What is a Border Collie

The Border Collie is ...

... The Ultimate Working Sheepdog

Developed to move hundreds and even thousands of sheep across the hills and dales of Scotland and England, with minimal guidance from his handler, the border collie is among the most intelligent of breeds. Invaluable companions to the solitary shepherds, these devoted workaholics were designed solely to perform this difficult and endless task with only a "that'll do" as a reward. This trait continues to drive the breed today, thanks to the efforts of shepherds and fanciers who strive to preserve the working instinct in this ancient breed.

Want to know more about the history and development of the border collie? Visit The Border Collie Museum.

... Socially Autistic

Brilliant, but often unsuited every day social environments, unlike the majority of today's dog breeds the border collie was not developed with temperament in mind. The primary motivation for breeding a border collie is working ability and style - conformation, size, colour and temperament are all secondary considerations. Because of this, the border collies does not typically have a necessarily desirable personality for most environment.

New owners enamored with the reputed intelligence of the breed are often disappointed to discover that their dog is not the outgoing, perpetually happy, even-tempered Labrador of their childhood. It is not uncommon for border collies to be abnormally shy or reserved with strangers, or to develop obsessive and even aggressive tendencies. Excessive socialization in puppies sometimes helps, but not always. The border collies was not developed to be a family housepet.

... A "Type A" Personality

Generally control freaks, many a border collie has been dubbed "The Enforcer" or "The Fun Police" by its owner. A border collie is bound to take charge of a situation if given the slightest opportunity to do so. He cannot stand disorder or chaos - after all, this is a dog that can intimidate an entire herd of sheep for hours at a time. He will round up the other dogs at the park, or disdainfully reject their playful advances altogether. He'll prefer a regimented game of fetch. He'll often become frustrated with the activity of the family children and endeavor to put an end to them - this is when most incidents involving children and border collie bites occur. Without a strong leader and firm ground rules, a border collie may feel compelled to "take over" and this is how most undesirable behaviours are allowed to develop.

... If It's Not A Border Collie, It's Just A Dog

With their undeniable intelligence and exceptional problem solving skills, border collies are often considered by serious fanciers to be a step or two beyond the average family dog. Sensitive and bright, these dogs have often given their owner the feeling that they can read their mind. They can understand phrases, spell words, respond to the subtlest of cues and anticipate your next move - an uneasy feeling for most people. Imagine have an exceptionally intelligent human child, and the effort you would have to make in order to mentally and emotionally satisfy that child. Consider a border collie to be the canine equivalent of a child genius - fascinating, but exhausting, and requires a great deal of responsibility on your part. Are you up to it? Staying even one step ahead of a border collie can be a full time job. Most people are ill prepared for a dog that is their intellectual equal.

Want to know more about what it's like to live with a border collie? Try the Border Collie FAQ.

So Who Should Own a Border Collie?

Serious stock people and shepherds - and dedicated hobby herders - are ideal companions to the border collie. Most fanciers agree that whenever possible, thee dogs should be given the opportunity to do what they were designed - and what they truly love - to do. If you're thinking abut a border collie, taking the time to watch a Herding Trial and ask yourself (honestly now) if you feel you can provide your dog with the same physical and emotional stimulation that these working marvels get from their duties.

Dog sports enthusiasts tend to be fans of the border collie and can provide a good substitute for herding in competitive sports. The border collie's natural athleticism and his need to use his brain makes the border collie an excellent partner in Agility competitions. Flyball is a great way to use his speed and competitive spirit to everyone's advantage.

Always versatile, a well socialized border collie can excel at Search and Rescue , Assistance Dog, Tracking and Competitive Obedience (*in Canada, Border Collies are not recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club and are therefore ineligible to participate in CKC sanctioned competitions). If an owner is creative and willing to make the effort to provide the dog with both mentally and physically challenging activities, a border collie can be the best companion on earth.

... Border Collies

They stare at you, follow you from room to room, thrust soggy tennis balls in your sleeping face, demand attention, listen to your telephone conversations, wake you up for predawn runs, drive your cats crazy, refuse to play by themselves, snub the neighborhood dogs. They are pushy, fussy, weird, obsessive and downright strange.

So why do we love border collies?

Because we have immense respect for them. Intelligent, busy, challenging and full of joy, we respect them as companions, as partners and most of all, as individuals. We wouldn't have it any other way.

There is no good reason to try and turn the border collie into something it's not. Dumbing down the breed is a huge disservice - to them and to us. There are literally dozens of other breeds that exist to satisfy the typical family setting. If this describes you, do yourself and the border collie a favour - choose a breed more appropriate for you.