Some questions about BC

[Ribs]

I'm in college living away from home and I started to miss my miniature dachshund, Cookie, back home. So I started watching videos of dogs on youtube and I miss having a furry companion so much. I know I can't have a dog in college because I would have too much work and not enough time to devote to it, but I love to dream about when I graduate and can get a buddy of my own.

 

Well lately from all the stuff I've been reading and watching I seem to have fallen in love with Border Collies. The reasons are here. First off, it seems just about the right sized dog. I love German Shepherds and my grandfather had one before he passed away, but those dogs get very big and super strong, even although I know how friendly they can be. I love intelligent dogs and from all the things I have seen Border Collies seem to be one of the smartest. Also from what I have seen they seem to have great personalities and be friendly and fun loving.

 

But I have a few concerns first. I know that with intelligent dogs you have to give them lots of stimulation and as far as I know you do this by teaching them things and making them do "jobs". That is where my main concern is. Where I live (or will live) it is either going to be small town, suburbs, or a small possibility that it might be in Chicago. I know these are herding work dogs and from what I read on these forums it seems like everyone is getting them as sheep dogs or training them for that purpose. I know for sure that unless by some bizzare circumstance I end up living in the country side my dog would never see a ship in his life.

 

Would that be a problem for a BC? I would try to do other things to keep its mind occupied like chasing or finding balls, maybe set up some little course he has to run through, or dog scootering (seems like fun and the dog can feel like it is working and get exercise", driving out to go hiking some place, I'm sure I could find some other activities if I look around more.

 

 

I would still have lots of time to research because I have 2 years left of school. So I am wondering, are BC suitable for a pet that would just be your companion that you go jogging with, play in the park, etc, but DON'T do any herding ever? Would he be unhappy like that?

 

 

-Adam

[TheStacks]

I think having time to do research is a great thing. Border collies can thrive in all kinds of situations, depending on the border collie and the owner's willingness to make it work. I have two, one medium energy and one high drive and we live in condo without a yard. BUT I take walks, make an hour long evening trip to the park, play games at home, etc. In a situation like yours it would be important to know the temperment, energy level, etc to see if that particular dog would fit in to your lifestyle. A puppy is a relative unknown in many of these aspects. I would certainly recommend a rescue dog, one that has been evaluated. A good rescue group will find a dog that will fit you.

 

To gain more experience you could volunteer for a local BC rescue.... not falling in love would be the hard part

 

Good Luck, keep researching!

[aljones]

In a situation like yours it would be important to know the temperment, energy level, etc to see if that particular dog would fit in to your lifestyle. A puppy is a relative unknown in many of these aspects. I would certainly recommend a rescue dog, one that has been evaluated. A good rescue group will find a dog that will fit you.

 

Just to echo Lauren's suggestions here: I got my first border collie (well, other than the farm dogs we had when I was a kid) when I lived in a third-floor apartment and was a college student. Lots of BCs would have been miserable in that environment, but William was the mellowest BC I've ever met and got along wonderfully. Of course, I would not have been able to tell that he was so low-key had he been a puppy...but he was eighteen months old and had been returned to his breeder because his low drive made him unsuitable for a working home. Going the rescue route can really help you make a good match.

 

Enjoy your research!

[Root Beer]

Would that be a problem for a BC? I would try to do other things to keep its mind occupied like chasing or finding balls, maybe set up some little course he has to run through, or dog scootering (seems like fun and the dog can feel like it is working and get exercise", driving out to go hiking some place, I'm sure I could find some other activities if I look around more.

 

I would still have lots of time to research because I have 2 years left of school. So I am wondering, are BC suitable for a pet that would just be your companion that you go jogging with, play in the park, etc, but DON'T do any herding ever? Would he be unhappy like that?

-Adam

 

It really depends on the individual dog. The main thing is giving the dog the amount of mental stimulation and physical exercise that he or she needs. Regardless of where you live, a Border Collie requires more one-on-one interaction than the typical dog does - and they don't "outgrow" this need by the end of puppyhood.

 

If I open my door and let my dogs out into the fenced yard, the two mixes go exploring and sniffing. The Border Collies wait for me to come out and get the activity started.

 

If you are willing to make a committment to be an active participant in your dog's life, you can make it work.

 

You have time to get to know some Border Collies and I think your best bet would be to do that.

[MrSnappy]

I got my first border collie (well, other than the farm dogs we had when I was a kid) when I lived in a third-floor apartment and was a college student. Lots of BCs would have been miserable in that environment, but William was the mellowest BC I've ever met and got along wonderfully.

 

I agree that going through rescue can help make a good match, of course! However, I do need to say that most border collies, mellow or not, would be perfectly happy in an apartment situation given the proper commitment of the owner. I have 4 of them in my 11th floor apartment and we have lived in an urban apartment setting for the past decade. My dogs do agility, flyball and work sheep sometimes and really they are happy because I make sure they are happy. A yard makes no difference to them at all.

 

RDM

[nancy in AZ]

If you're willing to make your bc the center of your world, no matter where that world exists, it will work. If not, perhaps you should investigate some other breeds. In any case, doing your research is a great start!

[AK dog doc]

I'll agree strongly that going through rescue (especially for your first BC, so you can have an idea of the kind of temperament you're getting and can avoid the time-and-labor intensive puppy phase until you're used to BC-ness in general) is an EXCELLENT idea. So is volunteering at a rescue... it would give you a little "dog fix" to soothe you when you're jonesing for dogs, AND educate you about the range of BC temperaments so that you can make choices about the personality that will suit you best once you're able to get your own BC. To say nothing of the help it gives the rescue and the dogs therein, of course.

 

My first BC experience came via the BF, who had two. That's how I fell for BCs to begin with, but I'm here to tell you: if my first BC had been a puppy, I might have just gone completely mad. I've reared puppies before, even very smart ones - but it's not like the evil-genius-energizer-bunny experience that a BC pup can be. They aren't TRYING to be evil... it's just that their little brains think up mischeif over and over again WITHOUT A REST. EVER.

 

Mind you, it's worth the effort in the end... but it would be SOOOO much easier and smarter to start with a rescue with a known temperament that suits you and your lifestyle, so you can get your feet under you in BC-ism. Plus you'll be saving a life, and that's always satisfying.

 

I think the main thing for most BCs is that they have a satisfying relationship with the owner. They execell at a variety of activities, and the fact that you don't plan to do stock work is not a bar to having one. [DISCLAIMER: many people do not PLAN on doing stockwork with thir BCs but end up there anyway. You have been warned.] If you provide other mental and physical stimulation, and choose a dog whose temperament and personality suit yours and your lifestlye, you should do just great. So, good for you for doing your research ahead of time, and best of luck finding the perfect dog for you. Oh, and even if you don't have a BC - yet - hanging around the Boards is a great way to learn about the strange and wonderful world of living with a BC.

[ShoresDog]

I completely agree with RDM about the yard being irrelevant. If I put Daisy in our [small] backyard, she just goes into her "den" under the porch and takes a nap. On the other hand, if I go out there with her, or to the park or beach with her, she's as happy and excited as can be, because it means that there will be games! We live in a city neighborhood with houses close together, albeit half a block from a beach, and I think Daisy is quite happy because we do a lot with her. I think it's much more about how much time you have for the dog rather than how much space you have.

 

Volunteering for a border collie rescue is a great suggestion -- my prediction is that the interest you've developed in the breed through reading about them will quickly morph into a love affair with the real beasties!

[Ribs]

Thanks for all the responses! This seems like a great community

 

That is a good idea about the volunteer thing, I could get my fix of doggyness that way. The problem with working at an animal shelter is that I have a really weak heart when it comes to animals. I was looking at the dog adoption website and all those pictures of furry buddies having no one to be pals with literally made a few tears come down my cheeks so I had to stop I'm such a wuss for that. But knowing that I might help them would totally be worth it.

[Aerie]

As a college student who lives in an apartment - let me just say ... I agree fully, 100%, with everyone who has suggested going through Rescue to get a dog (when/if you decide to). Getting an adult dog whose temperament and energy levels have been evaluated is great. However, as RDM said, it doesn't really matter if the dog is highly energetic or seriously mellow - if you give each dog the proper amount of attention, exercise, and mental stimulation they will do well in whatever environment you provide for them. But...really...a puppy is probably not a good idea. I love puppies. I love puppy breath. I love the way they romp and run and play and growl and get into all sorts of mischief. But I have finals to study for and classes that keep me away from home for longer than a puppy's bladder can last - which seriously decreases the effectiveness of house-training, I assure you.

 

Anyway, my point is - don't let being in an apartment stop you from having a dog. I have a Border Collie in my tiny little apartment. She's lived in the city where we had a small yard and then we moved to a mini-farm with 5 acres, and then we moved to an apartment with a patch of grass outside big enough to park a car on - maybe. She's happy anywhere I am, as long as I give her the mental stimulation that she needs.

 

Dogs adapt beautifully. If you have the time to give them the attention they need, that is. Keep that in mind and keep doing your research and you'll be fine.

 

(Just avoid the evil little puppies!)

[WyoBC]

I agree totaly that it would be great to do some work with a rescue group or an animal shelter. You get to see what the breed is like without just jumping into getting one and finding out that he's to much for you. Sometimes it's hard to see all those dogs that need homes in the shelters but I think of it this way. Your probably going to bring one home sooner or later, so you are going to be helping one lucky pupper. Plus any time you spend with a dog helps so much. They like knowing that someone cares. Even if it's just to walk up the road with them, or play for a few minutes. I spent almost a year researching the breed, and over two months working with the shelter here in town to find the right one for me. But in the end he found me anyway. (they have a way of doing that) That's how I rescued my Black Jack three months ago. I haven't thought twice about rescuing him, but I knew the time I needed to devote to him when I got him. I think that made all the difference.

 

Good luck working with a rescue group/shelter. I hope when the time comes you get a dog that's right for you. Tell us how it goes.

[haleigh]

I know you want to get a border, but if they don't work out for you, I would suggest a miniature australian shepherd.

[sweetbc87]

I think all of those suggestions are great.

 

I'm sort of in the same situation as you are, I'm in college, live in a rent house, and don't have a fenced backyard. Although that may not be ideal for some dogs, mine are doing just fine. We let all 3 run around and play for about 2 hours in the evening, along with training, and one-on-one time.

 

I have rescued before, (a border collie with a bad weight problem), he was an awesome dog. He died only 5 months after adoption. Due to his severe obesity, he had heart problems, and one night during a thunderstorm I guess it couldn't take the stress (that's what the vet told us).

 

I think that if you find the right rescue then go for it. They can be wonderful, and they so need homes.

[Root Beer]

Thanks for all the responses! This seems like a great community

 

That is a good idea about the volunteer thing, I could get my fix of doggyness that way. The problem with working at an animal shelter is that I have a really weak heart when it comes to animals. I was looking at the dog adoption website and all those pictures of furry buddies having no one to be pals with literally made a few tears come down my cheeks so I had to stop I'm such a wuss for that. But knowing that I might help them would totally be worth it.

 

I had the same reaction the first time I stepped into a shelter to evaluate a dog for the rescue that I volunteer with. I wanted to cry seeing all of those dogs in the kennels. It was a nice, clean shelter, too, with good accomodations for the dogs, but I felt awful for them because they had no homes.

 

Somehow I learned to put those feelings aside and just focus on the job I am there to do. I can't do anything for the dogs that are there and that's just the way it is. I can just do what I need to do for the one that I am there to see. That simply has to be enough. I don't like having to shut my feelings off like that, but it makes it possible for me to help the ones I can. I walk into shelters all the time now - some not so nice as that first one - and I don't really look at any of the dogs other than the one I am there to see. Of course, when I get home, Maddie and Sammie (my shelter dogs) get some extra hugs and play time.

 

I don't know if everyone can shut their feelings off like that, but I hope you can volunteer with a shelter someday. Helping them - even when you can't help all, or even most of them, makes it very much worth it.

[DakotaSpirit]

I got my pup as a 5 month old after many discussions with his breeder about what I was looking for and my home environment. I live in a large one bedroom apartment and he does great. He basically just lays around all daylong until I get home and we go for a run, to the dog park, or out to the horse barn. He loves coming with me to the barn to do chores. I do agree with the rescue route. I worked for a humane society for two years. When it came time to get a dog, I went there on several occassions looking at the dogs. One time I came across a purebred male border collie, but he was adopted before I ever had time to fill out the paperwork on him. The rest of the dogs were too large for my apartment protocol or too small for my tastes. It was then that I started searching for a reputable breeder. Thankfully I found one who was very intent on making sure she matched the right dog to my situation and I am very thankful for that.

 

Volunteering for a no-kill shelter in your area may be the way to go if you are looking for your doggie fix for the time being. My experiences at ours were absolutely wonderful. The dogs were completely spoiled, took on walks to the dog park several times a day, and had begun obedience training in our care. It's just something to think about. Good luck!