Border collies

The most outstanding characteristics of Border Collies are their working style, and their high energy, stamina, and desire to work above all other things. They herd with their heads lowered, eyeing the sheep with an intense, almost mesmerizing stare. They notice every movement of the livestock, and they react by moving, at times almost imperceptibly, to take advantage of it or to counter it. Movement of both dog and stock is usually calm and fluid. These dogs are the world's premier sheep-working breed and are known for their athleticism, intelligence, and strong work ethic.

Border Collies are heading or gathering herders, as opposed to heelers; their instinct is to run out past a herd or flock, gather the animals, and return them to the shepherd. Border Collies can be (and are) taught to drive stock away from the shepherd, but they do not usually do it by instinct.

Typical Border Collies are workaholics. They are happiest when they have a job to do, whether that job be herding, obedience, agility, or any of the other active occupations and dog sports at which they excel. They are extremely quick, high-energy, busy dogs, and they must have plenty of exercise. They are bred for endurance: a working Border Collie is able to run many miles a day over difficult terrain, then go out and do it again the next day; a one- or two-mile run is barely a warm-up for such an athletic dog. People without the time to give a dog plenty of good, vigorous exercise every day are usually happier with a calmer breed. A bored Border Collie can become neurotic, obsessive, and destructive.

Border Collies herd livestock, birds, other dogs, cats, children, squirrels, rabbits, deer, bugs, and often lawn mowers, vaccuum cleaners, brooms, rakes, and anything else that moves. Although Border Collies herd by "eye" rather than by nipping at the heels of livestock, many are still nippy and might nip at you or your children's heels and legs when you run. In other words, if not handled properly the herding behavior can turn a Border Collie into a real pest. They also tend to be car-chasers, and many Border Collie lives have ended early under the wheels of a car.

With a Border Collie, you have an extra shadow! They follow you everywhere they can and are always underfoot. These dogs watch you constantly (as if you are the stock), and rush in front of you if they think something is going to happen. They thrive on attention and are very affectionate and people-oriented. However, good socialization is important for them: they can be reserved with people they don't know, and aggressive with other dogs. Border Collies are highly intelligent and quick learners, but they are slow to mature - they are "puppies" until around 2 or 3 years (or older), and many 10- and 12-year-old dogs are still very lively and full of energy. Don't expect a Border Collie to start acting mature and dignified at 3 or 4 years of age!

• Back home.
• Next side.