Choosing the right dog to bring into your home is no easy task. Finding the breed best suitedfor your lifestyle takes careful consideration, regardless if you’re a new or experienced dog owner. If you’re hoping to find a smart, loving dog that’s full of energy, look no further than the Border Collie.
The Border Collie’s Temperament
A member of the Herding Group, Border Collies are extremely hard workers and fare best when they have a job. They are a very high energy breed, so keeping a Border Collie active ensures they remain on their best behavior. The Border Collie is loving, loyal, and endlessly eager to please their owners. Thanks to their love of work and highly trainable nature, Border Collies can also excel at dog sports.
Physical Traits and Grooming Needs
Borders are athletic, medium-sized herding dogs that stand between 18 and 22 inches tall. They weigh between 30 and 55 pounds. Their coats come in two types: rough and smooth and come in a variety of colors and patterns. The Border Collie’s breed hallmark is their “herding eye.”
Border Collies require regular grooming, regardless of their coat type. Both coat types are double coats: dense and weather-resistant . Brushing your Border with a pin brush once or twice a week will ensure their coat is free of mats, tangles, and debris. Prospective owners should expect to brush their Border Collie daily during shedding season. Nails should be trimmed regularly.
How Much Training Does a Border Collie Need?
Early socialization and puppy training courses are essential for the Border Collie. In raising a well-behaved and well-adjusted BC, early, positive exposure to a wide variety of people and situations will help ensure their best traits are at the forefront of their personalities. Because Border Collies require a lot of activity and mental stimulation, it’s wise to continue obedience training throughout a BC’s life. An active household would be the best fit for this breed.
Due to their highly trainable and intelligent nature, Border Collies can find success in dog sports like herding, obedience, tracking, and agility.
Are Border Collies Good for Families?
Border Collies have a tendency to herd animals and people, so homes with older, well-behaved children would be the best environment for them. Border Collies are extremely loving with their families. However, they aren’t a good choice for people who don’t have time to give them the exercise and mental stimulation they require. A Border Collie would be best for active, experienced dog owners. They always need to have something to do, so making sure they have mental stimulation is very important for their wellbeing.
How Social Is the Border Collie?
Especially with early, positive socialization to new people and environments, the Border Collie can be a very social breed. They can be more reserved around strangers, but they thrive off attention, activity, and being around people.
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