I am one of the world's most popular dog breeds and have been a clear choice as a farmer's helper in working with small livestock for many years. This is largely due to the fact that I have been bred for functionality, not appearance.
Border collies are very intelligent
Some people say that I am the most intelligent breed in the world. Intelligence can be useful, because it means that I understand new instructions quickly.
But if you don't train me properly, intelligence also become a challenge, because I tend to learn bad habits just as quickly as good ones. Remember that a Border Collie is not born obedient.
Perhaps you have heard the expression " a well-trained shepherd dog saves the work of ten men, while a poorly trained shepherd dog creates the work of ten men "? The expression has a lot of truth in it, and illustrates how important it is to put effort into training.
As long as I am given the opportunity to learn the right things, and receive enough physical and mental stimulation, I have the potential to become kind, social, and obedient in my interactions with people.
Like other herding dogs, for example Finnish Lapphund , Border Collie wants to have the whole pack together at all times. In other words: we don't particularly enjoy being alone.
Not for just anyone
Some might say that Border Collies are best suited to owners who have experience with dogs.
If you have no experience with us before, I recommend that you at least have a long and thorough conversation with a qualified breeder before you consider the breed. It is no secret that we Border Collies can be somewhat demanding dogs.
The reason is, as I have mentioned, that we require a lot of training and follow-up. You must be prepared for me to challenge your patience and occasionally "outsmart" you.
Shepherd dog that needs to be outdoors a lot
As a true herding dog, with sheep herding as a specialty, I love being active outdoors. The working capacity is enormous. A healthy Border Collie can easily work continuously for several hours.
Sometimes it may actually be necessary for my owners to make sure I get enough rest, because I can actually work until I almost collapse.
By the way, my herding instinct means I can run after moving things, so teach me the importance of watching out for cars and other objects that could be dangerous.
If you are looking for a dog that can herd and participate in demanding outdoor activities, such as long mountain hikes, jogging or cycling, the Border Collie may be worth considering.
A Border Collie can also excel in a number of dog sports, such as agility, flyball and frisbee competitions.
If you prefer to spend your days on the couch, you should look for a more suitable breed.
Border collies can make quite a bit of noise
If you want a completely silent dog, I am not the best option for you. As a sheepdog, I am used to using my voice as a tool, so you can probably expect some barking.
But I'm not going to be a whiner at all. Often I'll just "sniff" a little, like when someone rings the doorbell.
Little fur care
The length of the coat varies from individual to individual. Some may be short-haired, while others may have medium-length fur. Common to all Border Collies is that the coat requires moderate grooming and provides good protection from the elements.
The fur sheds once or twice a year and it is recommended to brush the fur daily to reduce shedding.
Very healthy breed
Border Collies are generally very healthy dogs without many health problems. Most of us will be able to live between 10-14 years.
Diseases that can occur in the breed include the eye disease progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hip dysplasia and epilepsy.
Something to be aware of
You need to ask yourself the following questions before considering the breed: do you have enough time, energy, and motivation to meet my needs?
If I don't get an adequate outlet for my energy, and my need for mental stimulation is met, I can develop problematic behavior.
This can be shown, for example, by herding children, bicycles or cars. Some can also become aggressive if they are understimulated.
If the activity needs are met and the upbringing is good, I am a wonderful dog that has the potential to become a beloved family member for many years.
PS: Want to see a demonstration of how smart Border Collies can be? Check out this video by the dog Chaser, who learned to recognize more than 1,000 words.