Border Collie Information - Page 1

My nephew is considering starting with a Border Collie for some herding.  As a newcomer to the breed, but looking for a decent, trainable dog, what should he be looking for?  I don't have much personal experience with the breed and I'd like some info from anyone who does.  Thanks!

I grew up with a Border collie, and while we never trained her in herding, she was probably one of the smartest dogs I have ever met; she would learn something new and be proficient at it in about 5 minutes.  My mom picked Lady out of 7 remaining pups from a 12 pup litter; she liked how Lady sat back and sized us up before getting friendly, instead of swarming all over my sister and I at first sight.  Our neighbors had a male Border collie that was about 7 years older than Lady and his temperament was very similar; smart, willing to please, super friendly, but at the same time a good watch dog.  They were not that over the top energetic BC that is so common now, they were pre-Babe, The Gallant Pig.  It was almost shocking when we started seeing the hyperactice Border collies around after that movie was released.  After McKinnnan and Lady passed away, neither family chose to get another BC; it would have been to depressing.

If I was looking for another BC I would go with a breeder that ONLY works sheep, NO agility.  Probably a farmer who breeds one or two litters a year and possibly competed in sheepdog trials.  Tell your nephew to be very cautious before picking a breeder.  Epilepsy is rampant in the breed now from what I have read; some well known breeders continue to breed dogs that are known for producing epileptic offspring.  I don't know if the American Border Collie Association has a breeder referral, but he should look into contacting them.  http://www.americanbordercollie.org/

I hope your nephew is able to find a good Border collie;  I only have fond memories from growing up with mine.

Thank you Northern Maiden, I appreciate the input.  I know exactly what you mean, I grew up with awesome, clear-headed Weimaraners and I don't see the same temperament today.

I'm sorry I do not agree with the sheep only/not agility. Many owners choose agility because it provides an excellent outlet for their energy. I grew up with many people who had border collies and most of them had ALOT of energy. I'm 48 so this was over 20 years ago. A border collie with herding lines are actually more driven then bc from show lines. Just like with high drive shepherds, mals etc...they must have an outlet for their physical and mental well being. Agility just happens to be a venue for it.

Although I no longer run in that circle, I would probably still recommend http://www.ewe-topia.com/. Joe Kapelos owner. He and his wife was originally into cattle dogs but got into bc's because of their keen "eye" and work ethic. They are in WA. I'm not sure where you are but they would be a good resource for your son. Stock dog trials are great fun and you will meet alot of really nice people. I will warn you though, its highly competitive so find a club that is suportive and willing to help your son out.

Barb

Thanks Barb, I'm in the east, but I'll still check it out,

I sent you a PM with the names of 3 BC people I have met through herding, I believe all three have been in herding and BCs for sometime, to include judging, I thought maybe one of the three could help you with someone closer to where you are, they are all located more towards the mid west (southern IL, MO, W TN)

I agree with Bhaugh herding line Border collies can make excellent companions and/or agility dogs.  I own a wonderful border collie.  Her mother was a herding dog her father a wonderful agility competitor.  I do both herding and agility with my girl and she is good at both although we do more agility than herding.  She is not over the top. She has an excellent balanced temperment.  She is a couch potato when not working.  She is actually calmer than both of my GSDS  Border collies are so smart and easy to work with.  They do like the mental challenge of some type of work and if you teach them an off switch early on make easy going house dogs as well.  Yes epilepsy is in some lines so you do need to do your research as you do with any dog you would be buying.  I wouldn't say it is "rampant"  I also would not agree that breeders breed with disregard for this.  Do your home work.

I would agree that working line Border collies are superior; my Border collie came from a sheep farm and had at least one littermate that grew up to be a successful trial dog.  All the good Border collies I have known have come from sheep farms.

I am in the upper midwest and 20+ years ago almost all the farms and ranches (dairy cow or goat, sheep, poultry, horse) in my area had Border collies; even the Thouroughbred and Arabian farms allowed their Border collies around their horses.  I have seen their dogs lying in the pasture next to the horses or moving calming in the stables without upsetting them.  Now almost all the farms have Australian Shepherds, and I know of several farmers that switched breeds because they were unhappy with the direction the Border collie breed was going.   I know of three younger Border collies that were very unstable and way more aggressive than any GSD that I have met.  They bit so many people and attacked so many other dogs that they had to be destroyed.  It was not because they were not socialized, these dogs had way more socialization than any dog my family has had.

As for the epilepsy, I know of two big Border collie breeders that continue to breed dogs who are producing epileptic offspring.