If i know that I am going to have to leave it at home for six hour stretches at a time when I go to work three days a week. I have promised my children a dog and they are very keen on a Boarder Collie but I am concerned that it will need constant supervision and that a different breed may be better.
2006-09-02 05:58:14 · 14 answers · asked by honeybunchkaminski 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Border collies are very energetic dogs. Unless they are regulary exercised they become very bored and will use their energy to do things that are not so good, such as chewing up furniture. I personally have a shetland sheepdog, which is a herding breed like the border collie. She has alot of energy. She is walked four to five miles a day. If I were you a border collie would not be my first choice of breed, unless together your family has enough time to spend with him, they are high maintenance dogs. I would go for a dog that might be a little more laid back (but do remember all puppies are active). and English lab is usually a good choice.
Again unless you or someone else in your family is willing to spend extra time in the morning before the family leaves the house to play and exercise the dog.....I dont think a Border Collie would be the breed for you and your family.
2006-09-02 06:04:17 · answer #1 · answered by danielle5247 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are VERY energetic. We have a Border Collie mix and she gets bored if we don't play with her a lot even though she is really old now. When she was young, she would only be happy if we played with her all the time or gave her jobs around the farm. A full blood Border Collie would be more of a handful than our mix because she is a mix with a very mellow dog. I think you should probably look for a different breed unless you have a huge yard (we have an 80+ acre farm that she loves to explore) or are willing to get another dog for her to play with. They don't need the farm we have but it's a good idea to have a big yard for them to run around in.
2006-09-02 13:08:45 · answer #2 · answered by I'm awesome! 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're right, a different breed would be better. Border Collies are so pretty and so smart, but they are, to put it gently, insane. They are a very high-energy and intelligent dog and they need to work and be occupied. If a Border Collie has nothing to do, it can become incredibly destructive and develop obsessive behaviors. Do you both a favor and get a different breed - they are not for everyone.
Do some surfing and look at the AKC's website. And perhaps consider getting a dog from the shelter instead of a purebred - so many good dogs need homes so badly.
2006-09-02 13:05:01 · answer #3 · answered by Nightlight 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think anyone can make a dog work out if that person is willing to put in the time the dog needs. In the case of a border collie- it is going to need a lot of excercise. They are great dogs but they need a lot to do. If your kids are active and like walking the dog its a great start. Throw balls for it will also be great fun. Try to sign up for agility competittion also as they love that sort of thing. If you don;'t have the time to do that sort of thing, consider a different breed. I have acairn terrier that loves kids, is adorable and requires little excercise, but is game for a nice walk when you want to go. And little kids seem to love him. Of course being a terrier getting him to listen to a command is a struggle. the point is that all breeds have good and bad points and the key is to figure out which of those bad points you can live with and which of your lifestyle problems the dog can tolerate.
2006-09-02 13:24:21 · answer #4 · answered by mluxia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Border Collies make great dogs IF they are given the high requirement for stimulation. They excel at agility because they are fast and their focus is high. They were bred to focus 24/7 &365 days a year. Sheep herding is a very intense job. In a household setting with no outlet this results in a neurotic dog that of course creates a neurotic owner. Contact www.AKC.org for complete information on all breeds of dogs. If you would like to buy a certain breed the breeders on this website are reliable and reputable. AKC's website also offers links for purebreed rescues. Most of these breeders are more than happy to let you come out and see the breed for yourself. They also want to make sure that their dogs go to appropriate homes and want to ensure that prospective new owners are equipped to make the most educated decisions. You may have promised your children a dog but YOU will have to be the one to train, care for, and pay for him/her. It would not be fair to satisfy a childs impulses only to result in a pet that is not ideal for the family..nobody wins in that situation. Many children wanted dalmations after 101 Dalmations came out...the result was a severe overpopulation of dalmations and more than not were turned into shelters because they were not the right dog for the family. If your children would like to help pick out a dog.....something they should be involved in...try a trip to the local shelters...many dogs need homes or a trip to the breeder (only of course afterYOU have decided what breed is best). There are plenty of puppies and adults alike sitting patiently in shelters waiting for a house. With an adult dog you dont need to worry about the whole potty training, chewing, puppy drama. I would venture to say that your children will probably find a dog there that they will just fall in love with and may be a better choice for your family. An added bonus...Dogs from shelters or reputable breeders are tested for temperment...a must in any situation.
2006-09-02 13:18:54 · answer #5 · answered by madfly80 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Border Collies are usually NOT a good choice for a family dog. They are extremely intense, high energy dogs that need a tremendous amount of exercise. They can be nippy with kids, especially when they are running around.
You'd be much better off with one of the sporting dogs like a Lab or a Golden.
2006-09-02 18:04:26 · answer #6 · answered by Danger, Will Robinson! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, a different breed would be better. I am generalizing, but the American BCs are VERY high energy and need jobs, preferrably several. Some make great working dogs, but not so good as pets.
If you insist on one, get one from Scottish or English lines. Not quite as hard for a novice to handle, they are much more sane, but they will still be pretty driven.
2006-09-02 13:11:47 · answer #7 · answered by whpptwmn 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Boarder collie is a high energy dog. they are
a working breed and love to work and play.
very intellegent ... they are a high maintance
dog because of the longer hair.
enjoy
2006-09-02 13:05:48 · answer #8 · answered by ridingorracing 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A border collie is a good breed of dog and can be great with children. If you get this dog as a puppy and crate train it while you are not at home you shouldn't have any problems. Provide plenty of chew toys and water while you are away. Don't be upset with your puppy when he makes a mess of his kennel while he is still growing up as 6 hours is a long time for any puppy, but as a dog he will be able to wait until you get home to let him out.
2006-09-02 13:04:23 · answer #9 · answered by Jazmax 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yes it is a good thing to a Boarder Collie. My friend has one and the dog is wonderful to people so you should get one
2006-09-02 14:21:15 · answer #10 · answered by bethlovesmaltese 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋