A Blue Merle Border Collie Astronomer Stands by His Brass Orrery
Professor Orion has spent the night studying the heavens, and he pauses beside his brass orrery to look straight out at us. The blue merle Border Collie has sharp, speckled gray and black fur, tall ears with pink inside and amber eyes full of curiosity. His navy velvet coat is dotted with tiny golden stars, and a lace cravat bursts from his collar. Next to him, the golden rings of the orrery gleam like planets in orbit. Dark green drapery and a stone column fill the background, and the old-style cracks in the paint add to its charm.
Border Collies are widely considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They were developed on the border of Scotland and England to herd sheep, and they are known for their intense focus, remarkable agility and need for a job to do. The blue merle coat pattern is a marbled mix of gray and black, and merle dogs sometimes have blue or odd-colored eyes. Border Collies need lots of daily exercise and mental stimulation, such as training, puzzle toys and games, or they may become bored and find their own entertainment. They do well with active owners and thrive in activities such as agility and flyball. Talk to your vet about nutrition and health checks. A clever collie is always thinking.
The Professor will have the stars all figured out by morning. For a dog this clever, the universe is just another puzzle.
