Border Collies

The Border Collie is known the world over as an elite working dog. For decades they were bred and managed as a premier working dog – their coat was easy to care for; their high energy level meant they could work all day without tiring.

Of course not all dogs inherited the breed’s legendary talents as a herding dog. Practical farmers without room for pets often destroyed these dogs, never breeding anything that didn’t excel at working. In more recent years these dogs have a chance at another career – that of a pet. However, it is not a pet for every home. They still can be high energy, although there are individuals who are happy with a walk, play time and being with their family. The higher drive dogs are best suited for an active owner – one who jogs, or bikes or takes weekend camping trips. Perhaps more than many breeds each dog is an individual and if you’re not an athlete you’ll need to look a bit harder if you want one.

It is highly recommended for prospective owners to read Donald McCaig’s books “Eminent Dogs, Dangerous Men” and “Nop’s Trials”. The latter, although fiction, carries many real-life indications of what this breed is about. They’re highly intelligent. They have excelled as search and rescue dogs and even if quiet tempered have a mind that needs to be kept busy. This is the dog to hide treats for, to teach to do small tasks around the house like close a door when asked.

They can be in many colors from almost all colored to almost white, black, blue merle, lemon, red, chocolate, blue and tri color. Their coats may vary from smooth to long haired, sometimes with an undercoat. They are fiercely, obsessively attached to their family and need structure and training. Do not let them get away with jumping on the table because they’re just such a cute puppy – they will remember that when full grown! If they do something, good or bad, without correction or praise they’ve learned it. Some dogs have been known to refuse food if the owner is away. They can be obsessive about many things – from playing Frisbee or ball to chasing cars or herding kids. Because of their herding background nips should always be treated seriously and corrected – they will forgive you easily but left unchecked it almost always escalates to a bite at the worst time.

It’s also important to remember they don’t quit – in warm weather monitor them for heat exhaustion as they will continue until they collapse. They’re wonderful dogs in the right hands and you’ll swear they read your mind but that trait can be used for good or bad!