Sufficient, but not excessive, length of neck is a crucial factor in the overall balance of the Border Collie. Without the appropriate reach of neck the dog would be unable to correctly lower its head in movement. Whilst the dog is on the move, the ideal carriage of the head is more or less in line with the back.

Generally, a shorter neck is accompanied by incorrect front assembly.

Remember, the Border Collie acquires part of its grace from the flow of the neck into the forequarters.