There are plenty of opinions out there about the Border Collie’s suitability as a
family pet. As with most things in life, there is a bit of truth in almost all of
them.
| It IS true that BCs like to play.(we call it "work") A well-built, healthy BC can
keep going long after most of us start dreaming of a hot bath and a soft bed. But
it is also true that a Border Collie will be happy laying at your feet chewing a
Nylabone while you read a good book. They love a refreshing game of catch, too, as
you throw an old sock from your Lazy Boy. They are intelligent, adaptable dogs.
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Border Collies are individuals, as we all are. A puppy doesn’t have to be a BC to
get herself into trouble. It’s a ‘puppy thing’, not a ‘Border Collie’ thing. All dogs
need training and direction. |
| Generally, Border Collies from trial lines will have a higher "prey drive", which
can be problematic if you are not experienced in training and knowledgeable about
canine behavior. That said, my daughter’s agility dog (adopted off a cattle ranch
at 9 months) has the highest prey drive I have ever seen in a BC and she is a house
pet who sleeps on my daughter’s bed. In MY experience, the imported "show" lines seem
more ‘people oriented’, while still retaining a herding instinct. |
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The bottom line is that once you have done your homework and decided that the Border
Collie is the breed for you, your study is only half over. Ask yourself what your
lifestyle REALLY is and what you will expect from your BC. Then tell the breeder!
Not only can they let you know what line to go to for a BC to meet your needs, they
are most valuable in matching a particular puppy to an individual owner. Caring,
responsible breeders will be honest about having a pup to suit you and if not,
sending you on to someone who may.
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No matter who you eventually buy your Border Collie from, the puppies MUST
come from parents who have been screened for known genetic diseases. There are now
available DNA tests for CEA and CL and all breeding stock should have these tests,
or be "cleared by parentage", meaning that their parents have been DNA tested normal.
Further, the parents, and ideally, grandparents (if not more) should be clinically
screened for hip dysplasia and certified with the OFA. The puppies should be wormed
and started on vaccinations, of course. ASK the breeder for proof of these tests. Settle for nothing less. |
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