Because theres two of us this means we devote 1:30hs each per day (when we are time restricted) and up to 5 during non busy days (weekends, holidays). border collies are good candidates for first-time owners. But many owners also say that their Border Collie still has a great quality of life in a flat with a nearby park. Good luck! 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. Collies need lots of puzzle toys and one on one time spent learning tricks or developing their training with their owner. Because of these traits, they are highly prized by professional dog trainers for their easy trainability. Of course, you shouldnt forget about adorable mutts. Border Collies are intelligent dogs that will respond to training from a very young age. Yes, Border Collies can be great first-time dog owners. And its good manners extend to cats as well as people. Collies are emotionally sensitive dogs and are happiest when they are sleeping close to their pack. 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. 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. He's originally from Ontario, Canada and his breeder is from England. 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. 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 Collies were a popular breed as they proved very effective due to their high energy levels and intelligence making them very fast, agile and able to follow commands. There are dogs that need hardly any exercise and are happy laying around all day. If you have a small apartment and dont go out much, then probably not. Are Border Collies Good With Cats? Yes, Border Collies can be great first-time dog owners. People love the cheerful nature of this breed that makes it suitable for both work purposes and companionship in everyday life. It takes real dedication to live with a GSD, as the breed requires a substantial amount of mental and physical stimulation. Dog breeds that can be left alone for long periods include Labrador and Golden Retriever, Beagle, Peekapoo, or Shiba Inu. Unless you get a rescue dog that was already trained (housebroken for example), you might reconsider getting a Border Collie. A Border Collies temperament is cheerful and alert, making it an excellent all-around farm or herding dog. Collies love to spend time outdoors so if your hobbies already lend themselves to an outdoor lifestyle then a collie could be a perfect option to tag along with you on your adventures. 2. Theyre intelligent, trainable and have many useful qualities as a family pet or working animal. Yes . You need to develop good bondage with your furry friend and healthy chemistry to know his expectations from you. link to Are Border Collies One-person Dogs? In a nutshell, yes, Border Collies can live in apartments. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'trainingbuster_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_15',162,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-trainingbuster_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'trainingbuster_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_16',162,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-trainingbuster_com-large-leaderboard-2-0_1');.large-leaderboard-2-multi-162{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}But many of the same hazards associated with your Border Collie spending their time outside can be observed indoors, too. *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. Collies really are not an ideal dog breed for first time dog owners, unless your lifestyle is already suited to a collies requirements. These dogs are bred to work, and if they arent given a lot of exercises, they can become destructive. Shes a beautiful dog, very intelligent, great with his kids, and the perfect herding dog for his large property! With proper training by an experienced owner, they can make a good family pet. Adult dogs can hold their pee for up to 10-12 hours if needed, but that doesnt mean that they should. Read more about the origins of Border Collies in our feature article here. Then there are border collies that need constant training and reassurance that strangers are not threats. When Border Collie puppy starts to go potty, praise it for doing its business. 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. Obviously, having some Their Amazing Origins. The eyes are usually a clear brown with a soft inner layer around the pupil; this layer gives them an almost milky appearance. Shes the most chilled creature I ever seen. But they do not make a good apartment dog because they need a vast space to exercise and release their pent-up energy. Ill be away for school for 8 hours in the fall so would that be alright? This means that there are so many options out there for you if you might be thinking a border collie is not for you. Essentially, theyre trying to herd you, and theyre mimicking the livestock herding behavior they were originally bred for. Add to that how much they love running and theres no way were going to recommend them for first-time dog owners without hard backing boundaries! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. However, while the Border collie may be a good family dog, its not good for every family. It says that you are willing to put in the time it takes to be a good dog owner. are border collies good for first time owners, software analysis of the salaries of a random, american leopard hound vs catahoula leopard dog. If you arent willing to invest the time and cost into learning how to train and teach your Border Collie, then this isnt the right breed for you. Well, the biggest reason. If you think about their history, Border Collies were bred to run around the fields and work hard each day. This breed is characterized by its high drive and intense energy levels. Border The average dog has the capability to learn around 165 words and signals. Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. Theyre friendly with people and other animals, making them suitable family pets. You will often see them in dog competitions, agility courses, and sheepdog trials. However, this is not always the case. 10 Training Tips! This means they are generally only suited to people who like a challenge. Start teaching your pup basic training commands at three to four months old. They are also very sociable and will work well with other animals such as sheep or cattle. 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. I wonder if the high energy/ nature of the breed is waning because breeders are choosing more chilled, easy going parents for their pups? Since theyre also good workers, this makes them excellent for those who want to use them for work purposes as well as companionship. Currently, there is no solid scientific evidence on the difference between male and female Border Collie temperament. They are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and trainability. You have to be extra careful while dealing with very sensitive border collies. 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. If you want to adopt a Border Collie, you have to ensure they get adequate mental and physical stimulation. So yes, a Border Collie belonging to a first-time owner should be perfectly safe and happy living outside most of the time, unless a sound like fireworks or other WebAre Border Collies Good For First-Time Dog Owners? 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. Although the Border Collie was bred along the border between Scotland and England, they do not come from either a Scottish or English breed. 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. While this dog breed tends to herd anything that moves, they are not likely to ever do so with malicious intent. WebA bright, ingenious breed, the Border collie is the perfect dog to be a pet. However, you will still have success playing modified versions of this casual game with much smaller balls like footballs or tennis balls. Just coincidentally came across your site and Im glad I did! Oh, I also live abroad so itll be an extra challengecant see what lies ahead. Highly intelligent and highly trainable, the affectionate and energetic Border Collie almost always comes out on top when it comes to doggy smarts. 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). Collies are constantly on the go and need an owner who can keep up with them! Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. However, if you know the basics about keeping a dog as a pet and love to know more, things will be quite easy for you to manage. Border Collies were originally bred to herd sheep. Border Collies are generally not an aggressive breed of dog. They can be stubborn and need people with some time and patience, and space in their lives. Border Collies can also have a genetic eye disease called Collie eye anomaly, whichcan lead to vision problems or blindness. But many forget that they also love cuddling and bonding with their owners, making them the best of both worlds! Just wondering if our house is the right fit for a BC! Border collies require a lot of training but with this training they really can be perfect companions. Collies are more likely than other breeds to develop compulsive behaviors because they are naturally quite obsessive dogs. It is not recommended that you leave a border collie alone for more than 4 hours. The more time you spend with your border collie, the stronger your relationship will become. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. ), How to Teach your Collie to Dance (Walk on Two Legs), How to Teach your Collie to Cover Their Eyes (Peekaboo! Lets exclude the possibility that they will spend days being couch potatoes. 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? 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. The Border collie is loyal and can be good with children. If not, then you may want to consider another, easier breed at first. Are Border Collies good for first-time owners? They really need someone who knows what they are doing to engage their super smart doggy brain. 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. 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. But is getting a Border Collie a good idea for a first-time dog owner? As we mentioned previously, Collies never clock off. Border Collies are intelligent and trainable. I mainly want a running partner and someone to cheer me up on my bad days. In addition, pets with diarrhea or other intestinal illnesses may not be able to make it outside fast enough. Border Collies are herding dogs built to run, work hard, and perform demanding jobs for their pet parents. This is happening as a result of more and more people moving to urban areas. These dogs have few behavioral problems when well-trained and learn easily. 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! But when you put in the effort, they can be the best dogs you will ever own. 1. Check out our Mental Stimulation Ideas For Collies article for some top tips. 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. This means that a Border Collie warrants increased security if they are being left alone in the yard. Not all Border Collies bark a lot and you can train them not to bark, but it does take some time and effort. A border collie will stare as a way to communicate with you. This article will help you make a good decision about adopting a border collie, or maybe not. Many people love Border Collies cheerful natures and will choose this breed as their pet. Owning a Border Collie means that you are a responsible pet owner. But their incredible intelligence is also what makes playing with the Borden Collie so enjoyable. Border Collies although easy to train are very high-energy and need a lot of mental stimulation. A border Collie is unsuitable for a first-time owner that is looking for a low-energy dog or an owner that is never home and doesnt have the time or patience to give this breed the attention it needs. 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! If aggressive behavior is displayed, it is likely that something else is up like an undiagnosed health condition or issue. If you have any questions, please let me know. There are dogs that are friendly and trusting of any person, like golden retrievers. Questions to ask your Border Collie breeder before your visit. 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. Read our Guide to Exercising With Your Collie for some fun ideas how you and your collie can exercise together! One of the main reasons I wanted a dog was for the soft, warm, furry cuddles. A good first dog should fit with your lifestyle. In addition to all of that, rough collies have a long coat that can be quite tough to maintain and might be more work than an inexperienced dog owner would expect. Take time to research a breed to ensure its characteristics will fit with your lifestyle. WebGood For First Time Owners. Its crucial, especially for a first-time owner, to research positive training techniques and consider investing in training classes. I found a breeder and Im thinking of getting a border collie. (The Dog Tired Truth Revealed! Not good for first time dog owners. After being bred exclusively to herd for centuries, they are also hard workers who never clock off which can be a problem. Before making any diagnosis, starting a treatment plan, or otherwise changing your pets diet or habits, you should always consult a professional veterinarian. Not all are the same. Do Border Collies make good house pets? Theyre not natural couch potatoes! WebAre Border Collies Good for First-Time Owners? They are intelligent, friendly, and active, but they also require a lot of attention and training. Let me ask you this. Affectionate? A good first dog should be highly trainable and have a naturally friendly temperament towards other dogs and people. Female border collies are usually interested in learning and eager to receive commands from their owner. Border Collies usually prefer to bond to one person. Are you ready for daily training (Or at least multiple times a week)? 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. Sometimes collies are just too focused for their own good and run after their much loved ball with no regard for their own wellbeing. ie in the first 8 weeks? A Border Collie may be suitable for you if: A Border Collie may not be suitable for you if: Border Collies make amazing pets. They have an inherited instinct to do so because they are designed to work with one person as a team. They can get this from learning new commands, tricks, or other working tasks. Im willing to put in the exercise, both mental and physical for the dog and training etc. (myth Busting!) You need to be creative with them when training! 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. Making sure you choose the right breed of dog for your lifestyle is important. There are a lot of great qualities that a Border Collie has that can make them an excellent dog, but first-time owners need to know what they are getting into before bringing on the challenge of raising this breed. ), Samoyed Dog Breed Guide (Quick Links and Information), Require at least 2 hours a day of exercise, fetch things (newspaper, slippers, people), You are a highly active person who loves to exercise with your dog, You have a lot time to invest in learning how to train and care for your dog, You can be creative in coming up with jobs for your dog, You have a desire to teach your dog a lot of cool thing. Here, you will find the answer to the question, are border collies good for first-time owners?. Border collies are happiest when they are working or playing, and will So, for a first-time owner, a Border Collie will be fine living inside, as long as there are not too many alarming noises. 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. 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. Basic training is easy, but to train your border collie-specific commands and tricks, you require insight into their psychology and behavioral response. Read more about this in the How To Prevent Separation Anxiety in Collies. Owning a border collie is not easy. Ok, picture hiking with your collienow picture your collie dropping their ball down the side of the hill and rampaging after it, tripping over rough terrain and straining or worse, breaking a leg. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! This is when problems might arise when they dont get the stimulation they need. As a Chewy Associate The Collienois earns from qualifying purchases. Border Collies originate from the border of Scotland and England and have been used for herding livestock. Unlike cats where there are less than 75, there are almost 400 breeds of dogs. If your Border Collie doesnt get enough exercise they can turn to destructive behaviors as well as whine cry and bark a lot! Hi! Without adequate exercise your collie may develop behavioral problems. 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. There are small breeds, large breeds, medium breeds. Border collies are very smart. Manage Settings Border Collies are intelligent, energetic dogs with a strong work ethic, so they are not usually recommended for first-time dog owners. If you dont have the time needed to keep your Border Collie happy you will start to see your Border Collie turn to destructive behaviors to keep themselves occupied. The Border Collie is very intelligent. Border Collies can double and triple that number. Welcome to Howling & Growling, my blog about all things collies. No, inexperienced owners might find it too much of a challenging breed. Are you ready to have a dog that needs to be constantly challenged? A Border Collie is a large, strong dog with a short smooth coat that varies in color. It is always better to start with some easy dogs to learn and adopt basic things. Collies need to keep their minds busy and occupied or else they will find other (often destructive) ways to entertain themselves. 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. If you are willing to invest a lot of time learning about the breed, how to keep it properly stimulated, and take classes on how to train and care for your Border Collie then they can be a great dog for you. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'trainingbuster_com-leader-2','ezslot_10',166,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-trainingbuster_com-leader-2-0');But at any point, their centuries spent herding can take over and they could start to herd a person jogging past, for example, or a crowd of young children playing loudly. As much as you can give them. The border collie is a dog breed that got its start in the United Kingdom. My partner did have Yorkies but nothing bigger and Ive never had a dog, and I must say were happy and loving our decision. (myth Busting!) Collies require a minimum of two hours off leash exercise every single day and lots of mental stimulation too. They are often the first in line on many intelligent dog breed lists. 1. Even for a first-time dog owner, Border Collies are incredibly easy to train for herding or just for obedience. Unfortunately, because theyre so focused on their people, Border Collies are another dog breed that might be at a higher risk of developing separation anxiety, says Burch. Before your visit to your Border Collie breeder, you will generally want to ask questions that are going to help you understand what to expect during the visit. Most herding dogs, like those mentioned above, will sometimes nip at a persons feet or heels. 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 are one of those breeds. They are a demanding breed to train as they need consistent reinforcement which requires a lot of time and patience. For first-time dog owners, which is best, female or male Border Collie? Collies are exceptionally demanding dogs to live with and have a lot more needs than other dog breeds. Border collies are often cited as the most intelligent breed of domestic dogs. Collies require a specific positive training approach and they can suffer from traits that are difficult to train out of them without in depth knowledge of the breed, such as chasing cars and nipping. Border Collies are famous for using the eye staring intensely at members of the flock to intimidate them. Many owners say that a Border Collie requires a house with an expansive yard, at the very least. So, are Border Collies good first-time dogs? Maybe they are not as high energy as Im being led to believe? WebAre Border Collies good for first-time dog owners? ), How to Teach your Collie Paw (Easy Step By Step Guide), Complete Guide to Collie Temperament and Personality. 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. You should take your collie for a walk once or twice a day. A: Border Collies are suitable for experienced owners. Do you have the patience to wash and dry your rough collie after every muddy walk? Your Border Collie will be happiest when their day is full. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you and for your best friend. 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. First-time dog owners may not have the skill set needed to train a dog like a Border Collie. For new dog owners it may be a shock to learn just how much of a commitment a dog requires as you are responsible for their health, happiness and general wellbeing. Naturally, by long-term periods, its implied that the period is up to 8 hours a day and not more. Rough collies require at least two hours of off-leash exercise every single day and lots of daily training and mental stimulation to prevent compulsive or destructive behaviors. A Border Collie is perfect for a family, but with older children who can play properly with such a large dog and who are physically capable of handling a dog who will pull on the lead. Im thinking of getting a border collie as a first time dog but have worries about the horror experiences. Border Collies although easy to train are very high-energy and need 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. Comment below with any questions you have! They are widely popular as a working dog and are frequently used by farmers, shepherds and ranchers. Use the search! This is another reason to keep them busy, mentally stimulated, and well-socialized. So, are Border Collies good for first-time owners? This is a true characteristic of their temperament, as they were initially bred as herding dogs. 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. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. Here is a list of jobs that other owners have given their Border Collies. Generally, these dogs are very obedient, and they need their owners command and acknowledgment most of the time. You must ensure you have a few hours spare each day to invest into training your collie so if you work long hours and like to hit the gym or grab a few drinks at a bar after work then a border collie will not be a good first dog for you. One of the most popular breeds in the world, the golden retriever is a truly gentle dog. Border collies are very passionate and energetic dogs. Border Collie; Meet The 5 Cutest Border Collies In The World; WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more.