Border Collies - A Working Dog
Old Hemp
The History of the Breed
The dogs you see competing at Soldier Hollow are Border Collies—widely regarded as the finest herding dogs in the world. While dogs resembling today’s Border Collies worked alongside farmers as far back as the first century B.C., every modern Border Collie can trace its lineage to a single dog: Old Hemp.
Old Hemp was owned by Adam Telfer and distinguished himself through intelligence, instinct, and a revolutionary herding style. Unlike many sheepdogs of his time, Old Hemp worked quietly—using body position and movement rather than barking to control stock. His ability to anticipate sheep behavior and move them efficiently became the foundation of modern Border Collie work. Within a few generations, his descendants dominated international sheepdog competitions.
Old Hemp’s influence on the breed is unparalleled. Between 1906 and 1951, every winner of the International Sheepdog Championship—twenty-nine dogs in all—was descended from him. The standards for the breed’s working ability were later formalized by the International Sheep Dog Society, based largely on these bloodlines.
In the late 1800s, as sheep were imported from Scotland to North America, Border Collies arrived alongside them. Before barbed wire fencing, vast open ranges required dogs capable of managing large flocks over long distances. One skilled rancher and one exceptional dog could control a thousand sheep. The effectiveness of these dogs led American ranchers to request more from Britain, cementing the Border Collie’s role in North American ranching.
Renowned for intelligence, agility, stamina, and an innate ability to work livestock, the Border Collie remains indispensable on farms and ranches today. Never bred for appearance, the breed is defined—now as always—by its working ability.
Border Collies as Pets
Many people who watch the clever, well-behaved dogs at a sheepdog trial think they would like to have a Border Collie as a pet. Often, this is not the best idea. Border Collies are extremely intelligent, active, and high-energy dogs that thrive on having meaningful work to do with a person.
If working with a dog is your favorite activity and you have ample time and energy to devote to training, exercise, and mental stimulation, a Border Collie may be a wonderful companion. If your lifestyle cannot support those needs, another breed is likely a better choice.
If you do decide a Border Collie is right for you, choosing wisely is essential. Keep these guidelines in mind:
Commit to extensive socialization. Herding breeds can be more sensitive and have strong prey-chase instincts. Early and ongoing socialization helps prevent fearfulness, nipping, and unwanted behaviors.
Don’t choose a Border Collie just because it’s “smart.” Intelligent dogs need constant mental engagement. Without a job, a Border Collie will invent one—often herding children, chasing cars or bikes, escaping the yard, or redecorating the trash.
Expect energy—lots of it. After a long workday, your dog will still want to run, train, and play. Without outlets, boredom can lead to barking, digging, and chewing.
Never buy from a pet shop. Responsible breeders do not sell puppies through pet stores.
Be wary of online-only sellers. Many unethical breeders mass-produce unhealthy or unstable puppies in poor conditions.
Avoid breeders with constant puppies available. Good breeders produce limited litters and devote significant time to raising them properly.
Color should never be the priority. Breeding for flashy or unusual colors is a red flag and does not produce good working dogs.
Good breeders know the breed’s health issues and will openly discuss genetic testing and potential concerns.
Finally, we invite you to come watch these extraordinary dogs in action at the Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Championship. Admire their athleticism, courage, and intelligence—but remember, while they are exceptional working dogs, they may not be the perfect pet for everyone.
Sources: American Border Collie Association (ABCA); International Sheepdog Society “The Shepherd’s Dog” (ISDS); Wikipedia.org “Border Collies”; Colliepoint.com “Border Collie History”; Western Border Collie Rescue, “A letter about Border Collie Rescue”