We want to train the BC to do some tricks and simple commands but we dont know if the BC would like the smaller house we live in? In a nutshell, no. Affectionate? Alex Walker is a passionate animal lover with a special fondness for Border Collies. Which one fits better in the office? You can always spend more hours with a border collie, but two hours are minimum. The best way is to just dive right in! Do they usually like cats because we have a senior cat who isnt afraid to smack the dog in their face. But if you are the type of person who gets frustrated easily or wants a low-maintenance dog, we would not recommend getting one! You can split it into morning and evening routines. This means that there are so many options out there for you if you might be thinking a border collie is not for you. This dog is high maintenance it needs training, stimulation and plenty of exercise. Naturally, by long-term periods, its implied that the period is up to 8 hours a day and not more. WebA bright, ingenious breed, the Border collie is the perfect dog to be a pet. Collies are high maintenance and require a vast training and exercise commitment to prevent behavioral problems, however even for new dog owners if youre willing to put in the work collies are extremely rewarding dogs to look after. Border Collies can thrive in a lot of situations if given the right guidance, but they can also turn into complete disasters if neglected even a little. The dogs fur is typically dark on its body with lighter legs, head, underbelly and border region. border collies are good candidates for first-time owners. Even if you dont have those many advantages, if youre willing to invest time and love and efforts, youll get a wonderful dog that will bond with you really strongly. The result is a pricey trip tot he vet. My brother has a Border Collie named Nico. Your Border Collie will be a part of your family, and it will be a top priority to keep it safe and healthy. Several border collie owners have shared their best and worst experiences with me, which Ive jotted down to explain how you should behave with your adorable collies. Can Border Collies live in apartments? Border Collie Hair Care (Complete Grooming Guide!). hidden. Thank you for taking the time to read this article; I hope it has been useful to you! We needed a smart dog that liked being taught commands and complex ideas, that liked running and exercise and which bonded strongly. You need to develop good bondage with your furry friend and healthy chemistry to know his expectations from you. They were first developed to be a working dog made for herding sheep and other livestock on farms. Where Do Border Collies Come From? If you are thinking about getting a Border Collie as your first dog, you should learn everything you can about them. The first step is to rule out a medical reason, which involves making an appointment to see your veterinarian. You should take your collie for a walk once or twice a day. So, for a first-time owner, a Border Collie will be fine living inside, as long as there are not too many alarming noises. Are you ready for daily training (Or at least multiple times a week)? Its basically an urban version of herding if you dont have any sheep handy. These dogs have few behavioral problems when well-trained and learn easily. People love the cheerful nature of this breed that makes it suitable for both work purposes and companionship in everyday life. Are Border Collies Good for First-time Dog Owners? A Border Collie is an incredibly sensitive dog who will constantly listen to every word you say. If you want to adopt a Border Collie, you have to ensure they get adequate mental and physical stimulation. They will always want to round up anything and anyone who moves, and they may wander or roam, too, if they become very bored. If you dont take the time to properly socialize your Border Collie while they are young he can become very shy, standoffish, and possibly reactive. Female border collies are usually interested in learning and eager to receive commands from their owner. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. Lets explore a few reasons below why collies generally dont make good first dogs. WebHistorically collies, therefore, made good working dogs having strong herding instincts and resilience to the great outdoors. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'trainingbuster_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_9',168,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-trainingbuster_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); They also need multiple brisk walks or runs a day, especially if access to a spacious area is limited. WebAre Border Collies good for first time owners? Border Collies were originally bred to herd sheep. You can expect a bored Border Collie to chew things up, lick excessively, bark excessively, dig, get into and eat things they shouldnt (see this article I wrote about eating rocks, dirt, and poop), and basically cause destruction. You should consider all these conditions beforehand. No, inexperienced owners might find it too much of a challenging breed. Dogs, in particular, are one of the most popular first animals to keep as they are great companions for people of all ages plus they have a variety of other benefits too. This is another reason to keep them busy, mentally stimulated, and well-socialized. Instead, they will constantly want your attention and involvement. They will not let you spend the whole day on a couch. ), see this article I wrote about eating rocks, dirt, and poop, article I wrote about how picky Border Collies are, Border Collie Hair Care (Complete Grooming Guide! However, Border Collies are so intelligent that training may be more difficult. It is also a good habit to regularly check your dogs ears. They really need someone who knows what they are doing to engage their super smart doggy brain. Hi! Poodles. So the border collie will be my first dog but my wife had a huge sheep dog when she was young. 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. WebAre Border Collies Good For First-Time Dog Owners? If you live in a small apartment, townhome, or house without a lot of yard space Border Collies can feel really cooped up and have nowhere to focus releasing their excessive energy. Epilepsy is another common health issue that usually starts between 25 years of age and sometimes requires medication. Read more about Border Collie Barking Here. He is older now, but has always been that way. These behaviors generally develop because a collies needs are not being met and can reduce the quality of your collies life. This is happening as a result of more and more people moving to urban areas. How much exercise does a Border Collie need? Characteristics of the Border Collie. If you are out exercising and leading an active lifestyle more than you are sitting at home, and you can come up with sufficient activities to keep them occupied then a Border Collie could be great for you. Hi, I would love to get a Border Collie. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. One of the most popular breeds in the world, the golden retriever is a truly gentle dog. So, if you are a first-time owner, then this is probably not the breed for you. Therefore, over time, breeders have developed a warm, insulating coat to rival the fleeces of the sheep the breed is known for rounding up. They are also very loyal and will listen well to you when you train them. There are two types of collie: smooth and rough-coated. To this day they are still used for herding all across the world. Border collies are working canines and therefore need to be given a job every day; otherwise, they may turn to more destructive forms of entertainment. Collies are difficult dogs to live with an need a lot of training and exercise. Border collies can be great for first-time owners who have a lot of time to devote to their dog! Whether you are looking for a canine companion, a playmate for the kids, or an adventure buddy, there is a lot to consider before committing to a puppy. Border This site trainingbuster.com is owned and operated by G and H trading LLC, headquarters in Wheatley road Kent ct126ad. No . Hi! (myth Busting!) A Border Collie is a large, strong dog with a short smooth coat that varies in color. Making sure you choose the right breed of dog for your lifestyle is important. Its more work than you think, even for older collies! A dog can get plenty of exercise through regular walks, proper socialization and positive training. They do shed quite a bit on a regular basis. Its also wary of strangers, making it a good family watchdog. Can a Border Collie be a They can be introverted, independent, and sometimes aggressive to strangers for example with their juvenile nipping behavior. Collies really are not an ideal dog breed for first time dog owners, unless your lifestyle is already suited to a collies requirements. But many forget that they also love cuddling and bonding with their owners, making them the best of both worlds! Ill be away for school for 8 hours in the fall so would that be alright? When competing in the official version of this young, emerging sport, Border Collies are tasked with herding light, constantly rolling balls similar to exercise balls that are much larger than themselves. Some collies are fine with three 20 minute walks a day, while some need as much as a 6+ miles a day. It is always better to start with some easy dogs to learn and adopt basic things. This is a true characteristic of their temperament, as they were initially bred as herding dogs. A lot. Border Collies are famous for using the eye staring intensely at members of the flock to intimidate them. It depends on their personality but it sounds like you should be fine if you have a big yard and are willing to take her out daily. 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. Make sure your Border Collie pup get plenty of daily exercise. However, Border Collies are not dogs that will be satisfied simply being lap dogs. I mainly want a running partner and someone to cheer me up on my bad days. A tired border collie does not have the energy to bark. Border Collies will undoubtedly form a close bond with their owner, and while this is special and so rewarding, a first-time owner needs to know that this may cause them to be intolerant of being away from you. The Truth about Attachment and Loyalty in Border Collies! So a Border Collie is the right breed for you if you are a very active person who is outdoors a lot jogging, hiking, or generally going on adventures. They can also get mental stimulation from toys made specifically for this. Border collies make a wonderful companionship in which they love to be with you shoulder to shoulder. A good first dog should fit with your lifestyle. Read more about the origins of Border Collies in our feature article here. They are full of energy and do wonders as athletic and acrobatic dogs. You can generally leave a Border Collie alone and unsupervised, for example, to lie on your front lawn peacefully with very little training. Collies are prone to suffering separation anxiety and can become distressed if left alone for long periods. Like with everything, there are some pros and cons, which we will list for you. Since theyre also good at guarding, owners can use them for guarding property or livestock from predators, such as coyotes or mountain lions. Search our database of over 12348 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. So, you must ensure you will be able to meet a collies demanding needs before deciding they are the right dog breed for you. Before connecting with a Border Collie, you must assess your routine and schedule and ensure your dog wont be left alone for hours at a time. Their Amazing Origins. Border These dogs are intelligent, trainable and have many good attributes as a family pet. But i want my dog smart, independed and easy to train. If you are going to have your collie sleep outside make sure to provide them with a sheltered area to escape the elements. Sorry for the late response. CL. They come from the region around the border between Scotland and England. A good first dog should be highly trainable and have a naturally friendly temperament towards other dogs and people. Contact, How To Prevent Separation Anxiety in Collies, Can collies be left alone? Are you ready to have a dog that is the most intelligent and obedient dog you have ever seen? In short, no, Border Collies are not well pre-disposed for being a guard dog. You will need to spend a lot of time reading about border collies and observing them in order to know their psychological, behavioral, and physiological needs. They are extremely clever, can easily figure out how to open a door and when it comes to training, they are an absolute joy. But if you rather spend your time chilling in front of the fire reading a good book, dont get a Border Collie! Learn more. However, this is not always the case. They function best in homes that can provide them with the daily energy release they need. Copyright 2023 The Collienois By Samayo, Border Collie: Everything You Need to Know (And Much More!). They have a good deal of herding instinct, which means they need mental stimulation as well as physical exercise each day in combination with training. They are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and trainability. Manage Settings The shedding can be managed by biweekly brushing and regular grooming. This is because they are such an intelligent dog breed that they need to keep their minds focused on a task or else it will lead to undesirable, often destructive behaviors. This type of outdoor lifestyle gives Border Collies a lot of exercise per day but they may require extra socialization time. Comment below with any questions you have! The Border Collie definitely isnt content to be stuck in a yard all day long. For example, as seen in the linked video, Border Collies are sensitive and dislike sudden noises like a toaster or doorbell. 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. You can take tests like this one to help you make a better decision. While there is no cut-and-dried rule for the maximum amount of time you can leave your collie alone at home, you must not leave your dog for 10 or 12 hours. Thank you for visiting the blog. Most owners of working Border Collies are happy with the dogs friendly natures and herding abilities. If you take your dog on an extra muddy adventure, you can up the frequency (you dont want mud tracks all over your house! Then there are border collies that need constant training and reassurance that strangers are not threats. As a general rule you shouldnt walk a Border Collie for more than 5-minutes every month of age. If you have any questions, please let me know. Instead, the Border Collie is actually a mix of a Roman herding breed and a Viking Spitz-variety herding breed. As mentioned in the linked video, they could decide to train you, too. With proper training, exercise, and care, border collies can be the best dog you will ever own. However, you will still have success playing modified versions of this casual game with much smaller balls like footballs or tennis balls. They are also a very intelligent breed. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. If you are a first-time dog owner with zero knowledge about pets, you can have a tough time dealing with this smart breed. This is one of the reasons why they are not recommended for first time owners. Border Collies are an extremely intelligent breed requiring both frequent physical exercise and mental stimulation. Border collies require a lot of training but with this training they really can be perfect companions. Taking that into consideration, why wouldnt they be a good breed to start with? You have to be extra careful while dealing with very sensitive border collies. This all sounds great until the task in hand is chasing a ball. They were bred to herd sheep, and if not given enough exercise and meaningful tasks to do, they can be found herding any living thing around them including, cats, your children, or even you! The positive in all this is that if a border collie gets the proper exercise/training, they can be beyond wonderful household dogs. 1. So a 3-month puppy needs 15 minutes of exercise up to twice a day. I want to have a female border collie. Common causes in Border Collies include boredom, stress, loneliness and depression. Currently, there is no solid scientific evidence on the difference between male and female Border Collie temperament. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'trainingbuster_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',141,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-trainingbuster_com-leader-1-0');So, if you are a first-time dog owner, these are some specific things to look out for in the breed. Were also going to look at some of the training and exercise requirements for collies and think about what that means for a new dog owner. United Kingdom. Blu is a relatively small Borgi even by Border Collie Corgi mix standards. It will take patience and obedience training to get them under control which first-time owners typically do not have enough experience of. The Border Collie has large ears that sit flat against the dogs head. The amount of training Border Collies need can be overwhelming for a new dog owner. The Border collie is loyal and can be good with children. Great jobs for your Border Collie include water games, puzzle toys, and licking mats. If you arent confident in your dog training abilities and able to be an assertive yet loving pack leader in your collies life the smart Border Collie will pick up on that quickly and take advantage of you in a heartbeat. If you take the time to introduce them properly over a few weeks, then they will be perfectly fine together. 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. And that isnt including mixes. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Additionally, Thecollienois.com participates in various other affiliate programs (clickbank, CJ, shareasale, impact radius, partnerize, Chewy), and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. He's originally from Ontario, Canada and his breeder is from England. 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! Yes, Border Collies make brilliant family pets, but will need a home with a large garden where they can stretch their legs regularly. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! They are no lapdog theyll never settle down with you on the couch to watch a movie. Here are some essential tips for keeping your new canine safe: Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. Border Collies are generally not an aggressive breed of dog. They have strong and persistent herding instincts; this makes them excellent for farming or shepherding jobs. A lot of this does depend in the personality of the dog as well though. In addition to the daily exercise, they also need constant mental stimulation or training. If you do not want to spend a minimum hour per day simply maintaining a dogs coat, then its best to stay clear of rough collies. Hopefully, the article about are border collies good for first time owners above meets your needs, everyone has a better idea, please leave a comment below, all your suggestions help us create better and better articles for everyone. Border collies are very demanding, sensitive, and active dogs. In addition, pets with diarrhea or other intestinal illnesses may not be able to make it outside fast enough. They are also known to try and herd things, which is often seen most in other pets and young children. I read a lot about border collies. Male collies are a bit larger, weighing 6075 pounds and measuring 2426 inches at the shoulder, while female collies tend to weigh 5065 pounds and are typically 2224 inches tall. In addition, you should add some outdoor activities, like playing frisbee, fetch and other sports to help them live happily. Some people love being challenged as it leads to in-depth learning.