Border Collie Harness: Finding the harness for you

History of the Border Collie

The exact origins of the Border Collie are somewhat unclear, as they have been developed over centuries through selective breeding. However, it is widely believed that their ancestors can be traced back to Roman times. The Romans brought their herding dogs, known as "Canis pastoralis," when they invaded Britain. These dogs eventually interbred with the local herding breeds, resulting in the development of the Border Collie we know today.

The breed began to take shape in the border region between England and Scotland during the 17th and 18th centuries. Farmers in this area recognized the need for a dog that could effectively manage and control livestock in the rugged and often challenging terrain. They selectively bred dogs for their exceptional herding abilities, intelligence, and agility. The name "Border Collie" itself originates from the breed's geographical roots. The term "collie" is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "coll," which means useful or working. The "border" part of the name refers to the border region between England and Scotland. Border Collies gained recognition and popularity as exceptional working dogs during the late 19th century. They were highly valued by shepherds for their ability to gather and move livestock with precision and efficiency. Their intense focus, keen instincts, and remarkable problem-solving skills made them indispensable on the farms.

In the early 20th century, the breed's reputation spread beyond the working farms, and Border Collies began to participate in sheepdog trials and competitions. These events showcased the breed's exceptional herding skills and further cemented their status as the ultimate herding dog. In 1976, the International Sheep Dog Society was established to promote and preserve the working abilities of Border Collies. This organisation played a crucial role in maintaining the breed's working traits and preventing the dilution of their herding instincts.

Today, Border Collies are not only highly regarded working dogs but also beloved family pets and successful competitors in various dog sports and activities. Their intelligence, trainability, and boundless energy make them excel in obedience, agility, and even canine freestyle. From their humble beginnings as working dogs on the borders of England and Scotland to their global recognition as exceptional herders and companions, Border Collies continue to captivate us with their incredible abilities and unwavering loyalty.

Benefits of the Border Collie

Border Collies, known for their intelligence, agility, and unfailing loyalty, succeed not only as working dogs but also as beloved household pets. They are a remarkable breed that offers several benefits to their owners, such as:

1. Intelligent and Trainable: 

Border Collies are widely regarded as one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They have an exceptional ability to learn and understand commands quickly, making them highly trainable. Whether you want them to excel in obedience, agility, or herding trials, these dogs are up for the challenge. Their intelligence also allows them to adapt to new situations and problem-solve effectively.

2. Excellent Working Dogs: 

Originally bred for herding livestock, Border Collies possess a strong work ethic and a natural instinct for herding. They are incredibly agile and have unmatched stamina, which makes them perfect for various working roles. Farmers often rely on Border Collies to help them manage and move their livestock efficiently.

3. Active Lifestyle Companions: 

If you lead an active lifestyle and enjoy outdoor activities, a Border Collie can be the ideal companion. These dogs thrive on physical exercise and mental stimulation. They will gladly accompany you on hikes, runs, or any other outdoor adventures. Their high energy levels make them excellent partners for activities such as flyball, frisbee, or even participating in dog sports competitions.

4. Bonding and Loyalty: 

Border Collies are known for their strong bonds with their owners. They form a deep connection and show unwavering loyalty. This loyalty extends not only to their human family but also to other pets they may be raised with. The deep bond they form makes them highly responsive to their owners' commands and eager to please.

5. Versatile and Multi-Talented: 

Border Collies are versatile dogs that excel in a wide range of activities and tasks. In addition to their herding skills, they are often seen participating in obedience trials, agility competitions, search and rescue missions, and even as therapy dogs. Their versatility makes them a great fit for families with diverse interests and goals.

6. Great with Children: 

Despite their herding instincts, Border Collies are typically gentle and patient with children. They are known to be excellent family dogs. However, early socialisation and proper training are crucial to ensure they understand how to interact appropriately with kids. 

The Border Collie offers a wealth of benefits to their owners. From their intelligence and trainability to their versatility and loyalty, these dogs are truly exceptional. Whether you're looking for a working companion, an active lifestyle partner, or a loving family pet, the Border Collie is sure to bring joy, companionship, and endless adventures into your life.

Why a Harness is Good for Border Collie

When it comes to walking and exercising your Border Collie, using a harness instead of a collar can offer numerous benefits. Border Collies, known for their high energy levels and intelligence, require regular physical activity to stay happy and healthy. 

Here's why investing in a Border Collie harness is a smart choice.

1. Comfort and Safety: 

Border Collies have a delicate neck structure, and excessive pulling or jerking on a collar can lead to discomfort or even injury. Harnesses are designed to distribute the pulling force across the dog's chest and shoulders, reducing strain on the neck. This ensures your Border Collie's safety and prevents any potential damage to their sensitive throat area.

2. Better Control: 

Border Collies are notorious for their strong herding instincts and tendency to chase after moving objects. A harness provides better control over your dog's movements, making it easier to redirect their attention using positive reinforcement and prevent them from lunging or pulling excessively. With a harness, have a firmer grip on your Border Collie, whilst maintaining their comfort, allowing for safer and more enjoyable walks.

3. Training Aid: 

Harnesses can be valuable tools for training your Border Collie. They offer a more secure attachment point for a leash, making it easier to guide your dog's behaviour during walks or obedience training sessions. By using positive reinforcement techniques alongside a harness, you can reinforce good behaviour and discourage any unwanted pulling or tugging.

4. Enhanced Comfort during Outdoor Activities: 

Border Collies thrive on outdoor adventures, whether it's hiking, running, or playing fetch. The added support and padding of a harness ensures that your Border Collie remains comfortable, even during extended periods of activity.

5. Reduced Risk of Escaping: 

Border Collies are known for their agility and ability to squeeze through tight spaces. Unlike collars, harnesses offer a more secure fit that minimises the chances of your dog slipping out or escaping during walks. This added security gives you peace of mind, especially in high-traffic areas or when encountering other animals.

Investing in a harness for your Border Collie is a wise decision that offers numerous benefits. From improved comfort and safety to better control and a training aid, a harness ensures that your energetic and intelligent Border Collie can enjoy their walks and outdoor activities to the fullest. 

Make sure to consider their size and weight to ensure the perfect fit. Measure your Border Collie’s girth (around the widest part of their chest) and refer to the sizing calculator on our website, https://perfect-fit-dog-harness.com/PFSizing/, to find the most suitable size. 

Equip your dog with a suitable Border Collie harness and embark on many exciting adventures together!

Why a PerfectFit Harness is the best choice

The PerfectFit Harness has a modular design to fit any dog type including a Border Collie. Our harness has a large variety of sizes and fits to choose from, a massive positive of our harness is that it is comfy and calming for your dog ensuring that both you and your dog are content on your walks. You can purchase our harness in 3 segments, so you can purchase the exact size for each part of the chest, providing your dog with the perfect fit! We know how worrying it can be when your dog is pulling on their lead and their harness or collar is tugging on their neck, however, our harness is designed with a Y-shaped front to avoid the soft tissues of the throat and neck. This will reduce the risk of any damage caused by the pulling. Our harness isn't just safer, it is also stylish. We offer a wide range of colours and as you can remove and replace each piece you can have multiple different harness colours! We are the PerfectFit for you!