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Learn about Border Collies
About the Breed
Excerpt from Border Collies – Author: April M. Quist
Is a Border Collie For You?
With the recent appearance of the Border Collie in movies, commercials, and television programs, many people are now considering one as a potential new pet. While Border Collies are very intelligent, they also require a larger time and energy commitment from their owners than many other breeds. They are active, spirited, and sometimes strong willed. Although some may be calmer than others, others are decidedly hyperactive, always wanting to be up and doing something. They often exhibit obsessive behaviors, like chasing lights, shadows, and running or dripping water. Many owners have no patience for this kind of activity, but breed lovers seem to enjoy this loony streak.
There is no way of telling how highly developed a pup’s herding instinct will be. If you acquire one that wants to work above all else, its frustration may take the form of herding and possibly nipping at the heels of children, running adults, or other animals. This is not a sign of viciousness, but it is something that must be controlled, especially with small children who can become frightened with the behavior.
The people who make the most satisfied Border Collie owners are people who enjoy spending a lot of time with their dogs and are willing and able to make the commitment to exercise and train in some way every day; who are very active, who like to hike, jog, and/or take long walks with their dogs; who don’t mind living with a dog that never really settles down, even in the house, even after a lot of exercise, even when its owner is tired from a long day at work; and most important, who have a real job for the dogs to do, whether it’s one of the dog sports that these dogs excel at, or, of course, herding a flock of sheep.
In summary, Border Collies are much more work than most other breeds. They do not typically make easy family pets. If you have never been around one, try to spend some time with the breed before you decide to get one. Many Border Collies end up in shelters when their owners find that they are just too much trouble to have around because they need so much exercise, attention, and training/mental stimulation.
Information on
Dog Training
The following links to activities and trainers are presented as a service to our viewers. Except where indicated, trainers are located in the greater Sacramento area. If you know of someone who you think should be on this page please ask them to contact us.
For general obedience only please also look to your local parks & recreation, adult education, etc. as the list would be too long to present here.
- Agility & Performance: Capital Canines, Pat White
- Agility & Performance: Performance Dogs In Action, Nola Jones
- Dance: Dogs Can Dance, Judy Gamet
- Flyball: Bay Racers includes events near Sac (2014 UC Davis Picnic Day)
- Herding: Performance Dogs In Action, Nola Jones
- K9 Nosework: The Right Steps, Cindy C. Smith, CNWI
The service providers listed above are not presented as endorsements by Northern California Border Collie Rescue & Adoptions. No fees or compensation has been provided to NCBCRA for listings.
More on Border Collies
Recommended Reads
Recommended Border Collie & Other Dog Sites
DogTrekker.com is a site for dog owners of all breeds who want to take their best friends with them on outings and vacations in Northern California. Great information and stories on dog friendly locales, motels, camping and other travel advice. Plus, local and regional stories of canine interest. Check it out.
Recommended Border Collie Reads
Rose in a Storm by Jon Katz
One of the Katz books relating to Dogs of Bedlam Farm, this one departs from the narration by Katz and puts you in the eyes and mind of Rose, his beloved border collie.