What can a puppy tell you?

[Heather Rae]

I'm brand new, so hopefully this is the appropriate place to post this. First, I haven't chosen a dog since I was nine years old and that was a mix my mother let me take home for free in front of Food4Less. =], however, like most children it was fun to drag her around with me but teaching her anything never crossed my mind. I've taught a little obedience to a few puppies while they were in my care, and work on some obedience with a head strong three year old Malamute.

 

Now that I'm older and hopefully wiser, I'm looking at adding a new dog to my life. For the past four years I've been almost obsessive in my interest in dogs. I can't seem to learn enough about them, but of course most of it is theory. Anyway, I think, but please feel free to discourage me, that the Border Collie is the dog that I want. I'm terrified of the labels that come with them but, I want a bright, energetic dog to train extensively and hopefully to play a little (okay hopefully a lot) fetch with. I love what I've imagined this dog to be: a beautiful, medium sized, intelligent dog, who's eager to please, and has some personality. I've looked at Goldens, Labs, GSDs, but frankly, although some people will not like this excuse, I don't like the way they look and they're larger than I'm looking for. Maybe Border Collie isn't right for me but that's why I thought I would talk to people who owned them.

 

Why did you get a Border Collie? Would you discourage someone who isn't terribly experienced with dogs to own one no matter how motivated/well intentioned they are?

 

Secondly, from your experience can you tell anything about the dog they will become from the puppy? I've read oodles about selecting a puppy from a group and the temperament tests, how do you feel about those types of tests, are they useful?

 

Thank you so much for your help.

[mbc1963]

I deliberately set out to NOT choose a border collie, because I'd read the warnings about their needing a job and their excessive energy. So, I went to the shelter and adopted a nice, smallish dog who hid in the kennel. Then, when he was sprung, he seemed to inflate, and people started saying, "Oh, you got a border collie!" And after looking at photos online, it did, indeed, seem to be true. Aiiee!

 

It turned out that my dog, who was 2ish at the time, had a lot of fear issues. But he had none of the "typical" border collie issues. He never shows outlandish energy in the house, and as long as he gets a good walk, he's extremely calm. He has never chewed anything inappropriate or attempted to herd children. He's still not great with dogs or strangers in my house, but it's easily manageable.

 

So, based on my experience, I'd say the typical experience varies greatly. I know I probably avoided a lot of nonsense by getting an adult dog, but all my friends who've adopted puppies tell similar puppy horror stories, no matter what breed.

 

Good luck!

 

Mary

[Sue R]

Welcome, Heather Rae! This is an excellent source of information about Border Collies. Make sure you read the "Read this first" section because it will provide a lot of information and also give you the philosophy of this board.

 

It's good to see that you are doing your research - too many people decide they "want" without really considering what they are best suited for.

 

Border Collies do come with labels - most intelligent breed, non-stop energy, bred to herd, quirky, obsessive. Some of the labels are deserved, at least by certain dogs/lines of dogs - but some are not (in general) or may even be the result of dogs being in the wrong situations.

 

In general, they are very intelligent - which means they need intelligent, consistent, fair, sufficient training and interaction with their people.

 

In general, they are dogs that need a job - if you don't give a Border Collie something that will supply it with an outlet for all that mental and physical energy, he/she will think of something that will, and you most likely won't like what the dog chooses for that outlet. He/she needs a "job" or will come up with a "job" of his/her own choosing.

 

Well-bred dogs don't have non-stop energy - or, at least, while they can can go all day, they also have an "off switch" or the ability to chill out. They tend to have mental and physical stamina, but not a need to be going all the time, unless the handler has developed that need (sometimes, people who think you

have to "wear out" a Border Collie by extensive exercise/activity daily, can train their dog to be a dog that has to be "worm out" by extensive daily exercise and activity. I hope I'm being clear.

 

Working-bred Border Collies come from parentage that works, and work means livestock work (not performance sports, SAR, or other worthwhile pursuits). The more carefully the dog is bred, the more likely it is to have all the components that make a good working dog - intelligence, biddability, stamina, soundness, temperment, health, and stock sense. Most of these characteristics are the very ones that make them excellent for so many activities - stockwork (of course), performance sports, SAR, assistance dogs, etc.

 

Poorly-bred dogs, or dogs that are bred for other reasons (backyard-bred dogs, show-bred dogs, sports-bred dogs) often have part of the package - and that can lead to behavioral or health problems. Many people say to look at Fluffy, he's herding the children (or cats, or horses, or whatever) when what he is doing is exhibiting predatory behaviors (stockwork is highly-refined predatory behaviors). Many dogs that people will brag with pride as "herding the children" or "doing what he's bred to do" when he interacts with other animals (or children), have animals whose ancestors have not been bred for livestock work for generations.

 

Border Collies can be quirky or obsessive but ones that are trained and handled well are generally not problematic - a lot of obsessive behavior is the result of insufficient handling and training, stopping a behavior before it becomes a habit, and not providing activity and (most importantly) mental exercise.

 

Sorry, but you caught me with time on my hands and a charged laptop! Again, welcome! You will be able to get lots of good advice and encouragement from people here, and I'm sure others will chime in here with much better advice (and be briefer about it). Best wishes!

[juliepoudrier]

Others may disagree with me, but I think you can do all the temperament testing in the world and still not get the dog (temperament-wise) of your dreams. I always tell people that when they go to pick a puppy to pick the one that "speaks" to them, where there's a real connection between you and the pup. Why? Because if you've got that connection then you will be more inclined to work through anything the pup--and later dog--might throw at you as it grows. If you are completely emotionally invested in the dog then you are more likely to happily deal with the quirks, etc., that your dog could develop as it grows up. As for me, I like the quirkiness of border collies, and I have raised a few puppies and can say that while some things (personality, behavior) were evident in the pup, not all things were, and these dogs can constantly surprise you.

 

Otherwise, I think Sue gave a pretty good overview.

 

J.

[Star]

I'm not an expert in border collies by any means and Star is our first. I chose a border collie for many of the same reasons you listed, and was seriously questioned that decision before I found her due to all of the negative labels you find on the internet. Let me just say she is shaping up into the best dog ever. She is intelligent and super easy to train. She is fun to be around because she loves to play fetch, keep away (before anyone comments on not doing this, I have a code for the game that I initiate--otherwise she brings me the ball/toy every time), tug, hide and seek, or learn new tricks. But most of all, she is MY dog (though she was supposed to be my daughter's, she has latched on to me). She is affectionate, follows me everywhere, and wants to please. I've never had a dog that is as attached to humans as this one is. From what I read, I believe this is a tendency of border collies. She loves people and other animals. She is not a barker. As a puppy she was gentle and even tried to control herself around our 20 year old cat and my inlaws' old dog (who have both since gone to chase birds in heaven).

 

Did we have puppy issues? Sure, but all puppies are a pain. She did try to "herd" the kids (as they say) a few times, but not for long once she learned it was not acceptable (and I had them stop and turn their backs when she did it). She ripped a couple of shirts, but on the other hand she has not nearly chewed the house down like my hound/GSP did as a pup. She does want to chase cars, and airplanes. This is a serious compulsion with her and we are working on it by teaching her to "leave it". I won't call it an obsession because she always leaves it now, but you can tell she still really really wants to chase. It took some time to get to this point, but really not much more than it did for me to teach my stubborn hound/GSP to come when called. Point being, all dogs have one issue or another you just have to be ready to deal with it.

 

Anyway, I hope that feedback helped. Good luck in finding a border collie who can be YOURS for life.

[Sue R]

What Julie said!

 

Someone once said that if you like the pup, you will love the dog. If you don't like the pup, nothing the dog will do will suit you. Or something like that, but I think you understand - it's just what Julie said.

[Lewie'sMom]

Great post, Sue.

 

Welcome, Heather! This is a wonderful board filled with good people and fabulous dogs.

 

My only advice about picking a puppy is to listen to your gut (read: heart ). I adopted Lewie as a 9-week old pup from a small rescue group based solely on his picture on the Internet and my experience with BCXs. While my method of chosing him was probably the poorest method of choosing a dog on the face of the planet, I've had no regrets. Well, okay, maybe I did have a few regrets when he was a puppy. I've owned and trained a lot of pups in my day, but Lewie was by far the W.O.R.S.T. P.U.P.P.Y. E.V.A.H.! He was stubborn, defiant, and naughty. It took all of my knowledge and experience, along with some advice from a professional, to overcome his "puppy-ness". However, he's grown into one of the the two best dogs I've ever had. The other, yep, my other BCX.

 

Listen to your inner voice and take your time. You'll know when you find your pup.

[Heather Rae]

Thank you everyone for your replies, they do help ease my mind. My father has been telling me for years to just go with your heart when it comes to picking a puppy/dog.

 

Julie, I think you have a very good point. Which will I be more willing to go the distance for? A companion or a science project?

 

Sue, I forget to read those "Read this first" because it often always seems about the same from one board to another I forget that sometimes they do have handy information. Thank you though for your honest and thoughtful reply. After learning that there is a bit of a divide when it comes to what these dogs should be bred for, I've felt so at odds about which way to go. I honestly don't think I care to do herding, but is it something I should consider doing for my dog? Other than relieving some of it's instinct to herd/stalk is there benefits to doing herding? Or, moreover, is there another way to allow my dog to herd without needing a ranch?

 

 

 

Thank you, for your warm welcomes. =] Is there any particular threads recommended for a person such as myself?

[Liz P]

What Julie said!

 

Someone once said that if you like the pup, you will love the dog. If you don't like the pup, nothing the dog will do will suit you. Or something like that, but I think you understand - it's just what Julie said.

 

What she said! That is SO true. The only dog I ever sold as an adult I chose based on a temperament test. She did great on the test. I didn't click with her, but I took her anyway. Never did get along so I sold her.

 

The larger organizations that breed and raise service dogs say that temperament tests really are not very predictive about whether or not a dog with have what it takes to do its job. I have definitely found this to be true. I've had shy pups blossom into confident adults and relaxed, sociable pups turn into shy, reserved adults. There ARE pups out there who are so painfully shy that they will never be confident, but they are generally quite obvious.

[Kelleybean]

One important thing to consider, is how much time will you have to spend with your dog? BC's need a LOT of interaction with people, they simply will not be happy if left alone for long periods of time. I have a golden, a JRT and a BC. Although the golden is definately the largest in size, she needs the least amount of space. She's content to just lay around as long as she has her daily walk, and she is fantastic at fetch (retrievers usually are!) Now my BC is by FAR the smartest of the pack, but she is also the most intense, she must be kept busy. We go to agility and obedience every week and I work with her training alot at home. She has the other dogs to keep her occupied during the day, and my son plays with her for hours at a time when I'm not with her. (the JRT is a neurotic nut-job, but I love her anyway,) Honestly, as much as I adore my BC, I think that goldens make the perfect first dog.

[juliepoudrier]

Heather Rae,

There's no reason you have to work stock with your dog if doing so doesn't interest you. I hope, though, that one thing you'd take away from the "Read This First" post is that working-bred border collies are the dogs who can "do it all." If you choose to buy a pup from a breeder, please consider getting a working-bred pup (and you can find all sorts of discussions here about what constitutes a good working-bred litter--at the least both parents should be proven workers). You don't have to work it, but as Sue noted, such dogs, having been bred for work, generally have the entire genetic package to make them stable pets, active companions, or sports dogs (there are always exceptions of course), and by purchasing a pup from a reputable working breeder, you will encourage more such breedings, which in turn will be good for the working border collie as a whole.

 

J.

[geonni banner]

What Julie, Sue and Liz said.

I fell in love with a puppy on the internet (the pictures of her were taken at 10 or twelve weeks.) When I arrived to see her she had a full set of adult teeth. But I "Knew" she was the one, and I've never changed my mind about that. If I'd made a more considered choice, I'd have saved myself a LOT of trouble, but I love this dog like no other, and that has gotten me through her fear issues and the health problems she arrived with.

 

That said, I would echo the advice I've read time and again on the Boards. Go to a reputable rescue or a non-AKC breeder - one who breeds for working traits and works his/her dogs on stock and/or trials them. This will not only help you get a good puppy/dog, but it's good for the Border Collie as a breed.

[Gloria Atwater]

Hi HeatherRae!

 

Welcome to the BC madness. I think Sue, Julie and everyone have already given you excellent advice, so I'm merely here to echo what they've said.

 

The only thing I might add is that a border collie's "need" to herd is only a need if we, the humans, awaken and indulge that instinct. A BC is perfectly capable of leading a happy, balanced, fulfilled life even if it never sees a sheep in its life. They don't know they're supposed to be sheepdogs. So if you don't want to go to the expense and time-suck of taking your dog to sheep ... don't do it. He won't suffer from the lack.

 

A border collie doesn't need to run 50 miles a day. They just need to live an active life and to be an integral, daily part of your life, doing things with you. From what I've seen or heard, most horror stories about BCs come from dogs that are bored and left too much alone. I would not recommend a BC for an apartment dog, but neither would I want to see one go to live in a 1-acre back yard that it never leaves.

 

Border collies are a daily dog. If you're ready to make a dog the center of your spare time, then a BC may be for you. And I'd also echo the point about looking to working lines for your pup. Why not support the all-around best in the breed, after all? Best of luck!

Cheers ~

 

Gloria

[puppytoes]

Good for you for wanting to be sure you pick the right kind of dog for you. I really believe that people that are obsessive i mean committed to their dogs can make the relationship work pretty much every time (except when the dog has real issues). I also got my first dog quite young and while the local SPCA turned me down because they thought a university student could not be committed enough to have a dog, my girl got the most committed people ever. Now i will be the one to raise the rescue/adoption route here because HeatheRae did not specifically state that she was looking for a breeder. Also, i think that when the average person is looking for a companion dog (i.e.does not need them for anything specific) a rescue dog can be a great choice. Here is how i came to have my two dogs: my 13 year old was about to be dumped at 1 1/2 and my 2 year old was adopted from a shelter at 12 weeks. I did have to travel 10 hours to pick him up but single bred border collies in shelters and rescues are a possibility. Both my dogs are wonderful companions. Rest assured that if you are willing to put in the work that your particular dog needs (regardless of what the breed is generally like), you will be successful. Good luck!

[arf2184]

Any dog of any breed can be a challenge and all of them can take way more time and energy than you planned on spending with them, especially a puppy. If you've taken a good honest look at your lifestyle and think that an active, intelligent dog has a place there, then a Border Collie may be the perfect dog for you.

 

When I got Meg, I specifically sought out to rescue an adult Border Collie (my first Border Collie). I knew all the things that are said about why you *shouldn't* get a Border Collie. There is some truth to them, many of them caused by an intelligent dog having been left alone with nothing to do but develop bad habits. I had a number of specific requirements (must love/not eat cats, not obsess over small animals, get along with other dogs, have potential for agility, not take off running at every opportunity, etc). I was not at a point in life where I wanted a teething puppy that would need potty trained and taught house manners. Because I had specific requirements for a dog, I sought out one that was in foster care where I could talk to the person she was living with to make sure that I brought home the right dog.

 

Meg was not my first choice based off the pictures and descriptions I looked at online, but after talking to the foster mom of choice #1, it was clear #1 was a bit more intense than I wanted (and an escape artist). Meg was in the same foster home and we spent a couple hours talking about her. It quickly became clear she was the girl for me. We drove 7 hours to go meet her and bring her home...it was love at first sight for both of us.

 

She does have a couple issues we're working through, but nothing major. She was very insecure the first couple of months she was here, but she's been gaining confidence and has found her place in the family. Obedience and agility classes have helped a lot in increasing her confidence both in and out of the home. She's been very eager to learn, she's a fast learner, and she's actually been a much easier dog than my lab mix (who I've had since he was a puppy...at 10 years old, he's a well behaved dog, but it was a long challenging road to get there, despite early training and socialization).

 

Look around in your area for training classes. They can be (and should be) a lot of fun for both you and the dog. Be sure to find a trainer you like...he/she can also help you through any behavior problems.

[Heather Rae]

Arf & Puppytoes- Thank you, I've often wondered about getting a rescue dog and whether to get an adult or a puppy. I like the idea of a puppy, something to raise, and potty train, and teach partly because I have no desire for children and partly because I'm such a sucker for puppies. On the other hand having an adult dog who I see what I'm getting into, behavioral issues or lack there of, also sounds appealing, plus I may still have to potty train him/her and raising a dog is a lifelong process.

 

 

It's really nice to hear from owners experiences with their dogs because it gives me a more inclusive/better picture of the breed.

 

I was a little frightened yesterday though. I went to watch an agility competition for the most part the dogs were pretty well-behaved, but it seemed like the border collie owners were having a bit of a struggle with their dogs. Most of them in a tug-o-war with the leash with their dog. Their dogs were amazing on the course but after they got off of the run they were back to being a bit crazy and disobedient. What does this come from? All of the BCs weren't like this, so I suspect it's something the owner/trainer is doing. Is it just expecting the dog to do well on the course but little training out side of that? Is it just excitement that the dog is burning off? Or dog owners/trainers prefer their dogs to be rambunctious/high energy to the point of disobedience even endangerment of others?

[stockdogranch]

As someone who strictly works with working bred border collies (and only trains them to work stock),I understand your confusion with the dogs you saw. Seems the sports folks like all that tugging, and consider it "motivating" to get their dogs kind of amped up. Personally, I don't get it, but then again, I'm not a sports person.

 

When I'm looking at a pup (given that the breeding is what I'm looking for), I go with the one I like the looks of, or that "speaks" to me, or the one I see heeling the littermates

A

[Liz P]

I was a little frightened yesterday though. I went to watch an agility competition for the most part the dogs were pretty well-behaved, but it seemed like the border collie owners were having a bit of a struggle with their dogs. Most of them in a tug-o-war with the leash with their dog. Their dogs were amazing on the course but after they got off of the run they were back to being a bit crazy and disobedient. What does this come from? All of the BCs weren't like this, so I suspect it's something the owner/trainer is doing. Is it just expecting the dog to do well on the course but little training out side of that? Is it just excitement that the dog is burning off? Or dog owners/trainers prefer their dogs to be rambunctious/high energy to the point of disobedience even endangerment of others?

 

It's called bad training, IMHO. They actually teach the dogs to be out of control like that. People who own and raise stock dogs would never tolerate such foolish behavior. Just go to a sheepdog trial and watch how those dogs behave. While waiting their turn to run many dogs are sleeping or calmly and quietly watching along the fence. Any pup needs to be taught self control, but Border Collies from working breeders are both bred and raised to have it. They must have self control to work stock.

[Maralynn]

Hi and welcome!!

 

Puppies are cute, but everything else you're looking for can be found in a young adult in rescue. My youngster was a 10 m/o blank slate when I got her. She was ready to train and shape from the beginning and I knew pretty much what her adult temperament was going to be. What I saw when I got her was what I have now a year later.

 

And the training is a lifelong process. I get one of my younger two to train/work with and my 11 y/o needs to have her turn, too.

 

Border Collie don't have to work stock. They do have to do something with you, they need to be a part of your life. They are very much a lifestyle dog - plan on incorporating your dog into your life wherever possible if you get a BC. Mine love to go for rides in the car, so I take them just about anywhere weather permitting. I also train for SAR work and if I'm bored they get to learn pet tricks jut for kicks. They know that sometimes they just need to chill so I can sit and write a paper all night and they lay around chewing on bones or snoozing.

[rushdoggie]

Most of them in a tug-o-war with the leash with their dog. Their dogs were amazing on the course but after they got off of the run they were back to being a bit crazy and disobedient. What does this come from? All of the BCs weren't like this, so I suspect it's something the owner/trainer is doing.

 

You have it right with the "something the owner/trainer is doing" observation. Some folks feel like they need to allow their dogs to be wild and crazy to get a good performance out of them, and some feel they will decrease "drive" by asking for control.

 

The leash tugging was likely intentional, many dogs are taught to tug and pull on the leash as a reward and/or redirection of excitement.

 

I don't personally agree that self control will decrease drive, and the dogs you saw who were well behaved probably had owners who agree with me.

 

It does give you a window into what a dog who hasn't learned self control and manners could be like, however!

[gcv-border]

 

I was a little frightened yesterday though. I went to watch an agility competition for the most part the dogs were pretty well-behaved, but it seemed like the border collie owners were having a bit of a struggle with their dogs. Most of them in a tug-o-war with the leash with their dog. Their dogs were amazing on the course but after they got off of the run they were back to being a bit crazy and disobedient. What does this come from? All of the BCs weren't like this, so I suspect it's something the owner/trainer is doing. Is it just expecting the dog to do well on the course but little training out side of that? Is it just excitement that the dog is burning off? Or dog owners/trainers prefer their dogs to be rambunctious/high energy to the point of disobedience even endangerment of others?

 

I am going to be a bit of a devil's advocate here since I do agility. I have also attended many herding trials over the years and have watched, in person, flyball tournaments. I agree that most herding BCs are more calm than the average dog-sports BC (based on my observation when I have been able to attend a herding trial. My dog doesn't herd, but I wish I had the time to train for it.). Flyball dogs are even crazier than agility dogs. When you think about what is expected of each performance, there is a correlation with how amped up the dogs are. Herding dogs get 15 or 20 or 30 minutes to compete. Agility courses are run in 17-60 seconds, whereas flyball dogs go out and back in 5-8 seconds. As you can see, the window of opportunity is extremely varied. I personally do not want my dog to run flyball as I do not want to have to handle the extreme energy required for flyball, but I think I understand why it is necessary.

 

As far as the level of training that individual dogs have outside of the chosen sport, again, one can not make generalizations. With respect to your concern about how 'disobedient' the agility dogs seemed to be, I have witnessed dogs that don't listen to their handlers on the course (and I have seen the same thing in novice herding dogs), and on the other side of the spectrum are the dogs that approach the start line quietly and calmly, yet run like the wind when released. The top dogs can be so in tune with their handlers that it is a joy to watch them run. IMHO, the best runs are the ones where the handler hardly says anything and only handles with hand motions and shoulder turns and deceleration/acceleration motions.

 

My guess is that you attended an AKC trial. I have not performed in USDAA, but I know that you can be disqualified if you allow your dog to tug on the leash after their run in NADAC. Tugging can be very enjoyable to the dog and a lot of people will not tug with their dog. (I got the anti-tugging lecture from my vet when I brought my puppy in for his shots.) It's OK with me if you don't want to tug with your dog (there may be certain personality types that should not tug), but if done correctly, I think tugging is another level of control that I have over my dog since I have taught him to tug --hard -- but if I say "drop it", I expect him to release immediately.

 

Jovi

[Liz P]

When you think about what is expected of each performance, there is a correlation with how amped up the dogs are. Herding dogs get 15 or 20 or 30 minutes to compete. Agility courses are run in 17-60 seconds, whereas flyball dogs go out and back in 5-8 seconds. As you can see, the window of opportunity is extremely varied.

 

I don't understand what you are trying to say here.

 

Years ago I trained dogs for sports; agility, flyball, dog sledding, etc. I never had a crazy dog. They ran full speed while competing but immediately quieted down and relaxed upon finishing their run. From day one I raise my pups to be calm unless I give them permission to run, vocalize and be stupid. The second I ask them to stop and behave themselves, they do. There is no excuse for insane, out of control dogs.

 

Please scroll down to the section called "Settle Down and Shush."

http://www.dogstardaily.com/training/lifestyle-training

[gcv-border]

I don't understand what you are trying to say here.

 

Years ago I trained dogs for sports; agility, flyball, dog sledding, etc. I never had a crazy dog. They ran full speed while competing but immediately quieted down and relaxed upon finishing their run. From day one I raise my pups to be calm unless I give them permission to run, vocalize and be stupid. The second I ask them to stop and behave themselves, they do. There is no excuse for insane, out of control dogs.

 

 

I didn't mean to convey that "amped up" should be equivalent to "crazy" -- although that is probably how it is often interpreted. I am not making excuses for those handlers and their dogs that are out of control (and there are probably many of them), but the more I learn and observe, I see that some of what I used to think was crazy behavior when I was beginning to go to agility trials (similar to the OP) can actually be directed stimulation to get the dog prepped for the course (I am talking generally here, not just BCs). I really appreciate and admire those dogs who are calm yet focused enough to run fast. Many handlers do not achieve speed without the accompanying undesirable behavior.

 

As far as running a BC in agility, BC owners are lucky in that most BCs come with a built-in engine. Owners of many other breeds often work hard at "building" an engine in their dog. When I was starting to trail in agility with my BC, my friend (who runs Welshies) advised me to develop a pre-run routine that would get my dog ready to run. Good advice, but my friend used her pre-run routine to try and amp up her dogs so that they would want to run. That didn't work for me. I learned that my goal in my pre-run routine should be to get my dog to focus on me so he doesn't act like a crazy BC (I don't have to worry about his desire to run).

 

Jovi

[SecretBC]

I really shouldn't even comment on some of the things said here about agility dogs.... If you aren't involved in the world of agility, then no, you won't understand it.

 

I am surprised at the number of folks here who seem to be totally on board with someone getting a BC as their first dog. I would never, ever recommend that a first time dog owner (even if you had dogs as a kid...) get a BC as their first dog. For the *average* person, I think it's a recipe for disaster and not fair to dog or owner.

 

So many people are attracted to the intelligence of the BC and the fact that they are the "smartest dog." Yet most people have no idea what that actually means. Other people like them for their looks and are just completely unprepared for what it takes to successfully raise a BC.

 

Bringing a dog into your home for the first time is a massive upheaval, IMO. I think that dealing with that change on top of the needs of your average BC is just taking on an awful lot.

 

I would encourage the OP to keep an eye out at their local shelter. We get many BC/Aussie mixes into our shelter that have lower drive/energy needs than a full BC. I think that would be a better option for a first dog, personally.

 

Anyone who gets a BC should be prepared to DO SOMETHING with it. They are not house pets. They need a job, and I don't feel that the average first time dog owner really knows what that means.

[WildFlower]

Border Collie don't have to work stock. They do have to do something with you, they need to be a part of your life. They are very much a lifestyle dog - plan on incorporating your dog into your life wherever possible if you get a BC. Mine love to go for rides in the car, so I take them just about anywhere weather permitting.

 

Hello and welcome!

 

You have gotten some great advice from many others on picking a good breeder and/or picking a puppy from a litter.

 

But I would just like to second what Maralynn said. Border Collies are not just dogs - they need to become part of your lifestyle. I think that it would be fairly safe to say that most people's hobbies on this board some how include their dog. I don't say this to discourage you from getting a BC, you should just know, that IMO they are not a typical dog.

 

I also would like to add, since you went to see an agility trial, why not go and see a sheep dog trial? Not to change your mind on what you want to do with your dog but just to see what they are bred to do. I got my first BC because I wanted to do agility. I think agility is so much fun to watch. But she didn't really seem to enjoy it. So I tried stock work with her. She's not great at it but I can see that she loves it and we really bond while doing it. My second BC is a natural on stock. And personally, I think that there is nothing more breathtaking than watching a BC work sheep. (It's also really addictive.)