my son wants me to get a border collie pup should I get it?

Question

We already have a greyhound and a cat. We had one when he was a lot younger and they were best friends coz they were both babies at the same time and grew up together

Answer 1

I'm hoping that you know that Border Collie is a very active dog that requires a lot of exercise and activities to keep them busy. They "live" to work, to herd and run around.

Greyhounds are usually couch potatos and they're quite happy just lazying around on the couch or taking naps during the day - a big contrast to the traits of a border collie.

So, the question you really need to ask yourself is - do you have the time to take the border collie out on frequent walks, do you have room so that he can run around and exercise?

Do you think your greyhound will get along with a dog that is usually active and hyper? If not, perhaps you should consider a different breed?

Answer 2

Border collies are awesome dogs, but there are a couple of things to consider. First how old is your son? Border collies love to herd everything even children or other animals and will nip just a little to get whatever they are trying to herd into place. Therefore they are better dogs for older children. Secondly they need at LEAST 2 hours worth of exercise a day. I had one in an apartment (most ppl thought I was crazy), but I spent the time making sure he got at least 2 long walks a day, and would take him to the dog park to run until he collapsed (which rarely happened). I think I lost about 10 lbs that first month of having him from all the walks and play time he needed. It's worth it though bc if they don't get exercise and stimulating play time they become bored and can be destructive. They are one if not the smartest dog out there so you don't want this dog to get bored. They are great dogs though. There are lots of creative games you can come up with to keep the dog happy. There great dogs, just make sure your son can handle it and the other dog and cat won't mind getting herded once in awhile.

Answer 3

Don't get any pup unless the whole family has agreed that they want one and are prepared to share responsibility for training and chores. Border collies are very active and intelligent dogs. Much much more so than a greyhound. They need to have some kind of occupation all day long otherwise they end up going off the rails. Why do you think there are so many of them in rescue centres? People get them and end up not being able to cope with the very high energy levels.
I own a longdog (lurcher) and he is easy compared to my late border collie.

Answer 4

Research the breed yourself, and consider whether or not you have enough time to spend looking after it. Border collies need A LOT more walking than a greyhound. There are plenty of books available in bookshops and petshops, or you could go to the library.

As the adult in the family it is ultimately YOUR responsibility to walk, feed, train the dog, and to take it to the vets. For all the protests of "yes I promise to look after it", children - even older ones and more sensible ones - can be fickle. I'm guessing your son is a teenager now? So he'll soon be discovering pubs and women. Staying out all night. Are you prepared to look after the dog whilst he does this?

Answer 5

Border collies can be wonderful pets but you need to remember that they need both a great deal of exercise and a lot of mental stimulation. If these dogs get bored, they get destructive! They need obedience, maybe something like flyball or better yet, agility training.

You also need to be prepared for a border collie to try to herd the cat and your greyhound. But if someone in your household is going to make sure a border collie's well exercised, by all means get one.

Answer 6

Do your research first. Border collies are one of the most active and energetic breeds around, if you get one, he will need daily walks of 1 hour or more, plus a large yard or park he can run in. Dogs like that become destructive if they are not kept active and challenged. They do best when they are enrolled in some form of obedience, fly-ball, agility, herding, or anywhere they can perform and compete as they were bred to do. Border collies are an entirely functional breed- the AKC standards refer more to what they do than how they look! If you are looking for another laid-back pet, this is not the dog for you.

Answer 7

Border collie's are working dogs and will go mad when treated like house pet we learnt this the hard way, Sister's ex bf friend brought her one from a farmer which he was told not to and now 4 years later the dogs is nuts it hates men hates other dogs that walk pass the window, he is constantly on guard.They are working dogs. Bringing another dog in could also upset the already developed pecking order in the house because the new dog will challenge top dog for top dog spot.if you were going to get a dog, Lab's are good as are golden retrievers but again its going to effect the pecking order between the dogs

Answer 8

Border Collies need lots of exercise and mental stimulation as they are very intelligent. If they don't get this they can become destructive. They make great pets thought. But why not go to a rescue centre and rehome a dog who really needs it. We did and it is the most rewarding experience ever.

Answer 9

go for it, my dad had one and it was the most intelligent dog we ever had. I am sure you already have to exercise the greyhound so exercise wont be a problem.

Another similar dog that is a bit lower maintenance is the Shetland sheep dog (miniature collie) just as bright but needs less excessive

Answer 10

Border Collies are a great dog. I had one. As stated, be aware of the active life they need. Mine came from a Animal Shelter $50. Then I had to buy Horses for him to Herd. Barn for the horses and fences. Feed, shots and Vet bill for all. That dang $50 dog ended up costing me about $10,000. And on top of that, any time we went somewhere in my truck, he always wanted to drive!!!