# Border Collie (*Canis lupus familiaris*) A Border Collie is one of the smartest dog breeds. It has sharp eyes and loves to herd and learn new tricks. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Farms, fields, and active homes; big parks ![Border Collie](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426770/objects/4418.jpg) ## Appearance The Border Collie is a medium-sized dog known for its intense gaze and athletic build. They commonly have a black and white coat, but can also be tricolor, blue merle, or red, with either a rough or smooth texture. Their expressive eyes are often brown, blue, or a mix of both. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Carnivora - **Family:** Canidae - **Genus:** Canis ## Interesting facts - A Border Collie holds the world record for rolling a ball with its nose over 100 meters! - Some Border Collies have different colored eyes, like one blue and one brown! - They are named for the Anglo-Scottish border region where they were developed! - They often display a low, crouching 'stalk' when focused on a task or playing! ## Special abilities - **Master Herder:** Border Collie can control livestock with just a stare, thanks to their natural 'herding eye' instinct that helps them guide animals gently. - **Super Learner:** Border Collie has incredible intelligence that helps them learn over 1,000 words and complex commands, making them one of the smartest dog breeds. - **Agile Athlete:** Border Collie can change direction at full speed because of their powerful, flexible body that helps them navigate challenging terrains swiftly. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 46-56 cm - **Weight:** 12-20 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-17 years - **Speed:** 45 km/h - **Litter Size:** 4-8 - **Gestation:** 58-68 days ## Diet & Feeding Border Collies are omnivores, mostly eating commercial dog food, but can also enjoy some cooked meats and vegetables. - **Primary Foods:** commercial dog food, cooked meat, vegetables ## Ecological connections - **Symbiotic with:** [Human](https://www.snappit.app/explore/human) (*Homo sapiens*) — Provides companionship and work, receiving care and shelter. - **Depends on:** Domestic Sheep (*Ovis aries*) — Herded and protected by working Border Collies on farms. - **Depends on:** Domestic Cattle (*Bos taurus*) — Herded by Border Collies on farms and ranches. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Tool Use](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/tool-use): This trait describes organisms that manipulate external objects to achieve a specific goal. - [Domesticated](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/domesticated): Domesticated refers to species that have been selectively bred and tamed by humans for specific purposes. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Give this busy dog jobs like fetch or hide‑and‑seek; don’t tease or chase. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Border Collie? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Border Collie? 46-56 cm ### How much does Border Collie weigh? 12-20 kg ### How long does Border Collie live? 10-17 years ### How fast can Border Collie move? 45 km/h ### What does Border Collie eat? Border Collies are omnivores, mostly eating commercial dog food, but can also enjoy some cooked meats and vegetables. ### Where is Border Collie usually found? Farms, fields, and active homes; big parks ### How many babies does Border Collie usually have? 4-8 ## Where to spot - [Kentucky Down Under](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/kentucky-down-under) — Kentucky, US · Zoo - [Busch Gardens Williamsburg](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/busch-gardens-williamsburg) — Virginia, US · Zoo ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Border Collie: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/border-collie)