Also called the Smooth Coat Border Collie, the Short Haired Border Collie is a dog breed that has become famous and loved for its remarkable abilities. Unlike the traditional image of a Border Collies with long lavish fur working dog enthusiasts value the practicality of this short-haired variant.
This guide will cover everything from their history and appearance to their behaviour, maintenance, medical needs and their overall companionship value.
The History of the Short Haired Border Collie From Origins to Herding Legend
The Border Collies are natives of the Scotland-England border. Specializing in herding sheep and livestock Border Collies are bred with specific characteristics in murderous shepherding regions. Their incredible agility and sharp wits made them treasured companions to herding collies as they did the gruelling work of shepherding animals.
The region the breed is named after speaks for its existence. Border Collies have been loved over long and short-haired varieties and their short hair earns them bonus points for places rife with mud or thorn bushes, as less fur means less debris collection.
What the Short Haired Border Collie Looks Like: Size, Coat, and Colors
Coat and Colors
Every Border Collie can be recognized for their distinct coat, but with the short-haired variety, it is even more remarked. This breed has an athletic smooth and dense coat which is short and lies flat against the body. This aids in easier grooming as well as helping the dog to stay cool and agile. The coat enables the animal to withstand merciless winds and rain too, ensuring weather resistance.
The short-haired variety of Border Collies exhibits a wide assortment of patterns and colours. While black and white seems to be the most common, you can also find red & white, Tricolor, blue merle or even the rare lilac and slate. Not only do these border collies have brown and blue eyes, but some even have one of each, which adds to their remarkable features.
Build and Size
These dogs are of medium size and athletic in nature. Their height is generally between 18 to 22 inches and weight is 30 to 45 pounds. The dogs have a lean and powerful physique which is indicative of their working background.
Their bodies are robust and measure a little longer than the height which presents a svelte and agile physique. The dogs ears can either be semi erect fully dropped or erect and the tail which is bushy is lowered when the dog is relaxed.
Short Haired Border Collie Temperament and Personality What to Expect
Intelligence and Trainability
Intelligence and Trainability No matter their coat type, Border Collies are famous for being the most intelligent dog breed. They can learn commands, work out solutions to problems, and figure out what a person requires before the individual is asked.
This incredible intelligence coupled with an eagerness to reward makes them very easy to train. They performs remarkably well in trainings such as obedience, agility, competitive flyball, herding trials, and even in advanced tricks.
Energy and Drive
The Short haired Border Collies have lots of energy. This bred was created with the intention to work all day, requiring them to traverse miles of challenging terrain. For this reason, they need to do a lot of exercise every day—at least one to two hours of hard tasks plus mental challenges.
If they don’t have enough to do, they might get bored and, in the worst case, start doing bad things like chewing, digging, or even constantly herding people, pets, or cars.
Social Nature
These dogs love being with their families and are proud of the strong bonds they have made with them. They like being praised, which makes them “sensitive” to how their owner feels.
Also, even though most of them are nice, some may be quiet or shy around new people. Early socialization is very important for helping kids grow up to be well-rounded people.
How to Groom a Short Haired Border Collie Maintenance, Brushing & Hygiene Tips
Coat Care
An advantage of the short haired Border Collie is its low-maintenance coat. It usually only requires weekly brushing to remove loose hair and maintain its shine and health. Shedding occurs throughout the year as well as during seasonal changes, thus requiring increased brushing during those times.
Bathing and General Hygiene
Bathing does not have to be performed more than a few times within a few months’ span unless the dog is exceptionally dirty. Frequent bathing will remove the coat’s natural conditioning oils.
Cleaning your dog’s ears regularly is necessary as they can retain dirt and moisture, especially after spending time outdoors. Dogs also need to have their nails clipped every three to four weeks, and their teeth brushed multiple times per week to maintain oral hygiene.
Trimming
Trimming hair around the feet, hocks, and occasionally the tail is all that is needed to be done, as minimal trimming is required. Unlike the rough-coated kind, the smooth coat is far more advantageous because it does not mat easily.
How Long Do Short-Haired Border Collies Live? Health Problems & Lifespan Explained
Lifespan
Border Collies with short hair tend to be strong and healthy, enduring from 12-15 years on average. However, plenty of them survive beyond their teenage years if cared for properly.
Common Health Issues
As is the case with all pedigree dogs, Border Collies may be predisposed to specific hereditary diseases, which include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Epilepsy
- Deafness
Always ask for health clearances when acquiring a puppy from a reputable breeder, as they do screen for these issues.
Is the Short Haired Border Collie Right for You? Ideal Living Conditions & Home Suitability
Ideal Owners
Those with active lifestyles, such as singles, couples, or family units that have great energy, will find short-haired Border Collies to be wonderful companions.
They require a lot of exercise as well as mental challenges. They are perfect for people who love canine athletics, going for long nature walks, jogging, or have big, safe, fenced gardens.
Not Ideal For
Unless daily outings and enrichment activities are incorporated, they do not adapt well to sedentary households or apartment living. Without sufficient stimulation, they can become anxious or destructive.
With Children and Pets
Border Collies are surprisingly good with children, but only when they are socialized properly. However, they may also “herd” young children and other pets by nipping at their heels. The right training tailored to each individual will be very helpful, along with supervision.
Short Haired Border Collie Puppy Prices, Adoption Costs & Best Places to Get One
- Adoption: Border Collies or their mixes can be found at shelters and rescues for less than a hundred dollars.
- Breeders: Good breeders tend to charge between $600–$1,000 for puppies, while show-quality dogs can start at $1,500 or even higher.
Remember to adopt a dog in need of a loving home, or choose responsible breeders.
Comparing Short-Haired and Long-Haired Border Collies Grooming, Temperament & Looks
| Feature | Short Haired (Smooth Coat) | Long Haired (Rough Coat) |
| Coat Length | Short, smooth, dense | Long, feathered, flowing |
| Grooming Needs | Low; weekly brushing | High; frequent brushing needed |
| Appearance | Sleek, athletic | Fluffy, dramatic |
| Shedding | Moderate to high | Moderate to high |
| Temperament | Intelligent, energetic, loyal | Similar |
Final Thoughts :- Is the Short Haired Border Collie the Right Dog for You?
People who like to be active families or people who love to go on adventures will love the short-haired Border Collie breed. You only need to do light grooming on these dogs and they have a smart active and caring nature that makes them great pets.
Short-haired Border Collies have a subtle charm that people who like to be busy will find irresistible. This breed of dog is very active and friendly, which makes them great pets.
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