What Makes Border Collies So Special?
Have you ever asked yourself "What makes Border Collies so special?" If you own a Border Collie, then you already know the answer! If you are thinking about getting a Border Collie, I hope to show you the why I think they are so special.
| It helps to know a little background. The Border Collie originated in the border country between Scotland and England, with written references of the breed as far back as 1570. It has been bred to herd. The breed has been known as the Working Collie, Old-Fashioned Collie, Farm Collie, and English Collie. It was in 1915 that James Reid, Secretary of the International Sheepdog Society in Great Britain, first called the dog a Border Collie. |  |
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Border Collies are highly intelligent dogs with an insatiable desire to work. For this reason they do NOT make the ideal pet for everyone! Often times, people will purchase a Border Collie because of their beauty or because they it is a smart breed or because they saw one in a movie. These owners are often not prepared for the responsibilities that come with this breed. These dogs usually end up in Rescue. |
Is a Border Collie Right for You?
What would you need to be prepared for if you were to purchase or adopt a border collie?
Border Collies are incredibly energetic dogs. They NEED to work. Although they are not hyper dogs, they need to have physical and intellectual stimulus to be happy. If they are not worked, they will find their own means of entertaining themselves and they can become destructive. You don't have a farm or livestock? Don't despair, Border Collies, although bred to herd, just need A job and there are plenty of different alternatives. Click Here for Alternatives
You must be prepared for the herding instinct. If you plan to use your border collie for herding - GREAT! These dogs were bred for it. But not all dogs have the same level of herding instinct. Some have stronger herding instinct than others. Many Border Collies end up in rescue because they didn't want to work hard enough on the ranch. If you intend to do herding with a Border Collie, it should be tested for herding ability before you purchase the dog. You should also be prepared to keep that dog as a member of your family should it not be the star herder you had hoped for. If you don't plan to use your Border Collie for herding, you might want to look for a dog that doesn't have quite as much of a herding instinct. Often, Border Collies are purchased as pets for families with children. But if the dog has a strong herding urge, it may try to herd you and the children! When a dog is working livestock and the livestock doesn't respond to the dog, he might nip the livestock to get it to respond. Likewise, a dog with a strong herding instinct might nip a child that is running away from it.
Be prepared for a smart dog! This might sound like a great attribute. It is, but it can also be a double edged sword. Since Border Collies are so intelligent they are easy to train, IF you know what you are doing or IF you are willing to learn how (read about it, take obedience classes, etc.). The breed is so smart, they can be manipulative and will learn very quickly how to rule YOU!
After all of that, I will tell you why I think they are so special...
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Border collies are extremely loving and loyal dogs! Once you have established yourself as the "alpha", a Border Collie will go to great lengths to please you! |
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They are so smart that they make training fun and rewarding. |
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They are protective. A border collie will protect it's family and home. |
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The "For the Love of Border Collies" SiteRing This site owned by Michelle Worley |
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