Sheepherders have been using dogs to tend their flocks since the 1500's. Dogs like the Border Collies have existed for centuries. Some old paintings show the shepherd's dog as one resembling the Border Collie. The Border Collie is descended from British droving breeds originating on the Scottish and English border. Mention of the 'Collie' or 'Colley' type first appeared toward the end of the nineteenth century with the current Border Collie type emerging with dogs such as Old Hemp in 1893. Wealthy Americans imported huge flocks of sheep from Britain, and the sheepherders and their good dogs came with them. When they needed more good dogs, they sent home for them.

Other names were the Border, farm Collie, working Collies, Sheep dogs, drover dogs, guard dogs, farm dogs & Shepherds dogs. They are dogs who will keep the children from danger just as they would the sheep in their flocks. They are loyal to those they know and love, and many Border Collies simply do not 'need' any other people than their family, being totally content to be a part of their pack, their place.

They are hard working farm dogs who adapt easily to different farm stock, and are proven to be the most intelligent of all breeds. They are are quick and agile, able to work on any terrain, and well-suited for short bursts of high speed. Sheepherders and farmers are able to just talk or merely nod to their dogs, and it is a quiet understanding between them. Border Collies from lines of keen minds can learn many words and signals with understanding.

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