cover five meters in an astonishing 7.76 seconds.
• Another talented Border Collie named “Hero” holds the record for the most tricks performed by a dog in one minute, with a total of 58 tricks!
• The longest flying disc catch by a dog is held by a Border Collie named “Davy Whippet”. Partnered with Rob McLeod, Davy successfully caught a frisbee that had been thrown a staggering 402 feet (122.5 meters) away.