Choosing a Border Collie; Pros and Cons

 If you are considering bringing a Border Collie into your home then there is a good chance you are aware that the Borer Collie is a very special dog indeed. Thanks to some very unique traits, choosing your new dog to be a Border Collie can be a very tough decision. This article will present both the pros and cons of the Border Collie, helping you to make an informed and responsible decision.

In no other dog is the ancestral wolf-like traits more obviously displayed than in the Border Collie. The caution and careful creeping movements with which it approaches the flock are all typical of the hunting behaviour of the wolf pack. Border Collies first appeared in the UK for the purpose of hunting during the 16th century. Over time these dogs have been bred specifically for this purpose. Criteria of intelligence, obedience and endurance forming the major factors in the selection process.

These criteria have made Border Collies popular both as working dogs and trainable pets. Yet it is important to understand the pros and cons of these traits in the Border Collie.

Border Collies are well known for their intelligence and determination to please its master. On top of these qualities come its toughness and a lot of initiative. Yet however strange it may seem it is precisely these incredible traits that hide the disadvantages of the breed. The upbringing of a young border collie demands considerable knowledge and insight. more importantly a young Border Collie needs a calm and consistent approach. A Border Collie that is misunderstood and unable to work off its energy can develop serious behavioural problems. They are certainly not ideal dogs for beginners.

Bottled up energy needs to be released and this can lead to destructive traits, aggression and straying. Its herding instinct can become directed at anything that moves; children as well as other dogs and pets such as cats. Cage-birds and rodents, even ants in procession must be hypnotised, circled and herded. this nervous, neurotic behaviour is not just a nuisance, but can easily become dangerous if the dog gets the chance to try to herd moving vehicles or cyclists.

The restlessness of many Border Collies can cause chronic eating disorders; they simply wont allow themselves time to eat. Finding alternative, more desirable food or even forcing the dog to eat will prove ineffective.

just like the wolf's, a Border Collies body talk is extremely expressive. Many display over-sensitivity in response to their masters moods or to a raised voice with an immediate and ongoing show of subjection. They are constantly alert, they miss nothing and they react immediately to even the tiniest non-verbal signal from their master. To an onlooker they appear to possess almost telepathic qualities.

The definite cons mentioned above are meant as words of caution. It is all too easy to assume that the hard working, intelligent nature of a Border Collie will make it the perfect pet. Hopefully now you can see that there is a definite down side to this seemingly desirable behaviour. Its important that prospective owners of a Border Collie see beyond its primary need being one of exercise. Yes you need to be prepared to accommodate at least two hours exercise a day, but it is the mental stimulation that needs to be met equally to ensure a good-tempered dog.

It is very common for prospective owners to say that "we have a large garden, so it will have all the exercise it needs." This isn't necessarily a guarantee that the Border Collie will have its requirements met. An owner that combines an hour on training and mentally stimulating their border collie with a hour of supervised exercise may well have a more content dog than an owner who allows it the run of a garden on its own for several hours each day.

A well looked after, exercised and stimulated Border Collie can be a very rewarding addition to the right family. All other requirements aside, you must be able to give a Border Collie the time it needs. It is certainly not a dog to just play with when it suits you. It must become a part of your way of life and receive as much consideration to its needs as you put to your own, if not more!