Any Facts About Border Collies?

Question

Hi I'm looking into getting a Border Colllie an dI have found many things about it win which match my lifestyle an dtaste..though I am alittle iffy on some things...including..its protectiveness, its ableness to pay attention..and its eating habits...if you could tell me some stuff on neither these topics or any other you think I would probably need to know..then plzz tell me or contact me at [e-mail]
thankyou

Answer 1

I don't agree that having one in the city is bad if you are a responsable owner, they are a great size for a large apartment. They are one of the smartest dogs you will ever run across, and also one of the highest energy dogs.

They need to have jobs to do or they get very board and get into lots of trouble entertaining themselves. They are hearding dogs and it is a very strong trait, they will herd everything possible. This will seem like they are nipping at your heals all the time, they are trying to stear you in the dirrection they want you to go. Knowing that you can teach them not to herd you, but every other moving thing will be fair game.

If you are possitive you can spend time teaching the dog tricks, going for jogs, throwing a ball or frisbe for hours on end every day it may be the dog for you. If you are looking for a dog that is happy laying around the house and going for a walk once a week, this isn't the dog you want, the dog will not act this way.

Answer 2

Hi, as the owner of an 11 year old Border Collie, I would definately recommend that you do your research on the breed, speak with different breeders and other BC owners. Each dog is different. The things I can tell you are:

1- They are intense and learn quickly-not your average dog
2-They are bred to herd sheep and will herd anything, which will also include nipping if need be.
3-They are bred to protect their flock and they will-they are extremely bonded to their owner, it is a bond that you will probably never see with any other breed.
4. eating habits-I am not quit sure what you are referring to-however, my BC has no issues in this department-he eats a premium quality food twice daily-he will not touch his food until he is told "to go eat his breakfast" or "go eat his dinner".
5. They are high energy dogs, they need lots of excersise, and they also need a job to do-agility, flyball, frisbee they excel in all of these. If they are bored and have no mental stimulation they can become extremely destructive!!

A few things that I can add from my own personal experience with my dog:

Sometimes I do not even have to speak, he has the ability to know what comes next just from my actions- for example, when he hears my computer shut down when I am done with this, he will automatically run in and lay on his bed in my bedroom, I have to say nothing.

I guess the best way to describe my dog would be to say that he is like a human with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, if something disrupts the routine it makes him alittle nervous and out of sorts.

I hope this helps and I know it sounds strange, however, when you own this breed you need to know it inside and out. In closing I will say that I know that I will never have a dog as smart and as loyal as this one!!

Answer 3

Put it this way, my mother bought one, and has had it for 5 years. The poor thing has a small yard, and only gets a "slow walk" once per day. It has gotten fat, and become aggressive, not to mention it hates everyone and everything it doesn't know. And if she tries to bully you, and you don't comply, she will bite.

The reason I say this is because BC's need a job for mental stimulation.....they need tons of exercise everyday, or you will just end up with a dog like my mother's.

check out this site www.breederweb.com

Answer 4

Border Collies r amazing animals. they r fun but they require a lot of attention and exercise. if they r not right for u it is not a good idea to get one just for that reason. here is a link with loads of info on border collies

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Border_Collie

they also require a lot of grooming

Answer 5

They need tons of exercise & you have to be aware of their herding instincts. They will round up children in a park, other dogs, & have a habit of chasing cars because they are trying to round them up too. Smart and beautiful and loyal though.

Answer 6

If you live in the city please do not get one. They were bred for herding on the vast open ranges all day. Cooping these dogs up in the city borders on criminally cruel.