Border Collies are an extremely intelligent breed Check out our Mental Stimulation Ideas For Collies article for some top tips. They function best in homes that can provide them with the daily energy release they need. A Border Collies temperament is cheerful and alert, making it an excellent all-around farm or herding dog. Border Collie Hair Care (Complete Grooming Guide!). The tail is mostly uncovered since the dog sits upright while working. Is a Border Collie a Good Breed (Is It the Right Dog for Me)? Cheers. But at certain times of the year, like the start of spring and summer, a Border Collie will start to shed heavily. The dogs fur is typically dark on its body with lighter legs, head, underbelly and border region. Theyre friendly with people and other animals, making them suitable family pets. There are dogs that need hardly any exercise and are happy laying around all day. They are also known to try and herd things, which is often seen most in other pets and young children. Border Collie anxiety manifests itself in several ways. Therefore first time Border Collie owners with at least daily access to a good space shouldnt worry too much about amending their current living conditions. Im adopting an 11-month old BC tomorrow and its not only my first dog as an adult, well also be living together in an apartment. If you answered yes to all these questions, then yes, a border collie is good to have for someone who hasnt had a dog before. This doesnt mean its Most Border Collies love their crates as they see it as their very own den. Im away about 6-7 hours in the day. That duration is too long for a single stretch. The Border Collie definitely isnt content to be stuck in a yard all day long. They are extremely clever, can easily figure out how to open a door and when it comes to training, they are an absolute joy. 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! Are you ready to give them your full attention when they need it? A Border Collie may be challenging for a first-time dog owner, but with adequate training and care, it can become an extraordinary pet. Not all are the same. Along with being sensitive and intelligent, they are loyal, energetic, alert, and obedient. So a 3-month puppy needs 15 minutes of exercise up to twice a day. A lot of this does depend in the personality of the dog as well though. Borgi can range in size from 13 to 18 inches and weigh between 25 and 30 pounds. Border Collies are a type of herding dog that is well-known for their intelligence and athleticism. Are Border Collies good for first time owners? (answered!) As with most dogs, they will need regular brushing and shampoo; on occasion, their nails will need to be clipped. ), Border Collie Tail Complete Guide (Position, Docking, Meaning) Paws and Learn, 7 Causes of Smelly Odors in Your Samoyed and How to Fix Them, Solving Your Samoyeds Licking Habits: 5 Common Causes and Solutions, 10 Reasons your Samoyed Howls (Dog or part Wolf? If you combine this fact with positive and friendly training approaches, then youll soon see just how easy it is to house train your Border Collie. For example, as seen in the linked video, Border Collies are sensitive and dislike sudden noises like a toaster or doorbell. However, the adaptable, easy-to-train Border Collie is now increasingly being adopted by active families as an energetic pet who suits their lifestyle. It may not surprise you, then, to learn that the Border Collies coat is also just as suitable as a sheeps fleece for making wool. And not just her. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'trainingbuster_com-banner-1','ezslot_8',161,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-trainingbuster_com-banner-1-0');Theyre no guard dog, but the Border Collie will surely chase away anything that moves, and if they cant access or identify the moving object, theyll bark at it to let you know even at two in the morning. If your dog keeps pooping in the house, they may have a health issue, or something might have changed in their routine, diet, or home environment thats causing the accidents. Alex Walker is a passionate animal lover with a special fondness for Border Collies. How much exercise does a Border Collie need? They require constant work and care to live their best lives. Border collies are happiest when they are working or playing, and will Thank You for your support. But theyre not as suited to living in a small apartment as the Boston Terrier, for example. Border Collies are an extremely intelligent breed requiring both frequent physical exercise and mental stimulation. Growing up exploring the English countryside with his canine companion, he now has a family of his own and enjoys watching his children interact with animals - including Border Collies. Learn more. If you are interested in learning more about taking care of border collies, you can find a detailed guide on the blog. Contact, How To Prevent Separation Anxiety in Collies, Can collies be left alone? Border collies are very demanding, sensitive, and active dogs. One of the most popular breeds in the world, the golden retriever is a truly gentle dog. But a Border Collie definitely needs a certain amount of space. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! In addition to the daily exercise, they also need constant mental stimulation or training. Basic training is easy, but to train your border collie-specific commands and tricks, you require insight into their psychology and behavioral response. Equally, there is nothing worse than owning a working breed if you are just looking for a companion for casual park walks. Yes, Border Collies can be great first-time dog owners. Picture the ball going through a barb wire fencenow picture your collie also charging through the fence. Are you ready to have a dog that is the most intelligent and obedient dog you have ever seen? Are Border Collies Good Family Dogs? (For a House or Apartment) Highly intelligent and highly trainable, the affectionate and energetic Border Collie almost always comes out on top The most common issue is hip dysplasia, which can lead to arthritis. 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. Collie This breed has not earned the name of perhaps the most intelligent dog for no reason! Featured Image Credit: L.A.Kennedy, Shutterstock, What Smells Deter Cats from Peeing? Can Border Collies Swim? Use the search! Border Collies This is because too much running and strain on their joints as a puppy can lead to joint issues in later age. Staring is often used as a method to get something they want from you; such as some leftover food, to initiate play, or to get your attention. Its crucial, especially for a first-time owner, to research positive training techniques and consider investing in training classes. Are Border Collies Good For First Time Owners? 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. Collies really are not an ideal dog breed for first time dog owners, unless your lifestyle is already suited to a collies requirements. You have to be extra careful while dealing with very sensitive border collies. Well, the biggest reason. Border collies have been bred for purely working and herding purposes. Contact Us: 01202 022754 / +44 (0) 1202 022754 / alexmuddynoses@yahoo.com, Lytchett House, 13 Freeland Park, Wareham Road, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6FA, Social Media: Muddy Noses on Facebook / Muddy Noses on YouTube. They are also a very intelligent breed. Collies are not good for inexperienced dog owners, since they require a lot of training and exercise, and they can be prone to behavioral problems which have to be carefully managed. They will be loyal loving companions always at your side, but when it comes to sleeping and resting they generally prefer their own space. Border Collies heritage stems from sheep herding, making them excellent watchdogs; theyre well suited to anyone who loves a good walk and has time to spend outdoors. This all sounds great until the task in hand is chasing a ball. One of the smartest Border Collies ever, named Chaser has learned over 1000 words including distinguishing nouns and verbs. Read more about the origins of Border Collies in our feature article here. Therefore, if you are a novice owner, you may find it easy to train female dogs. Im willing to put in the exercise, both mental and physical for the dog and training etc. Some people believe that border collies are good candidates for first-time owners because of their easy-going nature and trainability. Knowing about their temperament, behavior, grooming and training requirements, and overall care requirements can help you decide if this breed fits into your lifestyle and if you can provide the best care for it. We needed a smart dog that liked being taught commands and complex ideas, that liked running and exercise and which bonded strongly. Because of these traits, they are highly prized by professional dog trainers for their easy trainability. Naturally, by long-term periods, its implied that the period is up to 8 hours a day and not more. Instead, you will need to indulge them in an interesting activity that will consume their body and mind. Q: Is Border Collie good for first-time owners? 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. Continue reading to find out if getting a Border Collie as your first dog is right for you! Theyre not hurtling around the yard or dropping balls at my feet demanding a game. You have to be 110% committed to investing your time into training and exercising throughout their lifetime. However, if you lead an active lifestyle and regularly go hiking, running or cycling and can spare some additional time for grooming then a rough collie could just be your perfect first dog. Shes a beautiful dog, very intelligent, great with his kids, and the perfect herding dog for his large property!