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Is a Border Collie right for me?

A Border Collie is a wonderful dog in the right home, but too often find themselves in inappropriate settings because their owners were not properly educated about the breed. Border Collies are very smart and learn quickly.  However, they are not born knowing the skills you see them displaying.  The Border Collie you see at the sheepdog trials, obedience, or agility trials are the product of years of training, hard work and consistency.

Border Collies have been bred for centuries with one goal in mind... to work sheep.  While this is a positive in a farm setting, this makes Border Collies ill suited to many lifestyles.  Many Border Collies will mistake children for sheep and herd and nip at them. A novice Border Collie owner will need to fulfill the dogs' needs with both mental and physical stimulation.  In the right home, a Border Collie is a marvelous addition and can make a great pet, but in the wrong environment a BC can be inappropriate.

Border Collie Basics

Border Collies are a diverse breed.  Although the classic look is black and white, the breed comes in many different colors, coats, and sizes.  Border Collies can range from 25-65 pounds.  Coats can range from rough to smooth.  Ears can be up or down or anything in between. Eyes can range from light to dark brown and sometimes even blue.  Although a specific look may be appealing to you, it is important to choose a dog whose temperament and activity level best matches your lifestyle.

Border Collie Needs

Border Collies are extremely intelligent dogs.  This means they are easy to train but it also means that they will find their own work if not given a job.  More often than not, if the BC chooses the job, it will not be something that you will like.  In order to keep him focused, you will need to figure out the job your Border Collie needs to stay satisfied.  With a rescue dog, it is best to ask the foster parent as they will know the dog's needs.  Border Collies will need daily exercise and mental stimulation.  Formal training is a great way to help your BC adapt to your home and also bond with you.  A well-behaved Border Collie can be an excellent companion and friend.  BC's are loyal to their owners and excel at anything they are trained to do.

Am I the proper home for a Border Collie?

If you believe a Border Collie is the right breed for you, please consider a rescue.  Rescues make excellent pets for active households.  Many rescue BC's are great prospects for herding and agility, while others will simply make great family pets. Know your limitations and good luck finding your new family member!

For more information on border collies, check out the following web-sites:
 

American Border Collie Association

United States Border Collie Club

Border Collie Museum

Border Collie Society of America