Frequently Asked Questions About Border Collies
Do border collies make good family pets? 
In order to answer this question, you must first ask yourself this: "Do I want a dog to be actively involved in my life? Am I willing to adjust my lifestyle to meet the needs of my border collie?" Border collies (bcs) are very physically and mentally active. They are working dogs and require an outlet for the energy they have been bred to carry. Their success as a family member very much depends on the individual dog, but more importantly the individual family members. The more consistent its training and the more activity it participates in, the less likely the dog will be to find it's own entertainment. You can always rely on a border collie to find something to do, but whether you like what they've chosen is another question.
Are they good with children?
In border collies that are particularly "herdy," the dog can view young children as they would sheep -- as something that needs to be controlled and put in order. These bcs will feel it necessary to bring moving children back under control, sometimes by nipping them. However, many border collies come to learn they can try herding the kids without nipping. You will notice they continually circle the playing children and some families tell stories of their bc stopping their child from going in the street! If you want your new bc to be comfortable around children, you need to take the time and make the effort to teach them what is accepted and what isn't. You will also need to do the same with your children. They must learn the appropriate way to act around their new dog. If you can do this, your bc will make a loyal, loving, protective and playful friend for your children.
Do border collies make good companion dogs?
We believe they are the best companion dogs and are more than willing to hold up their end of the friendship. Many thousands of shepherds can't be wrong about the nature of border collies. They are the all around companion dog for work and play. The more important question you should ask yourself is, "Will I make a good companion for a border collie?"
Do rescued border collies have a lot of "problems?"
If they do have "problems," it is often because their previous owner wasn't able to train the dog or provide enough exercise and mental stimulus. When a border collie is left to its own devices without proper training, there is bound to be trouble. Some rescued bcs have been neglected and/or abused. These dogs are indeed "special cases" and require more care to rehabilitate. However, many rescue dogs come with no real issues to speak of.
Before entering the most rescue programs, each dog is evaluated to determine it's proper placement in foster care. While at its foster home, the dog is tested in a variety of life situations. These include exposure to cats, other dogs, men, children, loud noises, strangers, cars, etc. During this time, the Rescue helps the dog cope and adjust to these new situations. The Rescue makes every effort to match up the appropriate dog with the skills, abilities and lifestyle of the adopter.
Are they easy to train?
Border collies tend to be very easy dogs to train because they are social, eager to please, exceptionally intelligent and love to work. However, they will learn bad habits as quickly as they will good habits. They have the uncanny ability to size up a situation to take full advantage for them. They really aren't stubborn dogs, they just believe they know the answer and you don't. It is up to you to teach them they don't know all the answers. But here's a little secret…sometimes they do. Many a shepherd will tell you their dog ignored a command and did its own thing. It turned out the dog was right! The long and short border collies are not for everyone. They need a firm, consistent, creative and loving hand. And let's not forget, THEY NEED A JOB.
What do you mean by "border collies need a job"?
They need a job because of their intense desire for physical and mental exercise. As was mentioned before, they were bred to work. Over the centuries, they have worked for hours on end without tiring. That is what makes a bc unique. Work can come in many forms. It might be the traditional herding of livestock, being a service to people with physical challenges, or a therapy dog in a nursing home or with kids. It's work might be to keep up with you while you run, bike, ride a horse, canoe or whatever your sport. Its work could also be to learn language, tricks, chase the ball or Frisbee for hours, swim, run agility, flyball or compete in obedience (but this can bore them after awhile). There are a myriad of “jobs” a bc can and will do. The main goal is to be sure that your bc is always challenged on both the physical and mental level.
Physical exercise is not enough for this breed. They are thinkers through and through. They even get excellent stimulus riding in the car with you on errands (provided it's not too hot). There is so much for them to look at and study. If given what they need, they will be perfect in the house. If you are creative, you can come up with many ways to exercise the mind and body of your bc. However, this is an everyday requirement for most bcs. So, if you're not up to the challenge of purebred bc, then a border collie mix might be the dog for you. A mix will often have less of a requirement for exercise (depending on the mix) and can be a good alternative for a family that doesn't have the time a bc requires.
Are Border Collies hyper?
What is meant when people talk about bcs being hyper is that they have a lot of physical and mental energy. Over the centuries they have been bred to work. I guess we could call them “workaholics.” They want to be busy all the time, but don't necessarily need to be busy all the time. Since they are people dogs and keen on their humans, they want you to help entertain them whether you provide “work” or play. To a border collie it's all the same – something to do. When faced with nothing constructive to do, a bc will likely entertain itself. However, it's human should not count on always being happy with the results! If its family is patient, persistent and consistent with it's training, a bc tends not to stray from what it has learned and can be quite reliable in the house. They also can be very respectful once the proper hierarchy has been established. There are many “jobs” you can give your border collie. If you're short on ideas, take a look at our section on “Jobs For Your BC.”
Is it true Border Collies don't do well in the city?
Border Collies can live a very happy and full life in the city. That being said, it is also true that having a bc as a pet requires far more effort than the "average" dog whether you live in the city or the country. Why? The answer is simple...because bcs are working dogs. They have a lot more physical and mental energy than most dogs. A border collie is not going to be happy with the standard walk around the block in the morning and evening. The bc owner living in the city with their dog on a leash most of the time, will need to be prepared to make that extra effort for their dog.
Despite what you might have heard, mental stimulus is just as important as physical exercise. Border collies love to learn new jobs, games and language. You can teach them the names of their toys and ask them to find a particular one. They will learn the names of the rooms in your home and can be sent to each one. They can learn the names of your family members and love to play hide and seek. They will learn whatever you are creative enough to teach them. They also make excellent service dogs for the physically challenged, and many are doing well as therapy dogs. There is nothing the bc can't do with proper training and support from its people.
How much and what type of exercise do border collies need?
This is a tough one to answer. Each dog's energy level and need for exercise varies. The simple answer is lots of vigorous exercise. There are very few border collies that can be mistaken for couch potatoes. They are versatile, multi-talented, energetic and well rounded. Successful bc owners make it a regular part of their day to get their dogs outside and active. But not all border collies are created equal. The foster family can tell you what each dog's energy level is and what kinds of things the dog likes to do for fun. Each rescue's goal is to match up the right dog with the right person. If you are training for a triathlon, then you will want a high-energy dog. If your dog will spend 8-10 hours a day in the house alone, then a lower energy dog will be a better match. Some bcs will do brilliantly with more mental stimulus than physical.
Do border collies like to swim?
They either love it or they hate it. Some don't like to get their toes wet, while others will swim like a lab. And if there is the added bonus of ducks in the water, don't be surprised if your water loving border collie tries to herd them to shore. A wonderful exercise for the bc is to throw a stick or ball out into the water and have your bc retrieve it. It's excellent for building muscle without stressing joints. There are also border collies that love to jump off docks and small ledges. They will often follow your lead. Just be safe and reasonable with what is good for your dog. If a border collie has a fault, it is that most don't know when to quit. One story about a swimming border collie is that it loved to “play” or herd the loons. One day it “played” with the loons until only it's nose and eyes were above water! It's family was panicked because the dog was so far out on the lake, they didn't think they would reach it before it went under. With a border collie you must monitor it's activity so they don't end up hurting themselves, i.e. drowning. They truly don't know when to quit!
They love the job and their people so much they will go until they can't anymore. Another benefit of swimming is that it is a wonderful therapy for a dog's recovery from any type of orthopedic injury. It tires them out more quickly than any other activity. And if your bc doesn't like to swim, it will probably love to chase the waves.
How long do border collies live?
Genetics and environment are factors in the longevity of any dog. If the border collie has been given plenty of exercise, good food, consistent vet care and a happy home, 13-15 years is its average life expectancy. The Guinness Book of Records says that the longest-lived dog was a Border Collie in England, by the name of Taffy. She lived to be 26 years old. The Border Collie tends to mature slowly and remains an active dog later in its life. They typically start acting like an adult when they reach the age of 3-4 years old and will tend to act middle-aged around 10 years old. Old age will come quickly, but some will remain active within one year of death.
Will an older dog bond with us?
Will an older border collie bond to you? In a heartbeat. When the quality of their lives is better than what they had lived previously, they know it and they adjust quickly to kindness. Bonding can happen within a day or two, but in some cases may take a few months and even a year, depending on the dog and their life experiences.
Why should we consider an older dog?
The older border collie is a wonderful thing to have in your life. They are housetrained, have manners in place, settle inside and enjoy exercise time with you. Border Collies love their people and are eager to please, especially once they know what makes you happy. The puppy nonsense is gone leaving you with an older dog that loves to be with you and doesn't demand constant playtime. It seems many people want a puppy - but want it to act like an older dog. Why not consider a rescued dog?
Are border collies good with cats and other dogs?
In general, the answer is yes. In most cases, bcs are good with cats and other dogs. However, as with all breeds there are exceptions to the rule. Border collies are probably better with other dogs than a lot of breeds. They usually enjoy having another dog around to herd, chase and play with. The ability of the other dog to get along with the BC will usually require that it doesn't mind being a surrogate sheep. Border collies will often playfully herd other dogs as if they were livestock. It is wise to try and match your bc with a dog that isn't too small (such as a toy breed) that could easily be injured by rough play. We often find that bcs are happiest when they have another dog of equal size and energy. That is why many bc owners will have two rather than one. They adopt one and then decide that a second is needed to help wear down the first one. Most homes with two bcs find it much more fun to watch the pair romping together. Some people disagree with this by saying that the dogs bond to each other too much or that you shouldn't get one dog to entertain another. Don't worry, you won't be snubbed by your little pack as long as you train and develop your dogs appropriately. They will both adore and cherish their time with you.
Most dogs from rescue groups will have been observed with another dog while in foster care. The foster home can tell you if the dog that you're interested in is good with other dogs. We usually recommend that if you currently have a male dog, you should get a female and vise versa. We find this is usually the best match when it comes to dominance issues and pack behaviors. However, two males can often work out well together. Two females can do great together as well, but this will often require more diligence on monitoring behaviors as they age and challenge the pack hierarchy. If a dog cannot be placed with other dogs you will be made aware of this by its foster home or by the shelter staff.
As for cats, rescue groups usually have a good idea whether a dog can be placed with cats. Many of the foster homes have cats so the dogs are used to living with them. However, on occasion a dog's behavior around cats is unknown. Generally, most bcs just tend to look at cats as entertainment. They enjoy herding them (not hurting), and they sometimes even develop close relationships with them. If you have a cat, be sure to talk with the foster home about the dog with cats.
Why are there so many border collies that need rescuing?
Border collies are the "fashionable" dogs right now. In a way, movies such as “Babe” and others depicting bcs in their best moments have done the breed a lot of harm. Many people see a well-trained dog and say, “That's what I want.” But they don't realize how much effort goes into making that dog look like the perfect dog. Once their “perfect dog” gets home, the new bc owner gets very frustrated with a dog that can and will outsmart them.
Many people spend more time and do more research in selecting a new car than they do in selecting a dog. It's amazing. A border collie is a very smart dog. It is not a joke when we say they are often smarter than their owners. Every bc owner has had at least one experience when their dog proved smarter than they were. It's humbling once you recognize and admit it!
A border collie is most certainly an “advanced dog ownership” type of dog. It is not easy to train a smart dog. You have to work very hard to be precise, consistent and accurate in your commands, and prepared to move on to the next step quickly. You must try to stay one or two steps ahead of your dog at all times. Their reaction time is quick and if you're not right there, it could spell disaster. It is true that most bcs learn very quickly. They can often learn a new trick or command after only being shown a couple of times. The trick is reinforcing it so your bc doesn't get lazy or challenge your authority. Consistency is the key to a successful relationship with almost any border collie.
Many rescue dogs get caught in the middle of one of a myriad of life's crisis. Divorce, career changes, new apartments, new baby or a host of other challenges cause some folks to look for relief wherever they can find it. Often, the dog is the easiest thing to push aside. These reasons, along with a host of others, contribute to the growing problem of unwanted cats and dogs. But don't confuse "unwanted" with "unlovable" or "worthless." Nothing could be further from the truth than to think that getting a dog from a rescue or a shelter is like scraping the bottom of the barrel. Each and every rescue dog has a lot to offer! And each and every dog is living a full and happy life in a family committed to them for the rest of their lives. They are living proof there is life after rescue! Those of us in rescue have all faced the same challenges in our lives that others do, but we have found ways to work around them and still keep our dogs. They are full-fledged family members and that is what we are looking to find for all rescued dogs. If you are reading this and find you are faced with the possibility of giving up your dog, contact us and we will do what we can to help you keep your dog through a tough time!
I've heard the expression bc "eye" and "crouch." What do they mean?
The bc "eye"' can be seen when a dog locks it's gaze upon something and stares at it. It's a penetrating look used to "intimidate" the stock to move away from the dog. That's the primary way a bc will herd. At the same time, the dog crouches down like it's going to jump on the stock. This, too, is meant to intimidate the stock into moving away from the dog. Dogs that don't work stock will often do the "eye and crouch" on people, cats, other dogs, toys or any substitute they can find. Often it is used mostly on moving objects, like thrown toys, people or children. It is hard wired in border collies but some have a stronger “herding drive” than others. Many bcs don't have any interest in herding at all.
I want a border collie to help with my cows. Do you train them for that?
Not every border collie can work cows…or sheep for that matter. Cows are much bigger and more stubborn than sheep, goats, ducks and geese. However, there are many successful border collies working cattle. The rescue will try to identify the dogs that have potential and/or skill with stock. There are very few working farms that will foster rescued dogs. Therefore, the resources for training a dog to herd are limited.
Do border collies make good watchdogs?
If they are expected to tell you what's going on, they will. In terms of barking, that varies greatly. Generally, when engaged in an activity such as herding or Frisbee, they are completely silent. They concentrate on the task and waste no effort in "talking about it." Sometimes, when having completed a task, such as clearing an agility obstacle, they might bark. Others may bark with enthusiasm all the way through the course. There are some breeds that are known to be quite vocal, but the border collie is not one of them. However, when put in a group of dogs all very excited about something like flyball, for example, or other dogs, they will likely bark – a lot! So, it is often up to the owner to observe how his/her dog communicates.
Border collies are very loyal and may surprise you at how protective they can be when the moment of truth arrives. A dog you thought would open the door for an intruder and lead them to your valuables can become very serious and even aggressive when faced with a true scenario. If you have children and a stranger approaches your child, the bc will often leave what it's doing and come to the side of your child. It may be very subtle, but don't underestimate a border collies' intent. They will almost always know what's going to happen before it happens. That's what they are bred to do – anticipate the next move. That is the key to their herding success.
Why should I consider a border collie mix?
A border collie mix combines the best of both breeds, while "watering down" the bcs more challenging characteristics. For those who do not think they can handle living with a purebred border collie, the bc mix can be a wonderful choice.
Do border collies shed?
Border collies come in two types of coats: the smooth coat or short hair variety, and rough or long hair. The rough coat particularly is prone to shed. However, the amount and health of the coat is dependant upon many factors including age, nutrition and environment (i.e., kept indoors vs. outdoors). Also, neutering males may affect the coat. Generally, the rough coat varieties will lose their coat at least once a year. This is called "shedding out" or "blowing coat" and during that time, the hair can come out in thick clumps. The hair that is shed is dead hair and is usually off color. This can be groomed or brushed out regularly. However, most bcs will shed a little bit all year round. So, if you're considering a border collie, invest in a good vacuum cleaner!
What kind of food do you recommend for a border collie?
This is dependent upon the age of the dog and its activity level. There are many brands of dog food available, so it's hard to know what is "best." Ask yourself, how old and how active your dog is. Generally, dog food companies group their products based on age and activity level - puppy foods, mid-life adults with varying activity levels (i.e., active dog formulas and maintenance formulas) and seniors. The amount of protein in the food is often a big variable. For younger, active dogs you would look for a protein level between 11-14%. To much protein can damage a dog's internal organs and cause the dog to become “hyper.” Even for the performance dog, feeding it protein levels as high as 34% is just far too much.
There is also the quality/value price quandary. The higher quality foods tend to cost a little more per pound, but the dog is getting nutrients in forms that it's body can actually metabolize and as a result you generally feed less of this food, have a healthier dog, and fewer, more compact stools. Ultimately, this all results in lower vet bills!
Determining how much to feed your dog requires a bit of experimentation. Just like with people, each dog's metabolism varies. Some will "pack on the pounds," while others can eat and eat without gaining a pound. Again, look at age, activity level and daily treats especially during training sessions. Food is a great training tool, but you might have to adjust the amount of food your dog gets at each meal. As a general rule, an adult bc will eat anywhere from 2-4 cups a day. Anything over 2 cups should be fed as two separate meals. Keeping the meals smaller reduces the risk of bloat and stomach torsion which can lead to death. Also, be sure your dog has not had vigorous exercise within 30 minutes before eating and 45 –60 minutes after eating. This will aid in better digestion and reduce the risk of torsion or other stomach problems. We also recommend wetting dry food to help in digestion. A good nutrition program for your dog should result in a healthy animal with a shiny coat, good teeth and bright eyes.
Is it true border collies are sound sensitive? How do you overcome that?
Many border collies are sound sensitive and/or motion sensitive. Many have no reaction to sound whatsoever. An overly sound sensitive border collie may need help learning that loud sounds are just that and nothing to be feared. Desensitizing to sound requires patience, careful observation of what the dog is reacting to and then gradually working through each situation when the offending noise is heard. Small steps and small successes with lots of yummy treats or the favorite game is the most permanent path to overcoming sound sensitivity. If your border collie is exhibiting fear to certain sounds, it would be advisable to seek help from an animal behaviorist.
