Category: Dog Breeds

The saying goes that from little acorns, big oak trees grow, and the same is true for the White Border Collie. Although they started as a simple sheepdog, they have since become one of the most prized and popular dog breeds in the world.¹ Their work ethic, loyalty, and intelligence give them a versatility that serves them well in all canine careers and as treasured family pets.

Breed Overview

The Border Collie might be most known for their tidy black-and-white coloring, but the breed standard encompasses many more colors than you might expect. These dogs can be completely white or have a mix of white and other colors, such as blue, merle, red, and tan.

White Border Collies are just as keen to work as the more commonly colored members of the breed. The striking appearance of their white coats, combined with the breed’s natural intelligence, make these dogs a force to be reckoned with.

White Border Collie Breed Characteristics

The Earliest Records of the White Border Collie in History

Originally bred on the border of England and Scotland as a herding dog,² the Border Collie was well equipped for work in the rugged terrain of the Scottish and Welsh highlands. They were first developed from the breeds that followed the Roman legions and the Viking forces that occupied England throughout history. These dogs were also the building blocks for many herding breeds that we know today and played a big part in the development of the Collie in particular.

The first Border Collies had the black-and-white coat that we all recognize today, and that remains the most common coloring. These days, though, there are many more variations. White is one of the recognized standards for the breed and is steadily becoming more popular with breed enthusiasts throughout the world.

How the White Border Collie Gained Popularity

It was the Border Collie’s work ethic and loyalty that played the biggest part in their popularity.³ They weren’t always a well-known breed, though, and they remained on the border of England and Scotland for several hundred years before taking the world by storm.

When they were introduced to sheepdog trials for the first time during the late 19^th century, they drew the eye and favor of Queen Victoria and gradually gained the attention of other dog lovers. Eventually, their intelligence and willingness to work earned them jobs in all sorts of careers, and their affectionate nature made them good companion dogs too.

White isn’t one of the most common colors for the breed, with black and white still being the most well-known. Their striking looks, however, have still earned them a place among the world’s favorite dogs.

Formal Recognition of the White Border Collie

Once the Border Collie earned attention during sheepdog trials and in poetry, more people began exporting them outside of the U.K. It wasn’t until the late 20^th century that they began soaring in popularity, though. After Border Collies starred in the movie “Babe,” dominated sheepdog trials, and won awards for their intelligence, agility, and obedience, they gained increased favor.

Despite their skills, however, recognition was slow in most other parts of the world. Most of their initial formal recognition remained in the U.K. where they continued excelling in sheepdog trials and gaining ground in obedience competitions.

In the U.S.A., the Border Collie was included in the AKC’s Miscellaneous class in 1955 but wasn’t completely recognized as a breed until 1995. White is one of the standard colors for the breed and is accepted in formal competitions.

Top 3 Unique Facts About the White Border Collie

1. They Herd Everything

The Border Collie was bred to herd sheep, and their instincts serve them well in their job. You’ll find most Border Collies living as family dogs these days, but that doesn’t mean their herding instincts have been forgotten.

Like most herding dog breeds, the Border Collie is naturally inclined to herd everything, and they’ll often direct their instincts on people and objects around the house. Your Collie might shepherd party balloons behind the sofa or direct their favorite ball toys into a corner. They’re even known to herd children and other animals.

This instinct is why socializing these dogs is important. Teaching them when and where their herding instinct is acceptable is necessary to ensure that everyone feels safe.

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2. They Are One of the Best Working Dogs in the World

Herding isn’t the only job that Border Collies can do, even if it’s the one that they’re best known for. Their keen intelligence and admirable ability to follow gestures, whistles, and voice commands serve them well alongside shepherds and owners in many other careers.

With the right training and activities, the Border Collie is a loyal and hardworking companion with boundless amounts of energy to dedicate to their work. Due to this high work ethic, Border Collies have found jobs in police work, acting, and search and rescue and as service animals.

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3. They Were Loved by Royalty

The Border Collie might have begun life in the fields alongside herds of sheep, but they were never destined to stay obscure. Besides being adored by Robert Burns, a Scottish poet, the Border Collie also earned favor with Queen Victoria during the late 19^th century. She was a well-known dog lover during her reign, and the Border Collie became one of her favorite breeds during the early 1860s.

Does the White Border Collie Make a Good Pet?

The White Border Collie can be both a treasured companion and a menace, depending on the family looking after them. Their intelligence and energy are well-loved in the working dog world, and their affectionate nature makes them awesome family pets. However, they require much more work than many dog owners first assume.

Despite their eagerness to please their family members, these dogs aren’t suited to an idle lifestyle. They need plenty of activity to keep their mind and body active, and many families simply can’t keep up with their needs. The Border Collie, no matter what color they are, is raring to go at all times.

For active families who have the time and patience to dedicate to their Border Collie, these dogs are playful and adoring. They love to socialize with their family members and will get along with children and other pets. Watch out for their herding instincts, though! It can be a source of amusement, but other pets and children might be wary or frightened by the behavior.

Conclusion

Loyal, hard-working, and incredibly intelligent, the White Border Collie has gone from a simple sheepdog to a breed that’s skilled and versatile. Besides herding sheep and sometimes geese, the Border Collie is used in police work and search and rescue and as a service animal.

Most of all, they are beloved family dogs with a striking appearance and eagerness to play. Owning a White Border Collie isn’t for the faint of heart or the idle, but when these dogs are well-socialized, active, and trained, they are rewarding companions.

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Featured Image Credit: April Reid, Pixabay

The post White Border Collie: History & Facts (With Pictures) appeared first on Pet Keen.

A Parti Labradoodle is just like any other Labradoodle. However, it has a parti-color coat pattern, which is a coat that’s mostly white with a few patches of another color. Usually, this other color is black, brown, cream, or apricot, though any color is technically possible.

This coloration is inherited from either parent. However, because this coloration isn’t recognized in any parent breed, finding dogs with the gene is rare. Therefore, these dogs tend to be much rarer than solid-colored Labradoodles.

Breed Overview

Because this is a mixed breed, they do vary considerably. However, they are one of the few mixed breeds that are highly popular. You’ll find Labradoodles sold across the world today—often for much more money than many purebred dogs. Parti-colored Labradoodles have risen to prominence with them.

This breed is mostly known for their low-shedding and hypoallergenic qualities (though these are debatable). However, there are many other interesting points you should know about this breed.

Parti Labradoodle Breed Characteristics

The Earliest Records of the Parti Labradoodle in History

There are no specific historical records for the parti Labradoodle. We don’t know exactly when they were first documented or mentioned. They likely originated in the 20^th century with the rising popularity of other Labradoodles.

The intent behind the Labradoodle breed was to create a dog with the low-shedding and hypoallergenic qualities of the Poodle, combined with the friendly and sociable nature of the Labrador Retriever.

Originally, Labradoodles were bred as guide dogs for those with dog allergies. However, they quickly became popular companion animals.

The particolored Labradoodle likely emerged as part of the wider Labradoodle movement. However, we don’t know exactly when or where that happened.

How the Parti Labradoodle Gained Popularity

We can never know exactly why certain dogs become popular and others do not. However, there are quite a few positive traits that these dogs have that might have propelled them into their current popular position.

Unique Coat Pattern

The only reason anyone chooses a particolored Labradoodle over any other Labradoodle is because of their coat coloration. This dog does stand out against other Labradoodles, which commonly come in solid colors.

People often prefer dogs with more unique coats, and that’s one of the most important reasons this dog has become increasingly popular.

Low-Shedding and Hypoallergenic

These dogs are often sold as “hypoallergenic,” though no dog breed is really hypoallergenic. These dogs don’t commonly shed. However, as a mixed breed, they may inherit any trait from either parent breed. In other words, they may shed just as much as a Labrador.

Therefore, while being hypoallergenic and low-shedding may not be true for all of these dogs, these dogs are marketed that way, which may increase their popularity.

Family-Friendly Temperament

These dogs are extremely friendly and outgoing. They’re great for children of all ages and get along well in most families. Therefore, they’re often chosen by people looking for an all-around family dog. They’re suitable for things beyond being a family dog, too. For instance, they’re extremely good at therapy and guide work.

Intelligence and Trainability

This canine inherits the intelligence and trainability of both their parents. Therefore, they’re quick to learn and eager to please. They’re one of the easiest dog breeds to train, making them one of the best breeds for beginners.

They form strong bonds with their owners, which makes training them increasingly easy.

Why Isn’t the Parti Labradoodle Recognized by Kennel Clubs?

Simply put, kennel clubs like the AKC do not recognize mixed-breed dogs. To be purebred, dog breeds have to be self-contained. That means that they’re unique and don’t have the blood of other dog breeds mixing together.

The parti Labradoodle doesn’t meet this requirement. They’re created by mixing Labradors and Poodles together, which makes them a mixed breed.

Furthermore, these dogs have not recognized breed standards. They have a huge variability of traits, which isn’t allowed for pure breeds. They can vary in temperament, appearance, and health. There isn’t one trait that’s shared amongst all Labradoodles.

Furthermore, to establish a recognized breed, kennel clubs typically require a breed to have a stable population and a documented breeding history. This includes maintaining careful records of pedigrees, lineage, and breeding practices over multiple generations.

Labradoodles have a relatively recent history and may not have a consistent breeding lineage that meets the requirements of kennel clubs.

Top 3 Unique Facts About the Parti Labradoodle

1. These dogs are extremely rare.

These dogs aren’t very common. Labradoodles are becoming more and more common. However, they are still considered a rare breed (which makes them expensive). This coloration is even rarer, so you often have to find a specialty breeder for a particolored puppy, which is often expensive.

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2. Parti Labradoodles vary a lot.

Because this dog is a mixed breed, they vary a lot. You never know what traits puppies are going to inherit from either parent. These dogs may have curly, wavy, or straight hair. They may shed or not shed. They may require regular professional grooming or not. Therefore, they aren’t suitable for someone that’s looking for a specific type of dog.

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3. Even this coat color can vary considerably.

The “particolored” distinguisher only means that the dog is at least 50% white with patches of another color. However, dogs can be almost completely white or barely 50% white. They may have any other color on their coat, as well.

Therefore, particolored Labradoodles are an extremely varied bunch.

Does a Parti-Colored Labradoodle Make a Good Pet?

These dogs make very good pets, which is one reason they’re becoming more and more popular. These dogs are known for being friendly and sociable. They get along with just about everyone, including children and other pets. They even get along with young children when properly introduced and socialized.

They don’t shed very much (usually), which makes them suitable for families that may benefit from less dog hair around the house. They are also very easy to train and intelligent, making them great for new dog owners (though they do require quite a bit of work).

If you’re looking for a companion dog, this breed is a great option.

Conclusion

Parti-colored Labradoodles are a rare mixed breed. You often need to adopt them from a specialty breeder, as they hardly ever show up at rescues or even your average Labradoodle breeder.

However, these canines do make great companion animals. They’re bred almost exclusively for companionship, though they were originally bred as guide dogs. They’re very friendly and pretty easy to train.

Before you adopt one of these dogs, ensure you have the time and money to care for them properly.

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Featured Image Credit: Flyby Photography, Shutterstock

The post Parti Labradoodle: Origin, History, & Facts (With Pictures) appeared first on Pet Keen.