Is a Border Collie the Right Breed for You?
It would be very easy for me to convince you why I think the Border Collie is the most incredible breed of dog in the world.
However, it is really important that you are honest with yourself before you bring one into your family. Do not fall for their beauty and intelligence. Put simply, not everyone is cut out to be a Border Collie owner and many Border Collies end up in Rescue or being euthanized purely because people don’t realise and accept this fact.
Border Collies make great companions for people who:
People who enjoy spending most of their spare time with their dogs.
People who want a dog that makes them think. Constantly.
People who don’t mind a dog that is smarter than they are.
People who don’t mind a dog who can think quicker than they can.
People who don’t mind a dog who can move quicker than they can.
People who are committed to exercise and train the dog every single day.
People who are already very active (walking, jogging, cycling, hiking etc).
People who don’t mind getting dirty.
People who understand that ‘intelligent’ is not another word for ‘easy’
People who don’t mind going outside in all weather conditions.
People who are not couch potatoes.
People who are involved in a dog sport or activity.
People who want a dog that will excel in dog sports or activities.
People who’s pets ARE part of the family
People who are inventive with their dog training
People who don’t care about landscaped gardens
People who do not work long hours away from home.
People who want constant canine companionship.
People who want to do things with their dog
People without young children.
People who don't expect their dog to amuse itself.
People who like a constant shadow. Even in the bathroom.
People who can throw a tennis ball for an hour at a time.
People who don’t mind dog hair.
People who don’t mind a dog that understands conversations.
People who appreciate dog snot art on house and car windows.
People who can appreciate the Border Collie power of psychic persuasion.
People who spend most of their time outdoors.
People who don’t have immaculate expensive carpet and furniture.
People who want a year round early morning alarm clock that never fails.
People who are a little bit weird.
People who want a dog that is a little bit weird.
People who don’t mind spending a fortune on educational dog toys.
People who want a faithful and devoted companion that will go to the ends of the earth and back again just because they want to be by your side.
Clearly this is not a sales pitch because I am not trying to sell you anything. If any of these points make you cringe, then you need to be honest and consider that another breed would probably be more suitable for you rather than adopt a Border Collie that is going to boomerang back into rescue.
The other option would be to consider an elderly Border Collie rather than a young dog - while many are still spritely well into old age, most have settled down a lot compared to the younger ones.
Copyright 2008 Michelle Wrighton