More and more people keep dogs today, and you can see people walking all kinds of dogs every morning and evening. Many of them are clean and well groomed, which shows how much people care about their pets. You have probably heard of the Border Collie and its top ranking intelligence among dogs. If you also want to raise one, here are some practical tips for choosing a healthy puppy.
1. Start by Looking at the Head
The head of a Border Collie should be broad, and the occiput should not be prominent. In a purebred dog, the length of the skull and the length of the muzzle should be roughly equal. The nose is relatively large, and when choosing a puppy you can observe the nose color. A standard Border Collie nose can be various colors, but it should not look pale or weakly pigmented. The ears should be moderate in size and set well apart on the head. They are usually erect or semi erect. The eyes are oval and moderate in size. Eye rim pigment and eye color are usually brown, although dogs with coat colors other than black may have lighter eyes.
2. Look at the Body
A Border Collie should have a very balanced body proportion. Because it was bred as a herding dog that worked across hills and fields, it developed an agile and athletic build. It originally served in the Scottish border region, where the terrain made it difficult for humans to keep up with sheep. That is why a fast and skillful dog was used as a shepherding partner. This history gave the Border Collie a well proportioned and strong physique. When selecting a puppy, pay attention to whether the body looks balanced and coordinated.
The Border Collie has a long double coat that helps protect it from winter cold and summer sun. When choosing a puppy, touch the coat to see whether it feels smooth, and also check the skin beneath the fur for lumps or unusual swelling. If the coat is badly matted or the skin has obvious bumps, it is better not to choose that puppy.
3. Check Important Details
If you want a healthy Border Collie, touch the nose. It should feel cool and moist. A dry and hot nose may suggest poor health. Also look at the tongue. A healthy dog usually has a bright pink tongue. Finally, choose a puppy with good spirit. When a stranger approaches, a healthy and lively puppy will usually show curiosity, either coming closer to sniff or moving around with interest. A puppy that sits still without response or trembles in fear when it sees unfamiliar people is usually not the best choice.
These are some basic methods for choosing a Border Collie. They may not cover every detail, but they can serve as a practical reference and help you choose a puppy that suits you.