Border Collies are intelligent, energetic dogs with a strong work ethic, so they are not usually recommended for first-time dog owners. But their amazing coat means that they will stay warm and happy even with minimal shelter in a secure yard. They are also very intelligent and need much more mental stimulation as well. But if you are the type of person who gets frustrated easily or wants a low-maintenance dog, we would not recommend getting one! We adorpted them. The eyes are usually a clear brown with a soft inner layer around the pupil; this layer gives them an almost milky appearance. It is recommended by the American Border Collie Association that if you do decide to take on the care of a border collie, you have to commit to daily exercise and mental stimulation. 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. trainingbuster.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 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 can be very frustrating for new dog owners who are just learning how to train a dog. Highly intelligent and highly trainable, the affectionate and energetic Border Collie almost always comes out on top 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. They are extremely clever, can easily figure out how to open a door and when it comes to training, they are an absolute joy. A Border Collie is one of the smartest dogs out there. Collies are constantly on the go and need an owner who can keep up with them! With a border collie, you need a minimum of two hours of daily exercise. You have to be 110% committed to investing your time into training and exercising throughout their lifetime. 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. No, inexperienced owners might find it too much of a challenging breed. 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. They can develop separation anxiety or even be destructive. But many forget that they also love cuddling and bonding with their owners, making them the best of both worlds! Border Collies are intelligent and trainable. Most owners of working Border Collies are happy with the dogs friendly natures and herding abilities. Id love to hear how its going! They are often highlighted in movies like Animal Farm and Snow Dog. Its no wonder that a lot of people would think about getting a Border Collie when they decide to get a dog. If first-time owners do decide on a Border Collie, it is important to understand the breed first before you bring your new family member home. Theyre intelligent, trainable and have many useful qualities as a family pet or working animal. In spite of this, collies are a very rewarding breed to live with, and could be a great first dog for an owner who knows what they are getting in to and who has the time to properly train their new collie. You dont necessarily need to live on a sheep farm, but you will need to be prepared with a list of jobs you can train your dog to do. Doberman Pinscher dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. Well collies need at least 2 hours of off leash exercise every single day come rain or shine! Are you ready to give them your full attention when they need it? Even if they dont want to relax with you, theyll want to interact with you a lot of the time. If not, then you may want to consider another, easier breed at first. Are Border Collies good for first-time owners? They can also get mental stimulation from toys made specifically for this. This is because they are extremely intelligent dogs, who will quickly learn what is expected of them. Thank you for taking the time to read this article; I hope it has been useful to you! Questions to ask your Border Collie breeder before your visit. My partner and I decided to get a BC in April last year. Then there are dogs like border collies that need lots of exercise and stimulation. Search our database of over 12348 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. Ollie is a sweet 2.4 year old border collie. While their past says they should be working dogs on farms, border collies have slowly made the shift into homes. 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? Welcome to Muddy Noses, where Alex and family share their passion for Border Collies. Most herding dogs, like those mentioned above, will sometimes nip at a persons feet or heels. Contact. The shepherds who use these dogs will find them to be excellent helpers in their work. Our girl is now a full sized 16 month, brilliant dog. Make Your Yard Safe! Collies are high maintenance dogs. After being bred exclusively to herd for centuries, they are also hard workers who never clock off which can be a problem. Are Border Collies good for first-time dog owners? Office Friendly. Terms | Some would say that Border Collies are not suitable for a first-time owner, while others say it is an excellent breed for a first-time owner. This all sounds great until the task in hand is chasing a ball. It is also a good habit to regularly check your dogs ears. I found a breeder and Im thinking of getting a border collie. 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. There may be a potential danger, like adverse weather conditions. WebAre Border Collies Good For First-Time Dog Owners? At least, it should. And to this day, they sure as heck are intelligent and obedient. 14 Ways Cats Show Their Love. They do shed quite a bit on a regular basis. You can train this out of them with proper socialization and obedience training. ), but dont overdo it; going overboard and bathing your dog too frequently can irritate their skin. 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. Border Collies have a lot of appeal to potential dog owners. 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. Border Collies although easy to train are very high-energy and need This makes them playful and even sometimes demanding. We only recommend high-quality products that are used and recommended by real owners. Are border collies a good first dog? To play Treibball, your Border Collie must herd large balls into a football goal. They can be stubborn and need people with some time and patience, and space in their lives. And not just her. Basic training is easy, but to train your border collie-specific commands and tricks, you require insight into their psychology and behavioral response. Are you ready to have a dog that can be trained, trained, and trained even more? Are Border Collies Good for First-time Dog Owners? They can get this from learning new commands, tricks, or other working tasks. It also means you are a very active Golden retrievers are loving and sweet-natured, adaptable, and outgoing. 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. Consider different activities, exercise options, and plenty of mental stimulation to keep your Border Collie happy. One of the main reasons I wanted a dog was for the soft, warm, furry cuddles. Instead, the Border Collie is actually a mix of a Roman herding breed and a Viking Spitz-variety herding breed. I have studied the traits and behavior of border collies to learn how they expect their owners to behave. Provide physical and mental exercise to head off chewing problems before they begin. Make sure you are able to provide this before getting a Border Collie! Its a big commitment. Theyre friendly with people and other animals, making them suitable family pets. In fact, the parent breeds arent a good While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Alex Walker is a passionate animal lover with a special fondness for Border Collies. Here is a list of jobs that other owners have given their Border Collies. So a 3-month puppy needs 15 minutes of exercise up to twice a day. A Border Collie is suitable for a first-time owner who provides adequate exercise, attention, and the love that the animal requires. There are still millions of working Border Collies to be seen internationally. Border collies can be great for first-time owners who have a lot of time to devote to their dog! My collie is one of the most affectionate, caring, and friendly dogs I have ever seen. They have strong and persistent herding instincts; this makes them excellent for farming or shepherding jobs. This means that a Border Collie warrants increased security if they are being left alone in the yard. 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! It is essential to be aware of any health issues that your dog may be predisposed to so that you can be educated and prepared. They are very friendly and love their owners company. Border Collie anxiety manifests itself in several ways. Use the search! They are also sometimes stubborn, so training may be a challenge for novice owners. If you answered yes to all or most of these questions then a border collie might be for you. Unless you are sure you have enough time to commit to exercising and training a collie then stay clear of this breed or be prepared for them to make your life a misery as they find the most outrageous (often highly destructive) ways to release their masses of excess energy. Border Collies can also be protective of their family and unsure of strangers, which is another important reason for early socialization. Im not saying its impossible to have a well-behaved Border Collie as an apartment dog. Border Collies originate from the border of Scotland and England and have been used for herding livestock. So, you must ensure you will be able to meet a collies demanding needs before deciding they are the right dog breed for you. WebAre Border Collies Good for First-Time Owners? This dog is high maintenance it needs training, stimulation and plenty of exercise. ie in the first 8 weeks? Border Collies need a minimum of 2 hours a day of exercise. Establish a firm leadership in your home from the moment your dog steps inside your house. He is older now, but has always been that way. However, if you have the time, temperament and resources then there is no reason you could not bring a Border Collie home from your local shelter. Border Collies usually prefer to bond to one person. Lets explore a few reasons below why collies generally dont make good first dogs. Check out our Mental Stimulation Ideas For Collies article for some top tips. Wherever I go, my beloved collie Luna is never far behind!Learn More about me and Luna's story on the about page! Whippets are truly the least smelly of dogs, so much so that they are practically odourless. First things first, yes Border Collies are easy to house train. The Border Collie is very intelligent. Anyone running around or playing vigorously is likely to be on the receiving end. One other great game thats very easy to play with Border Collies is Treibball. I like the way they look and their intelligence. If not provided to them, they can become little troublemakers in the home. James Dean, Anna Paquin, Bon Jovi, Ethan Hawke, James Franco, and Tiger Woods have all owned Border Collies. If youre thinking about getting a collie for your first dog, its important to consider their high requirement for mental stimulation and physical exercise and ask yourself honestly if you have the time to look after them. In family situations this can cause problems when the chosen leader is absent. High energy working breeds like collies may develop separation anxiety if you work long hours and they are left alone often. You can take tests like this one to help you make a better decision. But Im willing to make it. 1. IF you can do all these things for them, with a little additional research, a collie could be a good fit in your life and home.Here is some more general advice for first-time dog 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. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. Its also wary of strangers, making it a good family watchdog. A Border Collie will always seek to test boundaries. It says that you are willing to put in the time it takes to be a good dog owner. My brother has taught his Border Collie to find and retrieve antler sheds! Some border collies like to play on the fringes around other dogs turning into dog park bullies who are on a mission to constantly micromanage every move other dogs make. This doesnt mean its As highly trainable and people-pleasing dogs, most goldens can be taught to live successfully with cats. *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. If you lead a very active lifestyle that you can incorporate your Border Collie into then this may not be a problem for you. Because of this, Border Collies are not suited for first-time owners who have allergies or are not used to or prepared for grooming and brushing the large dog. 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. A dog can get plenty of exercise through regular walks, proper socialization and positive training. 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. If youre willing to put in some time and effort, though, you can have a truly devoted, loving, and fun-to-be-around companion for many years to come. Sometimes collies are just too focused for their own good and run after their much loved ball with no regard for their own wellbeing. The most common issue is hip dysplasia, which can lead to arthritis. Now that you know a little about border collies and what they need to live their best lives, the decision is yours. In addition, you should add some outdoor activities, like playing frisbee, fetch and other sports to help them live happily. Along with being sensitive and intelligent, they are loyal, energetic, alert, and obedient. Are you ready to take the time needed to give your border collie the best life they can live? So, for a first-time owner, a Border Collie will be fine living inside, as long as there are not too many alarming noises. Collies are not a great choice for people who have never had a dog before. Collies are highly intelligent and love to learn new commands and tricks. Border collies are very demanding, sensitive, and active dogs. Collies are some of the most common breeds in animal shelters due in part to new owners not being prepared for the vast amount of time and effort required to look after a collie. Highly intelligent and highly trainable, the affectionate and energetic Border Collie almost always comes out on top when it comes to doggy smarts. Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. They need to be regularly exposed to new places, etc. Many owners say that a Border Collie requires a house with an expansive yard, at the very least. If your Border Collie pup tends to bark when left alone, try leaving the radio on for company. 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 a nutshell, no. Border collies Border Border collies are also known for their herding instincts and can be very active. Border Collie; Meet The 5 Cutest Border Collies In The World; WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. It is usually present at birth and can be detected at 6 weeks. Take time to research a breed to ensure its characteristics will fit with your lifestyle. Yes, Border Collies can be great first-time dog owners. Read more about this in the How To Prevent Separation Anxiety in Collies. As soon as your Border Collie puppy finishes eating take it to the toilet spot and use the words go potty. This breed can be intense, and it needs a lot of work Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! 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. Well, the biggest reason. However, Border Collies are so intelligent that training may be more difficult. Their Amazing Origins. Whether you own a toy poodle, standard poodle, or the larger version, this breed is both hypoallergenic and scores low in the odor department. If you want to adopt a Border Collie, you have to ensure they get adequate mental and physical stimulation. A lot of this does depend in the personality of the dog as well though. It takes real dedication to live with a GSD, as the breed requires a substantial amount of mental and physical stimulation. Because they are so smart Border Collies can be highly reactive and sensitive. As a breed, Border Collies are playful, intelligent dogs, who have traditionally herded sheep and cattle using their incredible unique stare called their eye all over the world. From understanding their behavior to keeping them safe and playing with them they offer advice and research-backed guidance on all aspects of owning a Border Collie. Are Border Collies good for first-time owners? But since the breed is so intelligent, dont be surprised if your Border Collie teaches themselves to unlock the gate or climb over the fence. Border collies are intelligent and active, meaning they require a lot of attention and patience on behalf of their owners. But even without that instinct to herd, Border Collies may also nip just because theyre bored, playing, afraid, trying to dominate, or just for your attention. As they are smart, they need activities that need some mental effort too. People love the cheerful nature of this breed that makes it suitable for both work purposes and companionship in everyday life. The border collie is a dog breed that got its start in the United Kingdom. Border Collies are famous for using the eye staring intensely at members of the flock to intimidate them. Which dog is best for first time owners: Doberman Pinscher vs Border Collie? They are no lapdog theyll never settle down with you on the couch to watch a movie. Do Border Collies Like Water? If you answered no to most of these questions, then you might want to keep reading if you are still curious. There are dogs that need hardly any exercise and are happy laying around all day. Just look on YouTube, you will see countless videos on the escape of the Border Collie. A Border Collie is suitable for a first-time owner who provides adequate exercise, attention, and the love that the animal requires. This is the reason poodles are one of the most popular dogs in the United States and the world over. 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. You need to develop good bondage with your furry friend and healthy chemistry to know his expectations from you. WebWhat many people fail to realize, even long-standing Border Collie owners, is that the herding instinct is simply a modified version of the killing instinct of wolves. 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 Dog Owners? If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. 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. When training them they may respond to every little movement you make trying to out-think you and respond ahead of your next move. Border Collies are loyal, love to work hard and will give you hours of entertainment you will have to come up with plenty of new tricks to keep your Border Collie happy at home. My brother has a Border Collie named Nico. Because some say no to me. WebOr, check out our article myth busting whether Border Collies are good for first time owners. As an Amazon Associate, The Collienois earns from qualifying purchases. With proper training by an experienced owner, they can make a good family pet. They are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and trainability. Collies really are not an ideal dog breed for first time dog owners, unless your lifestyle is already suited to a collies requirements. 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. These vet trips will be costly so you will want to invest in some good insurance for your collie to help cover the costs. They also have nipping tendencies, and although this is not intended to cause harm, it may end up hurting someone. Border collies are known for their intelligence, obedience, and energy. 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). This means that there are so many options out there for you if you might be thinking a border collie is not for you. You can always spend more hours with a border collie, but two hours are minimum. We needed a smart dog that liked being taught commands and complex ideas, that liked running and exercise and which bonded strongly. They are so smart they figure out how to unlock and open doors, dig under or jump over fences! 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. 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. A Border Collie is a large, strong dog with a short smooth coat that varies in color. You will often see them in dog competitions, agility courses, and sheepdog trials. He's originally from Ontario, Canada and his breeder is from England. The grooming needs for a Border Collie are moderate and dont require any unique considerations. It goes into depth about grooming care for the Border Collie and has links on how to bathe, brush, and care for your dogs teeth, ears, and paws. Border Collies are extremely intelligent, which is excellent when it comes to training. They are widely popular as a working dog and are frequently used by farmers, shepherds and ranchers. The shedding can be managed by biweekly brushing and regular grooming. 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. Although the Border Collie was bred along the border between Scotland and England, they do not come from either a Scottish or English breed. Because Border Collies are so smart they can sometimes turn into little Houdinis, figuring out how to escape any type of containment you may try to enforce on them. But when you put in the effort, they can be the best dogs you will ever own. There are dogs playgrounds also near our house 10 minutes drive. With some dedication and thought on your part you can have a well-adjusted, well-behaved, super loyal four-legged best friend. What if you bring them inside? Do you have the patience to wash and dry your rough collie after every muddy walk? How much exercise do Border Collies need (puppies and adults) ColliePerfect.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. 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. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Obviously, having some experience with the breed would be helpful, but no experience doesnt mean you shouldnt own one. Can Border Collies Swim? However, Border Collies are not dogs that will be satisfied simply being lap dogs. 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. There is no escaping, Border Collies can be considered high-maintenance dogs (lets be honest, most of us are high maintenance too!). With these characteristics, female border collies are easier to train. Have you ever noticed that Border Collies are featured in many Hollywood movies, commercials, and hit tv shows? Good luck! Some people love being challenged as it leads to in-depth learning. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The Border Collie definitely isnt content to be stuck in a yard all day long. These include: Destructive behavior such as chewing or digging, especially when left alone. This is when problems might arise when they dont get the stimulation they need. 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. Im away about 6-7 hours in the day. So, are Border Collies good first-time dogs? I'm an experienced collie owner from Scotland and the original founder of Howling and Growling. In general, collies are not an aggressive breed due to centuries of selective breeding to enhance their cooperativeness and intelligence. But with a lack of training, exercise, and care, they could be some of the worst dogs you will ever own. Owning a border collie is not easy. There is no point getting a lap dog if you plan to take it hiking.