Why there are so many border collies at animal shelters

[Major Nikon]

Border collies are just not well suited as pets for most people. I've lived with at least two border collies at all times for the past 20 years. All of them have been rescue dogs. The problem is these dogs are high maintenance when placed in a family situation. They need a high degree of mental and physical stimulation. Most of them I have seen have a strong herding instinct, which means they will try to herd you, your children, and other pets if they can. One of their strategies is to nip at your ankles which can terrify small children. Because they are so smart, their minds need frequent activity. A working dog situation is ideal for them. Absent this, they need a high degree of interaction or otherwise they will often resort to bad behavior that is difficult to correct without a high degree of mental stimulation.

They are popular because they are frequently listed as the smartest dogs by people who rate such things. They are wonderful dogs and make great pets in the right situation. I absolutely love the breed. However, I don't think enough people realize what they are getting into when they get a border collie and that's why so many wind up in shelters. Just my $0.02 worth.

[Duer 157099]

1. True

I've got a mix and the nipping at heals has always been an issue with her. She's a rescue too.

When I had an Aussie, the motto that best described him was "Needs a Job" -- they need a job, whatever it is.

[Major Nikon]

6. Giving them a job is the key

I currently have two border collies. I got both of them when they were 4 years old. Both are pedigreed border collies. My male border collie lives to play fetch. The female has no interest in playing fetch, but lives to try to herd the male while he is fetching the ball. Both will do this all day long if they could. This time of year it's so hot in North Texas I can only run them in the mornings and evenings. When inside I use a laser dot. Fortunately for us there is someone home almost all the time, which also helps.

[Wounded Bear]

2. One could make similar comments about many types of dogs...

and pets in general.

Far too many people take in pets they have no business having.

It's why I don't have pets. I'm pretty terrible about taking care of them. Better I don't torture any animals unnecessarily.

[Major Nikon]

3. That's very true

It's just true to a greater extent with border collies. There are other breeds which are much better suited to a family situation.

[hlthe2b]

4. Yup... Border Collies, Aussies, Cattle Dogs (and mixes) are all high energy, intelligent

dogs that most shelters work very hard to place with owners with previous experience with the breed (or dominent breed within the mix). Out west, the shelters are surely full of them as they are especially popular with ranchers and others in Colorado, WY, UT and surrounding. The herding expositions at rodeos and stock shows in this region are always a very popular draw.

I have an 11 month old Aussie mix that the shelter specifically called me about, knowing I'd had a previous Aussie mix breed. She's a doll, but that high energy and need for stimulation means I get out to walk her five miles daily AND give her at least one trip to the off leash dog park--DAILY--whether I feel like it or not. Actually that is very good for ME and my tendency towards "couch potatoism", but it is a definite commitment.

She is so smart, that she has foiled every means of containing her in the house should I need to go somewhere without her. I now resort to a large kennel in the nice cool basement WITH TWO padlocks on the opening gate--as even with one on the top, she was able to find a way to push open the bottom enough to squeeze out! She's not destructive, fortunately, but just doesn't want to be confined--even for a few hours a day.

But she is loving, friendly to other dogs and every human and just a doll. Note that some herding breeds can be more aloof or territorial and some can really be obnoxious about barking (thank the "gawds" mine is not), so that is something to check out as well.

But, these dogs are highly intelligent, highly trainable and can be wonderful companions--for the right person. But, probably a disaster for someone not prepared or committed to making the changes necessary for happy coexistence....

[Myrina]

14. Sounds like your baby is related to my Hank

... an Blue Heeler/Beagle mix, but 100% Blue Heeler personality. When he was a youngster his nickname was Houdini.

[digonswine]

48. Funny-

We had the same nickname for our Blue Healer. Too smart. She can learn tricks in 2 pieces of cheese. Not a dog to take to the dog-run, though!

[LWolf]

23. Yes.

My aussie, my first, was considered a "low energy" aussie, relatively speaking. In her younger years she did 15-20 mile trail rides with me. I worried about her foot pads, but they were okay. When I lived near other people, and used to ride with them, she would supervise the entire group, large or small. She'd be the tail guard, making sure nobody got lost along the way. Periodically, she would shift around to the front, sit at the side of the trail as we passed, and then take up tail guard again. I swear she was counting every horse and rider that went by. These days, at 10, she'll still do several miles out on a ride or hike, if not that many. Her "jobs" include supervising all barn chores, and if I'm not right on schedule for morning and evening feedings, she rounds me up. That's not enough, though; she has always vented some of her energy barking at "intruders." Of course, we don't have many, living at the dead end of a private dirt road, so she barks at the neighbor's dogs. And at the birds. And at the phone. And at the 'puter when it beeps to say a message has come in.

[ConcernedCanuk]

25. "living at the dead end of a private dirt road" jumped out at me

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I just bought, 3 months ago, such a place!

28 acres that the last mile of the road is what we call an "easement" through someone else's property.

Just getting settled in - plan to get me a female German Shepherd about 2-3 years old - and once we get used to each other, in a year I figure - breed her with a Collie -

and have puppies!

Only one neighbor within a mile, and surrounded by Government land -

Plan to only chain the dog(s) up when I'm absent from the place, but it will be on a clothesline runway sort of deal so they will not be restricted too much.

I'm in Northern Ontario, so it gets cold - Dogs are going to be outside dogs, so already have a homemade design for a heated doghouse.

Sorry though, no plans for A/C for the dogs - I'll build the doghouse in the shade though, and keep lots of water nearby.

CC

[bluedigger]

26. Speaking of escape artists...

At the dog park Saturday, my Catahoula, Cleo, heard thunder (somewhere in the quad state area) and decicded it was time to go.



When I didn't head for the gate fast enough to suit her she just got started on her own.



I was laughing too hard to get a photo of her squeezing through the outer stock gate...

(She just walked over to the Jeep and waited for me to let her in. )

Yup, cattle dogs can be strong willed...

[dixiegrrrrl]

43. "heard thunder (somewhere in the quad state area)"

Had to laff that, with perfect understanding...
Last week our guy, snoozing beside me, jumped up and squeezed under the puter desk,
his default behavior when he hears thunder.
It was clear sky and sunny outside.
I looked up the radar map on the puter.
There was a red (thunder) spot 60 miles away, heading towards us.

[livetohike]

45. What a cutie she is! I have a Catahoula Leopard

(Cindy) and an ACD (Murphy). They both hate thunder and can hear it way before I do. I think Cindy has the best hearing of any dog I've ever had and she is 10.5 years old now.

[bluedigger]

46. Thanks!

Not her best look, because she had just been swimming before she decided it was time to go. I was hoping she'd get over it and dry off first, but no such luck. I ended up with a lap full of damp dog when we got back.

Cleo has good hearing, too, except for "come". She can't quite hear that sometimes.

[hopemountain]

47. yes! all of those breeds must be able to run every day

for hours and hours. this is what they have been bred for.
i've had aussies, queenslands, and border collies & they must be able to run and run and run.

[hollysmom]

5. Oh, I loved my border collie,

I used to turn on the discovery channel so she could watch TV, but I would have to walk her for 6 or 7 miles a day even in bad weather (she had boots and a rain coat). It was healthy for me and she was an intellectual challenge, I am not sure I can be smarter than another border collie, since I have been living with a not to bright dog for the last 8 years.
But she was funny when she tried to herd us all into the pool and not let us out. But I could go out and work in an unfenced yard and never worry about her wandering off. Except that one day, she opened the back door and decided to go to the park without me - still have not figured out how she opened the back door. The kids in the neighborhood saw her and brought her back.

[Major Nikon]

8. My male border collie can open doors

He lunges at the door knob and hits it on the side so it turns. He's so good at it he can usually get it on the first or second try.

[hollysmom]

9. so??? you keep your doors locked at all times?

[Major Nikon]

10. He only does it when he is outside and wants back in

They are inside dogs, so it's only a problem when I let them out in the back yard to take care of their necessary functions. Otherwise someone is out there with them and they don't want to come back inside.

[hollysmom]

13. that is nice. I don't know any outside dogs here, but

I have a hunting dog now and the second she gets out side - it is all freedom for her. I end up following her in a car throwing meat outside, heh.

[Chan790]

7. I had and loved a collie growing up.

4 acres of land full of things to chase and play with and herd were not enough to contain her though. Very high energy.

[dixiegrrrrl]

11. You make a good point, and a very good reminder.

I waited 20 years, till I retired, before I got the dog of my dreams, so that I would be home with him.
Now, as the birthdays come and go, I have to accept the fact any future dog will have to be a low energy, low maintenance one.

Sadly, I see Border Collies and Blue Heelers in this area who are forced to become "yard dogs".....kept in a fenced area or even tied outside their entire lives, to serve as watch dogs. NEVER is any human interaction given, except to feed and water.
Sadly, the law here says as long as shelter and food/water is provided, you can legally confine a dog forever, outdoors.

[Major Nikon]

12. Yes, this is very sad

Many people that do this just have one dog also, which means a highly social animal is forced to live a life of solitude and loneliness in a confined space.

[Xyzse]

19. Very much agreed

I see these German Shepherds in the shelter who were taken by their owner because they were stuck outside and with harnesses/collars that get stuck to their skin.

Dogs really need a lot more care and attention.

[FloridaJudy]

42. Have you considered adopting a senior dog?

I got an older German Shepherd from the shelter. Not only don't I have the kind of energy it takes to cope with a rambunctious puppy, but I've reached an age where it could outlive me. I wanted a dog that would settle for leisurely strolls, instead of energetic runs.

Now we're both crabby old ladies together. We sit together on the couch and watch Downton Abbey, while bitching about the younger generation.

[dixiegrrrrl]

44. Great argument for older dog adoption.

I KNOW I no longer have zoom for active puppies, but do want to have a dog in my life, so am thinking of an older guy next time.
That is my one regret in life...that I did not have/make a lifestyle which would allow more Golden Retriever times.

[MiddleFingerMom]

15. Baxter Black, my favorite cowboy poet, and his eulogy to "just a dog"...

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...(maybe part border collie -- definitely a working dog):
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[Major Nikon]

17. Hard to tell from the picture

It could very well be a pedigreed border collie or an aussie. Both can be merle.

[marzipanni]

31. I heard Baxter Black read this on the radio years ago

Last edited Mon Jul 15, 2013, 02:28 PM - Edit history (1)

I can't bring myself to listen to it now because my border collie-heeler, Sally, will be thirteen next month. She can barely hear, and her back legs are a little wobbly, so I am trying not to think of the inevitable.

She was an amazing Frisbee catcher and still loves a short game of chasing a tennis ball, or slightly deflated soccer ball (which she vigorously shakes to break its neck!) though these days her hind end collapses on a too-fast turn.

[MiddleFingerMom]

33. I'm sorry to hear about your friend. Do your best to live in the moment with her...

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... as she does with you -- and you'll both be happier for it.
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I used to play Baxter Black's humorous stuff on my radio show now and
then. One night, i met a REAL working cowboy (even in Tucson, they're
usually urban cowboys) and I felt honored to drink with him simply
because he had worked with Baxter from time-to-time.
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[Xyzse]

16. I agree.

Seriously though, people really shouldn't get dogs they can't give proper care for.
It is not fair for the dog.

I mean, I can understand having an optimistic view of thinking they could, but they really should try to make sure.

[HappyMe]

18. They need a lot of exercise.

They also like to be challenged mentally. People probably can't be bothered or they don't have the time.

[Major Nikon]

20. I treat both mine like athletes

The male was overweight when I got him and weighed 85lbs. He's already on the high end of the weight scale for border collies anyway, even at a normal weight. He loves to catch frisbees, but at 70lbs he's much too heavy to do it every day without risking injury, so he chases balls instead. The female is more like a traditional border collie and she weighs 35 lbs. The male can keep up with her in a sprint, but normally she literally runs circles around him. I have a back yard that is close to 1/2 of an acre, so they have plenty of room to run.

[HappyMe]

21. Good deal.

Having plenty of space for them to run and play is good.

[Iggo]

22. Because people like to say "I have a border collie", but they don't really like dogs.

[UTUSN]

24. $0.02 is a wild bargain for this o.p.!1 n/t

[Xyzse]

27. Edit - I didn't realize this was an older thread I've already replied to

[font color=white]It is why I can't stress enough that if a person wants to buy or adopt a dog, especially a puppy, they need to do their research and see if they can say yes to a few simple questions.

1 - Can you afford it?
--Honestly speaking, after the initial purchase or adoption fees, one have to consider a budget for all the shots, spaying or neutering if needed, and food. It is also best to set aside for emergency veterinary care.

2 - Have you done your research?
--Have to consider the physical needs of the dog. Larger dogs need more food, some dogs like huskies need a ton more exercise, stimulation and training, some breeds do not typically do well with other pets, allergies and other things need to be considered.

3 - Do you have the time?
--This is important especially for a puppy that needs a heck of a lot more attention, particularly in the first few months.

I can understand wanting a pet. I want one too, and dogs are just plain awesome. However, it is unfair to them if they are adopted/bought for the sake of vanity or just wanting one. People really need to know more on what is involved and be willing to spend the time and effort with them.

They need as much time as a child, especially at the beginning till they figure out a fixed pattern. Dogs tend to thrive in routines but it takes a while to get there.[/font]

[nolabear]

28. I've never known a happy intensely herding breed in a suburban home.

I've had several friends (one couple in particular) who have had various intense herders, i.e. border collies, aussies, and something they have now whose name escapes me but is like a border collie the size of a German Shepherd. I've seen pretty happy collies and corgis and so forth but these guys are constantly wanting something to do. It's hard to be around, and though they're sweet as can be, that nip or constant darting in front of you or wanting to fetchtheballfetchtheballfetchtheball without ever letting up is miserable.

I always think people see the word "dog" and don't pay attention to the breed. They're as different as night and day.

That said, I'm also an advocate for very, very, VERY selective breeding so those tendencies, whatever they may be, are there in a calm and adaptive manner. A nervous or aggressive or unstable dog is a nightmare. I had an Airedale once that, had she been a person, poor thing, would have been declared insane. I kept her but it was so bad there were ties when she didn't recognize even the family for a moment and would freak out. She was dangerous. We had to be very. very careful and she didn't get to have a life as a full member of the family. Poor Gracie. RIP.

[orleans]

39. i had a border collie/corgi mix

she was amazingly wonderful, kind to children and other animals, so dearly loved. she didn't have to be entertained all the time and she didn't herd us. and she never nipped. we found her at a shelter when she was 11 months old.

i recently lost my little lhasa apso and am still grieving over her. she came to me from a shelter when she was ten years old. now she herded us, especially toward the kitchen! i had so many nicknames for her, but one of them was "my little shadow."

(i was just crying and carrying on when i came across this thread--had to respond.)

[nolabear]

41. Aw, I'm sorry you lost your baby. Older adoptions are so lovely much of the time.

Sounds like you and she finally found one another. As for the border collie/corgi, congrats! I don't think corgis are OCD like border collies can be, but I have to confess I've never known any.

Peace, Orleans.

[MrScorpio]

29. Which is why, if ever I get myself a rescue dog as a pet, he or she is going to be a lazy mutt

I want a pal that hangs out with me, not some creature that requires entertainment 24/7

[orleans]

40. or get an older dog.

i had my baby for three and a half years (she came to me when she was ten.) i'm heartbroken over losing her but she was so wonderful i wouldn't trade that short time i spent with her for anything. our time together just wasn't long enough.

[raccoon]

30. K&R. nt

[mainer]

32. Can't seem to find many in shelters here in Maine

My son has a farm, and he was looking for rescue dogs with herding instincts to help him with his sheep and cows. Couldn't find any border collies available anywhere in the state. He ended up with a cute cattle dog pup who already seems to know how to help with the sheep.

[Taverner]

34. Border Collies are some of the smartest dogs in the world

They need CONSTANT, I mean, CONSTANT stimulation

They are bred to herd all kinds of animals. They are the multi taskers of the world

Honestly, if you can't spend all day with your dog, don't get a Border Collie

The dog EVERYBODY really wants is either a Beagle or a Retriever

They are most suited to modern human life

[Major Nikon]

35. In my case someone is with them almost constantly

I work shift work and my wife doesn't, so ours get nearly constant attention. I agree that it's not good to leave them alone for long periods of time. Mine get into trouble if I do this very often.

I use both physical and mental stimulation with them. Fortunately I have a big back yard so they have plenty of room to run. This time of year is difficult, because I can only run them for a couple of minutes during the middle of the day before they start getting too hot. So most of their exercise comes in the morning and evenings. During the day when they start getting restless I use a laser light indoors which works quite well.

Even though both of mine are pedigreed border collies, my male is not really typical for them. He is large and tires much faster than the female. Of the two he's more well suited in a domestic situation. He lays around a lot more than the female does. My female has both AKC and ABCA registrations and she is the quintessential border collie. I think she would have done extremely well in a working dog environment.

[Sunlei]

36. my family breed for generations. Each BC has their own unique intellegent quirk.

My last 2 border collies were rescues. There's a lot of nice border collies in the shelters. Most BC in shelters seem to be young, unneutered males. Border collies love to have a job.

[Kali]

37. shit, the chihuahua cross that is MY SON'S DOG runs 3 to 5 miles a day easy

I run the dogs at idle in first gear in the truck when I go to check waters in addition to riding with them when I can. Heelers and Borders can get pretty nutty even with a ton of stimulation and excercise.

[grasswire]

38. My BC is very laid back.

He's a rescue dog and spent two years in a shelter before my family member took him home. Then the family member added two children, and so the border collie became mine. I've had him for about five years and he is about eleven years old.

He's a sweetheart. No nipping issues, at all! And he is content in the house most of the time, paying close attention to the two tabby cats. His only fault is that he is really really excited about other dogs we meet on walks. I attribute that to too much kennel time at the shelter, where dogs are in an excited state. I'm not sure he really knows how to behave more moderately.

He is very, very strong and would prolly pull me right off my front lawn into the river if I didn't stay alert when he's on leash.

I had never thought of having a BC. But I love them now. He is happy to sleep on my feet at night.

[FloridaJudy]

49. How many dogs does it take to change a lightbulb?

Border Collie: Just one. And I’ll replace any wiring that’s not up to code.

Afghan Hound: Light bulb? What light bulb?

Golden Retriever: The sun is shining, the day is young, we’ve got our whole lives ahead of us, and you’re worrying about a burned out light bulb?

Greyhound: It isn’t moving. Who cares?

Dachshund: I can’t reach the stupid lamp!

Poodle: I’ll just blow in the border collie’s ear and he’ll do it.

Rotweiller: Make me!

Shih tzu: Pul-leeze, dahling, I have servants for that kind of thing.

Labrador Retriever: Oh, me, me!!!! Pleeeeeasze let me change the light bulb. Can I? Can I? Huh? Huh? Can I?

Alaskan Malamute: Let the Border Collie do it. You can feed me while he’s busy.

Cocker Spaniel: Why change it? I can still pee on the carpet in the dark.

Australian Shepherd: Put all the bulbs in a little circle …

Jack Russell Terrier: I’ll just pop it in while I’m bouncing off the walls and furniture.

Bulldog: Just one, but it takes them 3 years to do it.

Doberman Pinscher: While it’s dark, I’m going to sleep on the couch.

Mastiff: Mastiffs are NOT afraid of the dark.

Pug: Er, two. Or maybe one. No — on second thought, make that two. Is that OK with you?

German Shepherd: I’ll change it as soon as I’ve led these people from the dark, check to make sure I haven’t missed any, and make just one more perimeter patrol to see that no one has tried to take advantage of the situation.

Beagle: Light bulb? Light bulb? That thing I ate was a light bulb?

Pointer: I see it! There it is! Right there!

Great Dane: Just give me back my blanket and do it yourself.

Siberian Husky: Light bulb?!? I ate the light bulb, and the lamp, and the coffee table it sat on, and the carpet under the coffee table and …

Cat: You need light to see?

[Major Nikon]

50. I just sent this to my wife

[In_The_Wind]

51. Still loved my golden retrievers the most. That's true of their attitudes.

[FloridaJudy]

52. I've loved my German Shepherds

Despite their somewhat ferocious reputation, I've never had a vicious one. But - good grief! - are they ever over-protective! "Hmm, you're going to the bathroom? Let me check it out first, just to make sure you'll be safe in there..." Today my dog greeted me with a canine expression that said "You were gone for almost four hours! I was worried sick, and nearly called the police!"

I seem to always get dogs that are reincarnated Jewish Mothers.