Border Collie As A Pet: Behavior and Health

As long as they receive considerable activity and attention on a daily to keep them occupied and ample exercise, border collies can live and deal happily with other dogs, and children. However border collies are can get aggressive with other dogs of the same sex, unfortunately should not be trusted with small non-canine pets, cats being the possible attention. I know both of our collies will tear after any cat that dares to trespass in the yard! Now, one of them is primarily interested in chasing and barking, but I have no doubt our younger one would destroy any cat it managed to corral. These dogs must be properly socialized as puppies or else disastrous socialization and character flaws may manifest themselves. Ever wonder why you see so many in the rescue leagues? These are INTENSE dogs. A good owner gives their dogs a daily diet of frequent and ongoing attention, extensive daily exercise, and a job to do. I can't stress the job part enough. A non working border collie, or one that does not get any physical excerise can quicklu develop bizarre and destructive behaviors, sometimes a new mania every week it seems! Farmers and canine sports enthusiasts are way into border collies. It is not surprising that at competitive levels in various sports such as: agility skills, obedience, and sheepdog trials, the Border Collie is represented among the leaders in the sport. A permanent will to please is ingrained in these dogs. As this breed lives to serve, they are awful pets for people who have cannot spend a lot of time with them. Would-be owners looking for a family dog as a pet should really look elsewhere for calmer breeds. Border collies can become neurotic if they are left alone for long periods. This breed is known as an escape artist. Border Collies can get snappish with kids or strangers due to their strong herding instincts. The dominance level of these dogs can vary considerably. As far as health problems or issues go, border collies are fairly robust, sturdy canines but are in fact prone to hip dysplasia, PRA, epilepsy, deafness, and a strange eye problem called Collie Eye anomaly. Forget about a border collie if you live in an apartment. These beasts require acreage both indoors and out. It goes without saying that keeping one chained in the backyard all day serves zero positive purpose and is a terrible waste. When we talk about excercise, we mean that these dogs need more than simply physical exertion. They enjoy tasks. Fetch, frisbee, stick, chasing geese, herding sheep etc, are what these dogs like to do AT ALL TIMES. They have no off button, and live at least 12 to 15 years without really mellowing out, so consider yourself warned! With regard to grooming and bathing, their coats need regular combing or brushing. Long haired border collies require more attention due to their soft and dense undercoat. They dislike shampooing or bathing. Do it infrequently, or only when necessary. Unlike the reputation of the long haired classic collie, border collies are only average shedders. As these dogs spend a lot of time outdoors, check them often for ticks around the ears and all over their coat.

Border Collies - Brief Summary Part I

When I tell people I have two border collies, I am often met with puzzled looks by those unfamiliar with this breed of dogs. Often, I resort to telling them "you know, those frisbee dogs you see in television ads and in movies." This typically clears up their confusion a bit, but its certainly NOT an adequate description of what a border collie is and what they do! The history of the breed - Border Collies originated on the Scottish/English border. They are the result of breeding old UK droving breeds with some spaniel in the mix. They were specifically bred to be outstanding herders and hardy, agile, untiring sheepdogs capable of mastering any herd. The famous 'Border Collie Stare' is a an eye that can hypnotize cattle. He crouches down and mesmerizes the animals with its intense stare. This comes from their wolf DNA. These dogs are in fact one of the closest, genetically speaking, canine relatives of the wolf. Wolves use the stare to isolate a member of the pack they are going to attack. The border collie's herding instinct are a modification of this instinct. Considered one of the most trainable breeds of dog, Border Collies have also served as narcotics and bomb detection dogs and are a frequent high performer in obedience, agility, Frisbee trials, police work, search & rescue, Flyball, performing tricks and competitive obedience. Some Border Collies have been trained very successfully as blind guide dogs. The following definition of what a border coller is comes courtesy of DogBreedInfo.Com: "What is a border collie? Well, lets define it. Border Collies are a medium sized (usually 35-55 lbs) high energy dogs. They look similar to Australian shepherds, but are not as well built and have long - not bobbed- tails. Border Collie are reknowned amongst dog lovers for their intelligence and responsiveness. Their reputation for excellence at obedience, agility, fetching, and Frisbee preceeds them. These dogs demand praise, as they are sensitive yet very trainable. The energey and stamina levels of a border collie will astonish you. Border collies' bodies are slightly longer than the height at the withers. A fairly wide skull, their muzzle tapers to a black nose. Typically, border collie ears are halfway perked up. The oval eyes are usually dark brown, but merles may have 1+ blue eyes. Their tail reaches at least to the hock and is sometimes raised when the dog is excited, but is never carried over the back. There are two varieties of Border Collie: one with coarse hair (thick, straight, about 3 inches long), and one with sleek hair (about 1 inch long. The coat colors come in black and white, tri-color, red & white, black & gray, and all black. The longer haired variety should have a mane and tail brush. The hair on the face, ears and front legs is always short and sleek. Since Border Collies are bred for working ability and intelligence rather than for physical beauty, conformation varies widely. This is a great bone of contention with many long time border collie owners and enthusiasts, many of whom were dismayed at the American Kennel Club's decision to recognize the border collie in the 1990s, for fear that breeding for aesthetics will destroy the genetics that make these dogs so special to begin with.