Do you think that a border collie is a good breed of dog for a family of 6. (2 parents, 4 kids ages, 11, 13, 14, and 15.) we are looking into a new dog in about 5 months from now. we need a good breed idea. we are thinking border collie. our last was a golden retriever. we want a smaller dog now. What do you think? if not what is a good small/ medium breed?
2007-07-16 09:22:14 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Yeah i think so. Thats what we are thinking of getting. we have a family of 6 too! cool. i could also suggest a Finnish Spitz! they are so fluffy and awsome. We might get one of those too! good luck!
2007-07-16 09:29:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
a border collie MUST work. they were bred for it. their energy level is higher than any other dog breed, and to the best of my knowledge, they are the most versatile breed.
they are not suited for city life, and tying them up in the back yard is not the answer.
a border collie needs several hours of VIGORUOUS exercise every day. not just a long walk, he's got to MOVE. they have to run. I've seen them performing in agility, flyball, and herding, and they never quit. here's an example: I was watching a herding show on TV, and of the several border collies competing in moving 3 cows through an obstacle course, with a 5 minute time limit, the dog that won was a 10 year old, and he did the course in 2 min and 15 seconds. that gives you an indication of just how active this breed can be.
2007-07-16 17:01:45 · answer #2 · answered by freespirit 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Border collies make great family dogs. They are easy to train...and love to be trained. Since you do have older kids, which are most likely active, a border collie would keep up with your lifestyle well. My grandparents had a brother and sister from the same litter. I grew up with those dogs and they were GREAT> Hope this helps. Why don't you try adopting one from a shelter? That would be an even better idea.
2007-07-16 16:43:47 · answer #3 · answered by Cash--Rescue, Foster, Adopt! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Border Collies are very high energy, "intense" dogs who need something to do all of the time. Not as laid back as a Golden Retriever.
It sounds like you have the right kind of family for the breed, especially if the kids are all interested in the dog -- lots of potential for training and exercise for everyone.
Your best bet would be to start talking to BC breeders now, to get a feel for the breed and whether or not it is right for you. Most responsible breeders are quite willing to give you the pros and cons of their breed.
Here's an excellent pamphlet on "living with" the breed:
http://www.bordercollie.org/lwbc.html
This link leads to info on finding the right BC, and how to choose a breeder -- great info!
http://www.bordercolliesociety.com/index_breedinfo.htm
Good luck!
2007-07-16 16:37:30 · answer #4 · answered by Loki Wolfchild 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I adopted a border collie last year and i am very happy with him. He is a mix with retriever, but still has his border collie traits. I have 3 children, youngest 3 years old and I dont see any issues with the dog. He does need his daily energy burning run in the yard, or he will try to get your attention with annoying nibbling. I think they are very fast learners and great dogs!
2007-07-16 16:38:33 · answer #5 · answered by AmZ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd be careful.
Border Collies are extremely intelligent.
Probably smarter than your brothers and sisters.
They need a job.
They must keep occupied or they will find something to do. They like to be included. They are not a breed to acquire and forget when everyone has something else on their mind.
Do your family and the dog a favor and make sure a Border Collie is the right breed for you.
2007-07-16 16:35:13 · answer #6 · answered by surffsav 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Border collies are great dogs, but they are VERY high energy, and will get nervous and destructive when bored or not exercised. With that many kids to play with it and keep it on the go, it just might be a good match for you.... plus they are a great size! Not too small but not big either. Good luck to you, and try border collie rescue groups.
2007-07-16 16:32:32 · answer #7 · answered by Smilingcheek 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Border collies are great family dogs but I did want to tell you about my little papillons. I also have a family of 6 and wanted a breed that would love everyone in the family. You know how some breeds really take to one person and that becomes their special person. Papillons love everyone. My two weigh 10-12 pounds and love to fetch and play. Because of their size they are easy to take with us. They are really great little dogs. Good luck with whatever you decide.
2007-07-16 16:33:05 · answer #8 · answered by Social Worker 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
noooo not a border collie !!! they need 3 times a day walks ... they will dig up the yard but they are loving and are smart but very active there a herding breed if you can get alll your kids to take turns walk every day then go ahead but warning they can go crazy in the back yard if not exercised we used to have a border collie we ended up getting rid of it because it dug up the yard and the land lord wasnt happy if you own your own house then i guess go ahead
2007-07-16 17:02:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Border Collie's are good. i read a book about dog, he is a good small family pet. and they are good with kids. but they can spend ours begging for atenchion. if not a Border Collie try a chuawa or a weener dog.
2007-07-16 16:43:10 · answer #10 · answered by E C R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if you plan on keeping it busy. They are extremely smart dogs and can get into trouble if not occupied right. They are high energy dogs too. The AKC web site has a link to help you find the right breed for your family.
2007-07-16 16:30:16 · answer #11 · answered by Gail 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋