Border Collies are the black and white dogs (and other color variations) bred to herd sheep, is fast becoming one of the most popular dogs, sought after for its keen intelligence, wit and charm. Commonly seen in TV commercials, winning competitions on Animal Planet's agility programs, and movies (Babe), the Border Collie has moved from the farmyard to suburbia.
Those who share their homes with Border Collies often describe them as highly energetic, intelligent, sensitive and demanding of attention and activity. This is not a dog content to 'hang around' with you and is not well suited for apartment life nor for those who desire a lap dog type companion.
This is a dog that needs a job and if there isn't one, will find one. While the Border Collie is most definitely loyal, loving and bonds quickly, this breed is best and happiest when paired with people who have a very active lifestyle that includes a great deal of outdoor activity – much more than the average dog. The Border Collie is not always accepting of small children, cats, dogs and other family pets as a tremendous desire to herd has been bred into them for hundreds of years. This is a highly intelligent and well-balanced breed that is happiest and most well behaved when given a ‘job’ to do or provided with adequate physical activity.
The herding instinct in Border Collies is a behavioral trait that has been bred "into them" over the past two hundred years or so. The trait that sets the Border Collie apart from other breeds is the use of the 'eye'. A crouching, snakelike movement with an intense stare used to hypnotize livestock is what characterizes eye. Border Collies herd livestock, birds, other dogs, cats, children, squirrels, rabbits, deer, bugs, and often lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners, brooms, rakes, cars and anything else that moves, (many Border Collies lives have ended early under the wheels of a car). Border Collies are always underfoot. They watch you constantly (as if you are the stock), and rush in front of you if they think something is going to happen.
Although Border Collies herd by "eye" rather than by nipping at the heels of livestock, some will nip at the heels and legs of people when they run. Young children are common targets because of their level of active movement. To a Border Collie, a child is basically a sheep without much wool - a sheep in wolf's (kids) clothing if you will. A child running across the backyard or out the front door is, to the dog, a sheep that has decided to break from the fold. It is not advisable to get a Border Collie for households with children under seven.
The most important thing to remember about a Border Collie is that they need both mental and physical stimulation and exercise. A Border Collie can run for hours, but mental challenges (agility, herding, obedience, trick training, jobs around the house such as bringing in the paper, etc.) are what help a Border Collie be a happy, content family member.
Not all Border Collies are intense working dogs, but many of them are. Their intelligence is great, but people need to be willing to work with it. A Border Collie needs more than just a leash walk or occasional short game of fetch. If they are not challenged or they get bored they make up their own fun. Border Collies also need consistent expectations and rules and do best with positive reinforcement. They are hard-working and honest dogs who are great teammates.
Those who share their homes with Border Collies often describe them as highly energetic, intelligent, sensitive and demanding of attention and activity. This is not a dog content to 'hang around' with you and is not well suited for apartment life nor for those who desire a lap dog type companion.
This is a dog that needs a job and if there isn't one, will find one. While the Border Collie is most definitely loyal, loving and bonds quickly, this breed is best and happiest when paired with people who have a very active lifestyle that includes a great deal of outdoor activity – much more than the average dog. The Border Collie is not always accepting of small children, cats, dogs and other family pets as a tremendous desire to herd has been bred into them for hundreds of years. This is a highly intelligent and well-balanced breed that is happiest and most well behaved when given a ‘job’ to do or provided with adequate physical activity.
While the appeal of an intelligent dog may be strong, it's important to consider your lifestyle. After reading through this, if you still feel like you can handle this breed and enjoy living the "Border Collie" lifestyle, we encourage you to seek out a rescue dog.
