Well, many Border Collies live their whole lives inside. 17 Reasons Why Getting a Dog for your Teen is a Great Idea! With proper training, exercise, and care, border collies can be the best dog you will ever own. This is another reason to keep them busy, mentally stimulated, and well-socialized. Read more about me on the about page, or check out the categories below. In this article, well discuss what you should consider before becoming a first-time dog owner, what you should know about owning a Border Collie, and tips to help you decide if this is the right breed. To understand what makes collies tick and whether they may fit into your life, we need to go back in time a few hundred years! However, the adaptable, easy-to-train Border Collie is now increasingly being adopted by active families as an energetic pet who suits their lifestyle. And not just her. Epilepsy is another common health issue that usually starts between 25 years of age and sometimes requires medication. Although the Border Collie was bred along the border between Scotland and England, they do not come from either a Scottish or English breed. These behaviors generally develop because a collies needs are not being met and can reduce the quality of your collies life. The Border Collie is a popular working animal used by ranchers, farmers, shepherds, hunters, military personnel and many others who need high-level herding dogs. Your pet should go for regular checkups with your veterinarian, and pet insurance is worth considering. But it has to be a good fit for all concerned and should this new companion be a Border Collie? Read more about Border Collie Barking Here. Still, some people would insist that they have always left their collies that long without issues. I wonder if the high energy/ nature of the breed is waning because breeders are choosing more chilled, easy going parents for their pups? However, anecdotal evidence does suggest that male Border Collies tend to be easier to handle and are more devoted to their owners. Their Amazing Origins. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Categories Border Collie, Medium & Large Breeds. Lets take a look at this: For centuries, Border Collies have been bred as sheepdogs who spend their days out in the elements rounding up flock after flock and herd after the herd. They also have nipping tendencies, and although this is not intended to cause harm, it may end up hurting someone. If you think their area is secure, think again, because its probably not. Where Do Border Collies Come From? Border Collies are generally healthy dogs, but like all dogs, they are predisposed to a few health conditions. It is a place they feel safe once they understand what the crate is for. Border collies are known for their intelligence, obedience, and energy. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Border Collies have a lot of appeal to potential dog owners. The grooming needs for a Border Collie are moderate and dont require any unique considerations. *Thecolienois.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees at no cost to you by linking to Amazon.com. I want to have a female border collie. I think Ive been to 4 breeders to check them out and each time the dogs come over for a pat, walk around with us and sit with us while were having a coffee and a chat. Cheers. Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. Border Collies need a minimum of 2 hours a day of exercise. A Border Collie may be challenging for a first-time dog owner, but with adequate training and care, it can become an extraordinary pet. Training tips concerning attachment are provided. Since theyre also good at guarding, owners can use them for guarding property or livestock from predators, such as coyotes or mountain lions. Highly intelligent and highly trainable, the affectionate and energetic Border Collie almost always comes out on top We only recommend high-quality products that are used and recommended by real owners. Thats because they are incredibly smart, easy to train, and among the most beautiful of dog breeds out there. Yes . If you think at this point that border collies are not for you, there are so many other kinds of dogs out there that may be for you. Being sensitive and intelligent means pet parents need to make some extra effort to respond according to their psychology and behavior. The most common issue is hip dysplasia, which can lead to arthritis. Goldfish Aquaponics 101: Feeding, Stocking, & Care Guide. Because of these traits, they are highly prized by professional dog trainers for their easy trainability. Essentially, theyre trying to herd you, and theyre mimicking the livestock herding behavior they were originally bred for. We still have one extra big room we dont use. There are dogs that need hardly any exercise and are happy laying around all day. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. Not good for first time dog owners. But you can never train a Border Collie not to herd. They can also provide each other with much of their daily exercise as long as they are of a similar size. It is not recommended that you leave a border collie alone for more than 4 hours. Ollie is a sweet 2.4 year old border collie. Collies are exceptionally demanding dogs to live with and have a lot more needs than other dog breeds. ie in the first 8 weeks? Which one fits better in the office? If you use these links to buy something we earn a small commission. There are a lot of great qualities that a Border Collie has that can make them an excellent dog, but first-time owners need to know what they are getting into before bringing on the challenge of raising this breed. One of the most distinctive features of the Border Collie is their long nose, which can be up to Are Border Collies One-person Dogs? They are so smart they figure out how to unlock and open doors, dig under or jump over fences! He's originally from Ontario, Canada and his breeder is from England. Copyright 2023 The Collienois By Samayo, Border Collie: Everything You Need to Know (And Much More!). Border Collies are not usually recommended for first-time dog owners. They are intelligent, friendly, and active, but they also require a lot of attention and training. For first-time dog owners, which is best, female or male Border Collie? Dog breeds that can be left alone for long periods include Labrador and Golden Retriever, Beagle, Peekapoo, or Shiba Inu. Do they usually like cats because we have a senior cat who isnt afraid to smack the dog in their face. Any aggressiveness in collies is usually caused by fear, as collies can be skittish and take a long time to trust new people in their lives. If you want to adopt a Border Collie, you have to ensure they get adequate mental and physical stimulation. They are also a very intelligent breed. Good luck! They Are Extremely Smart Dogs We cannot talk about the Border Collie without talking about his intelligence. They also have strong jaws that help them catch their targets safely; this makes them great for hunting small animals like Rabbits or game birds such as Quail. Consider different activities, exercise options, and plenty of mental stimulation to keep your Border Collie happy. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! Problems can include chewing holes in things, scraping at things, and digging holes. To this day they are still used for herding all across the world. Alex Walker is a passionate animal lover with a special fondness for Border Collies. ), How to Teach your Collie to Dance (Walk on Two Legs), How to Teach your Collie to Cover Their Eyes (Peekaboo! Yes, Border Collies can be great first-time dog owners. And its good manners extend to cats as well as people. If you answered yes to all or most of these questions then a border collie might be for you. Pet Keen is reader-supported. I mainly want a running partner and someone to cheer me up on my bad days. While this dog breed tends to herd anything that moves, they are not likely to ever do so with malicious intent. A dog can get plenty of exercise through regular walks, proper socialization and positive training. Do you have the patience to wash and dry your rough collie after every muddy walk? So, are Border Collies good first-time dogs? If youre looking for a great companion and family dog, but you are unsure if you have the time to spend with your new puppy, this breed is probably not a good fit. Border collies are full of energy and need much more daily exercise than most other dog breeds. Border collies are sporting herding dogs and they will not hesitate to chase and herd anything that got lose sleds, cows, sheep, golf carts it doesnt matter if you live in the country or not. Whippets are truly the least smelly of dogs, so much so that they are practically odourless. Being a first-time dog owner can be both exciting and daunting, and what makes an ideal breed for a first-time owner depends on various factors. WebAre Border Collies good for first-time dog owners? Their short coat also means minimal shedding and grooming. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its basically an urban version of herding if you dont have any sheep handy. How to prevent separation anxiety, How To Care For Your Collie: Nine Important Tips For New Collie Owners, How to Teach your Collie to Give You A Kiss (Easy Trick! You need to be creative with them when training! They are perfect for herding dogs. They can also become sensitive about their food possibly becoming very picky eaters (link to an article I wrote about how picky Border Collies are). Border Collies are best for people with large yards, or lots of property where they can run freely and explore. Read our Guide to Exercising With Your Collie for some fun ideas how you and your collie can exercise together! During the weekend I would do many activities with her, just the week is a bit tight. Are Caucasian Shepherd good for first time owners. In this article, were going to look at exactly what it takes to look after a collie, and what type of person a collie is suitable for. If its really important to you that your Collie is protective of the home, you can always invest your time into training guard dog behaviours, but dont be too surprised if it isnt successful. In family situations this can cause problems when the chosen leader is absent. Its a big commitment. So the border collie will be my first dog but my wife had a huge sheep dog when she was young. A couple of these include nipping and motion sensitivity which are commonly seen in border collies. Border Collies require at least two hours of They are also very intelligent and need much more mental stimulation as well. If you train them to do something like opening a door with their mouth, for example, theyll get to grips with how to do this very quickly, but the next day you could find them letting themselves into your cupboards or out to the street whenever they feel like it. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'trainingbuster_com-box-4','ezslot_3',138,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-trainingbuster_com-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'trainingbuster_com-box-4','ezslot_4',138,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-trainingbuster_com-box-4-0_1');.box-4-multi-138{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}It is possible for a Border Collie to have both a smooth or a rough variety of coats. We love to walk to the forest, beaches and in the natures frequently. Border Collies are known to herd other pets in the home and children. Border collies are very demanding, sensitive, and active dogs. So yes, a Border Collie belonging to a first-time owner should be perfectly safe and happy living outside most of the time, unless a sound like fireworks or other Could you give me some advice, We are getting a Labrador puppy in 2 months and we want to get a border collie pup soon after (4-6 months) but we have never had a dog before. ), but dont overdo it; going overboard and bathing your dog too frequently can irritate their skin. People love the cheerful nature of this breed that makes it suitable for both work purposes and companionship in everyday life. Border Collies originate from the border of Scotland and England and have been used for herding livestock. Terms | Lets explore a few reasons below why collies generally dont make good first dogs. If you have a lot of other responsibilities or you are gone at work for a significant portion of your day it could be very difficult to find the time you need to keep your Border Collie occupied. Medical Disclaimer:All content included on thecollienois.com, such as text, images, graphics, or other material is for informational purposes only, and should not be considered a substitute for proper medical advice.