is a border collie right for me?

Question

i was thinking about getting a border collie (personly ive had my eye on this breed for a long time), i will have at least an acre fir my dog(s) to run up and down on, and when i get back from school i will groom it, play with it, and take it for at least an hour walk every day. i will feed it in the morning and i get home in the aftenoon so i will leave lots of water and food for it untill i get home, and if it needs something before i get home, my mom will take care of it.

i was all so thinking about getting a golden, sheltie, or a australian shepherd, but are they good choises to?

Answer 1

As long as you have lots of room and time, a border collie is a great pet. It will try to heard anyhitng it can, ducks, children, anything. lol

Sounds like you have it figured out. Good luck

Just one tip though, don't leave food out all day. have scheduled feeding times (morning and evening).

Answer 2

While border collies are extremely smart, they are also very energetic. They are really meant to be herding dogs. They need to constantly be challenged and if not can do a lot of damage. I recently read a book about border collies called "A Good Dog: The Story of Orson, Who Changed My Life" by Jon Katz. It was a great book. It really gives a good perspective about the breed and how much work it was for this guy. He came upon a border collie that had some problems as a puppy (not exactly sure how previous owners treated him) but boy was this dog a lot of work. So just be prepared, they need a ton of exercise and have similar traits compared to jack russells as far as energy and determination.

Good luck on your decision, I think a golden or sheltie might be good choices.

Answer 3

I don't think you are the right honme for a border collie. They were ment to be stimulated ALL DAY. And no, I don't mean let out in the yard all day, I mean always-on-your-toes action. They need 8-hour workday, and not walks, SPRINTS. Same goes for the Aussie. Lineage and age are important, too. A working style Aussie/BC will DIE of boredom in your lifestyle, while a show-style one might just be able to manage. Older dogs require about that amount of attention. A sheltie or golden are the better of the 4 choices.

If you can't live without a BC, sign up for every class in agility, tracking, flyball, whatever you can...they are such great dogs!

Answer 4

Border collies are extremely high energy dogs. They instinctively herd things [i.e. cows, sheep, small children] and love to play, but they might nip at your heels [or strangers' heels] in attempt to herd them.

I'm not sure if you're in high school or not, but although you say you'll have enough time for it now, many times you get caught up with school work and other activities and kind of forget about your dog [I know from experience].

If you aren't very experienced with herding dogs, I'd suggest something a bit more low key.

Perhaps you might even consider adopting a dog from your local Humane Society. Rescued dogs can make superb pets, pure bred or not.

Answer 5

I had a golden... BEST dog in the world. They are so sweet. Right now I have a border collie/ aussie mix. He is amazing! Very outgoing and LOVES people. He lives with my boyfriend in an apartment and does great there! The only thing is, He needs lots of energy, so we bring him the dog park a lot! He loves playing with other dogs. Also you need to work with him and do a lot of activities to keep them stimulated and following commands, he loves doing tricks, he loves to please!

Answer 6

Sur if you will take care of it and love it. and be responsible for it. But does your acre of land have a fence or your dog will run away

Answer 7

They are very active dogs and need to be busy, If you think that you have enough time to spend with it then it should be ok, you have enough land for it to run on and thats good.

Answer 8

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