2007-01-18 11:10:40 · 12 answers · asked by Ashley 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Border Collies are great dogs for the *right* people. They are extremely intelligent and extremely energetic - which can make for a literally lethal combination if they are not placed with the right family. We get Border Collies into our shelter constantly, being given up by people who simply couldn't handle them.
Border Collies must be given a job to do. They are very driven dogs who *need* this stimulation in order to thrive. If you don't give them a job, they will find one themselves, such as shredding all of your pillows or destroying every shoe they can find. They will herd other dogs, small animals, and small children if given the chance. They need at least an hour of hard exercise every day, and mental stimulation along with the exercise in order to prevent destructiveness. That may not sound like much, but when it's -5 degrees out and the last thing you want to do is move from in front of the fire, it can be tough!
However, when placed with the right owner, they are WONDERFUL dogs, full of love, loyalty, goofiness, intelligence, and fun.
2007-01-18 11:25:05 · answer #1 · answered by lrachelle 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Irachelle is absolutely correct, Border Collies are excellent dogs IF they are well matched.
Here are a few links that might help you decide about the breed. I am one of the rescuers that have to jump into action when people like Irachelle call and say, "we got another one!"
http://www.mabcr.org/
also: http://www.glenhighlandfarm.com/
please go to the "is a border collie for me" section and see if these bueatiful, inrelligent and energetic pups are for you! If you still want to know more after looking at the sites, feel free to contact any of us in rescue. If a bc puppy isn't right for you, maybe an adult or older (senior) may be appropriate.
Thanks for asking before taking the plunge! - dd
2007-01-18 12:03:17 · answer #2 · answered by dedum 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have owned a Border Collie for six years. They are extremely intelligent, with a high amount of energy. Expect to do alot of walking/running/playing if you are to get a dog of this breed.
Obedience is extremely important, as well as socialisation beginning at a young age. They can get easily bored and become destructive. Give them a job to do and they're happy!
I would recommend only if you want a dog who is high maintenance!
2007-01-18 20:36:05 · answer #3 · answered by ForeverAnAngel 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ALL dogs are good dogs! You REALLY need to take them as individuals just like humans. What you get with many "purebred" (i.e. inbred) dogs are working traits. Temperments and energy levels will vary from dog to dog even in the same litter, So unless you are a rancher you don't "need" a Border Collie. Go to your local shelter and check out five or six dogs that wag their tail at you. Go with an open heart and mind.
2007-01-18 12:34:27 · answer #4 · answered by larrykahndogman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have an Aussie and have had them all my life - They're about as close as it comes to Border Collies, except without a tail.
They're intellgent, easily trained, great with kids, energetic, extremely loving and very loyal dogs.
Border Collie or an Aussie is the best dog you will ever own!
2007-01-18 11:14:47 · answer #5 · answered by Yo LO! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Border Collies are good dogs. I own one and have had it for 9 years now. Unfortunately, I didn't get her as a puppy,so I wasn't able to train her. When she gets out she runs like heck to the smelliest piles of anything she can roll in and rolls in it. That is my only problem with my Border Collie, but from what I hear from other people, it is just their nature. I hate having to keep her on a chain all the time but other then that she is great.
2007-01-18 11:20:28 · answer #6 · answered by Lynda S 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I've had a border collie mix and know lots of purebreds. They are wonderful, smart dogs but high energy working dogs that need a job. You should only consider one if you live on acreage and have a job for them to do - such as herding sheep or cattle - or if you want to get heavily involved in dog sports such as agility or flyball. They are so high energy they don't make good suburban backyard dogs.
2007-01-18 11:15:31 · answer #7 · answered by ? 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Wonderful loyal, smart dogs, but extremely HIGH energy...if you don;t give them a job or tire them out, they will find something to do and you may not like it. Definitely NOT an apt. dog!
2007-01-18 11:18:38 · answer #8 · answered by rattgrrrl 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
my parents had one and he was very smart but very disobedient. he loved people and was FULL of energy but jumped on everyone a lot, so he probably wouldn't have been too good around kids.
2007-01-18 11:32:45 · answer #9 · answered by DuffMan409 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your asking for over-opinionated answers, if you exclude everyone else from answering then you are guaranteed to get positive answers from the owners.
you should go to animal planet.com and check their behavior to see if it fits you
2007-01-18 11:27:19 · answer #10 · answered by Daniel 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋