Trainability

The Border Collie is an eager to please, easy to train breed. They simply love to work and training allows them to build a language between them and their cherished owners. Training is a must, remembering that his breed is a high intensity working dog. They are a quick learner and thrive in dog sports that will keep them constantly thinking and learning. A bored, untrained Border Collie will ensure they find their own entertainment in the form of destructive behaviours and/or escaping. Early, consistent training is advised for this breed. The breed loves to give chase to anything that moves…quickly, including cars and cats! Ensuring you have good training alongside good fences will help prevent this pooch from getting into trouble.

Grooming

Don’t be fooled by their long flowing coats, in general this breed is easy to maintain and groom. They come in two double-coat varieties of rough and smooth. With the rough being a little longer than the smooth variety. Their hardy weatherproof coats only require a weekly brush to prevent mats and keep them looking good. During shedding months increasing this will benefit the amount of hair-balls floating around your home. They also don’t need too much bathing, only when required (normally after rolling in something smelly).

Exercise Requirements

This breed is a high energy dog and needs a huge amount of exercise to stay happy. It is not uncommon to hear the cries of owners who have come home to washing being herded, or their dog becoming destructive due to the breed simply not getting enough exercise. They excel in dog sports, of all descriptions, and group training sessions. They love to use their brains, being the smartest dog in the world it is no wonder that special attention needs to
be made in terms of exercise and training. They simply love to run. So, a daily off-leash run is a great way to provide exercise and mental stimulation.

Intelligence

The Border Collie is well-known for being the most intelligent dog breed known to man. Because of this it is vitally important you keep him occupied and prevent your pup from getting bored. They need a challenging job to do on a daily basis, to prevent boredom. It is also very important to socialise your young Border Collie and expose them to as many stimuli as possible as a young dog. He needs to flex his mental and muscular needs…daily.

Family Friendly

The border Collie makes a great family pet… in the right hands. They are first and foremost a herding breed and the screams of children can cause them to give chase and even a nip or two. For this reason; it is paramount you dedicate yourself to the training and exercise of the Border Collie to prevent problems. They do not cope being left alone for long periods of time, without any brain stimulating exercise and play.

Indoor/ Outdoor

The Border Collie will benefit from a good-sized yard or living in a rural environment. They have a sturdy weatherproof coat and will adjust to outdoor life easily. However, like all breeds will hugely benefit from curling up in front of the fire during the cooler months. They can also tolerate the warmer weather much better than most breeds, but if you not have ample shade available during the heat of the day it’s a good idea to install some shade sails. Good fences are a must, this breed is incredibly curious making them a smart Houdini.

Breeding

It is very important to only source your new family member from a reputable breeding establishment, to ensure your puppy is healthy. Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems and ask to see mum and dad. Contact your local breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have proof that they regularly test their dogs for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound
temperaments. It may take a little more time than a quick purchase, but it can save you and your family from unimaginable heartache and pain dealing with a sick puppy.