Border-Collie

inkie

We have been toying with the idea of getting a family pet for a while. We have never had a dog in our family (me and DH,DDs 12 and 15), but both me and DH had dogs when we were 'at home'.

Looking at the moment at Border Collies, and would look for a rescue dog. Doing our homework and trying to fully consider the impact upon family life of having a dog. DH works full time, I do too, but have flexibility as I am a vicar and so not regular set hours, can nip back in during the day - even take the dog with me if need be - I work from home for all or part of the day at least twice per week, and max that I am out during the day when there would be no-one else in is 9am - 2pm.

Looking for existing dog owners to share their experiences, good and bad - so that we can be as informed as possible before making a final decision.

Many Thanks in advance. Inkie

getthemax

I've owned BC's for over 30 years, and I applaud you for considering a rescue as there are lots around. In spite of what you may be told, my experience is that they are all individuals and there is no such thing as a stereotype Border Collie.

They are a wonderful breed to own, being very intelligent and fairly easy to train. I'm not sure that I'd be happy leaving my dogs for the five hours on a fairly regular basis that you're suggesting, as I think it's unfair on a breed that does thrive on stimulation.

I'd suggest that a puppy would not be a good idea because a very young dog in it's formative months does need a lot of attention. I'd go for an older one perhaps about 2-3 years old.

I'd recommend the Border Collie Trust and Many Tears rescue as they do assess the dogs properly there. I know of another major Border Collie rescue that I won't name but I wouldn't go there again for various reasons.

picklepick

I have to say I dont think a Border Collie would suit your situation at all. I'd guess that a lot of the BC's in rescue are probably there as a result of the exact home situation you have described. They thrive on human contact, they need to be mentally and physically challenged and would hate hate hate to be left on their own for any length of time. BC's are very highly strung and I know from experience they can develop all sorts of unwanted behaviour if their needs aren't met correctly. A BC can run literally all day, they are bred for working, so if you do get one you should consider soing some sort of agility of flyball to give them the exercise they need.

inkie

Thanks for your reply and input. The 9-2 is the absolute max that the dog would be left, and would be at max once per week (most weeks would not even be that long). I tend to be out either in the morning, or the afternoon, and if I go out again in the evening, then hubby/DDs would be in then.

picklepick

Perhaps have a read of this, its a pretty informative introduction.
http://www.glenhighlandfarm.com/sbcr.htm

In particular the part at the bottom about whether a BC is compatible with your lifestlye

gratefulforhelp_2

Its a lovely idea. I had a rescue GSD x border collie. She was lovely but completely bonkers. IME collies do tend to be highly strung and exciteable, but also very clever and funny. I'm not sure, but I think they can also suffer with their doggy mental health.
You would have to be prepared for the potential devastation of quite a few of your possessions if you get a young one.

picklepick

gratefulforhelp wrote: »

I'm not sure, but I think they can also suffer with their doggy mental health.

I have to agree completely with this statement. I believe the neurotic behaviour is also a result of not having the right living environment etc

The dog I have experience of is left alone for long periods and as a result has developed a type of agrophobia. He is terrified of the outside, terrified of loud noises, sudden movements and sometimes strangers. It's so sad to see as he's such an intelligent, funny little guy.

I'm not saying that all BC's will develop this sort of behaviour but it's something to think about.

sarabe

You may well find a Border Collie or Border Collie cross in rescue that will suit your lifestyle but as a general rule I wouldn't recommend them as an ideal family pet.

I have eleven Border Collies, nine of them came to me when previous owners could no longer cope with them.

They are a working dog. They need to be kept busy. Left to their own devices they can go self employed.

Good luck in finding a dog but please think long and hard about whether a Border Collie is the right breed.

foreign_correspondent

Have a read of this - some really useful stuff about the border collie temprement and needs - http://www.wiccaweys.co.uk/start.html

I have had several collie crosses - but never a pure bred one - they have all been different, but they tend to be a little on the sensitive side - they often dont like loud noises, and they do like to be occupied - they are a working breed, and have a lot of energy and intelligence - and if it's not well used, they tend to get bored and decide to go 'self employed' - ie. they will find themselves a job, only it may not be one you want doing - eg. guarding by barking at everything that passes, or redecorating by making a start on the wallpaper stripping!

I know two very happy and relaxed border collies on my street - both owned by older people, and both are walked several times a day. One owner says that he takes his out for up to two hours in the morning, then has to play football with him in the back garden to wear him out! He also goes out again in the evening for 30 minutes plus. The other is owned by an older lady - and you can guarantee that she will be off out taking her round the fields at least twice a day, come rain or shine!

I have known several others who have come and then (sadly) gone again - almost always these have been owned by families who just haven't had the time and energy to dedicate to that sort of routine, and the dog has shown its frustration behaviourally.

they can also be a bit 'nippy' - they try and herd things - I had one as a kid who used to try and nip at people's ankles given half a chance - she was lovely with us, but a bit of a menace to visiting friends! I dont think the time alone is necessarily a problem to the right dog, provided they are exercised and stimulated enough.

gratefulforhelp_2

sarabe wrote: »

They are a working dog. They need to be kept busy. Left to their own devices they can go self employed.

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:so true.

LilacPixie

The only BC's I have ever known have been working dogs from working stock. Lovely animals, very obediant to their master and loyal. They seem to need alot of stimulation and work. I would worry how such an animal would cope being left alone for 5 hours a day even if it was only once a week.

Many years ago i had a BC springer spaniel cross and he had energy like you wouldn't believe, we had a large large garden and I had several siblings and we just could not tire him out. hyper to the max.