There are a number of colours found in the Border Collie.  The most traditional is black-and-white, where the coat is mainly black on the back and head, with a white stripe in the middle of the face, white markings on the legs and the chest and a black tail with a white tip.

Norton - Traditional Black & White

 REM - Traditional Black & White Belle - Black & White with ticking
 

 

There are considerable variations to the traditional black and white pattern, and some dogs may have white marking on the body.  Some may even have a white or a half-white face.

According to the Breed Standard, Border Collies should not be completely white.  There are a couple of reasons for this.  It is generally believed that sheep take less notice of a white dog (although a number of white dogs have disproved this theory and proved to be good working dogs) also it is easier to pick out a non-white dog amongst the flock of sheep at a large distance.

Sofy - Predominantly White

 Jake - Split Face Harper - Partial Split Face
 

 

Some Border Collies also have tan points along with their black & white.  Tan is a recessive gene.

Gemma - Black Tri

 Flora - Black Tri Fly - Black Tri
 

 

Red & white Border Collies are becoming more common.  Red is a recessive gene.

Mattie -  Red & White Nell - White & Red Blaze - Red Tri
 

 

Another variation on the red & white Border Collie is the blue & white.  The blue appears when a recessive dilute gene acts on the black & white.

 
Skye - Blue Tri Lewis - Blue & White  
 

 

Border Collies can also come in red & blue merle, with or without tan points.  The merle is a dominant gene.

 

  Freckles - Blue Merle Darla - Blue Merle
 

 

Border Collies come in many coat types, ranging from smooth-coated to the really rough-coated.

Missy - Black & White Smooth Coat Rio - Red & White Semi-Rough Coat Skye - Black Tri Rough Coat
 

For even more pictures of all the colours of the Border Collie, please visit:
www.colliecorner.com
See if you can spot some familiar faces!