Should we get a Border Collie?
| One of the first questions you should ask yourself is are you Border Collie material? How much are you home? Does your job require frequent travel? How do you like to spend your spare time? You don't have to give up your social life, abandon your family, or give up any special interest you have but you will need to make adjustments. Border Collies are not for the couch potato. If you live alone and are away from home for long hours or you are required to travel frequently, this breed is not for you. If spending time with your Border Collie won't be a top priority for you, you might consider a stuffed animal instead. Border Collies are very intelligent and can be very well behaved and well mannered or they can be unruly and demanding......the final outcome is totally up to you. Border Collies have more specific needs than most dogs so if you are looking for a yard dog, a Border Collie is not for you. I have heard some people describe Border Collies as "hyper", but when bred properly, Border Collies aren't hyper in the traditional sense of the word. The classic image of a hyper dog would exhibit uncontrollable barking and hysterical behavior, properly bred Border Collies rarely behave this way. A more accurate description of a Border Collie would be that they can have tons of energy, but remember that these dogs were originally required to run 25 miles or more a day to maintain a flock of sheep. The problem with Border Collies being so energetic is that they will find something to do...and it probably won't be your idea of fun. A bored Border Collie equals big trouble!! All intelligent dogs need physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. If you don't take the time to train them, they will be more than happy to train you. Undesired behaviors such as herding the cat or your children, chasing bicycles, nipping, jumping up, etc. should be corrected before it becomes a problem. Training should always be consistent with all family members. Are you looking at BC's and wanting to breed so your kids can experience the miracle of life or just because you think having a litter of pups would be fun? Unless you are experienced and know how to whelp, have the time and money to raise pups and are ready to keep pups forever if they don't get the right home you are not going to be a good breeder. You can expect to spend at least a few thousand dollars on a dog before you can breed him or her. You will also need to be at home or have somebody home for the first few days your pups are born to make sure they are eating well, don't get squished, are staying warm and more. You also need to be prepared to pay for a c-section, pay for an emergency spay, pups dying or getting sick, or even nursing the pups full time if you should lose the bitch from complications. You will need the money for vaccinations, worming, supplements, feed, puppy toys and if you work you will need to take time off to take care of the pups. Do you understand genetics and the Border Collie? Do you understand the tests for breeding (DNA tests and OFA tests?) Do you have a back up person for emergencies who will help out? Do you like to take trips because you can't leave when you have pups coming, pups on the ground and sometimes it is just hard to leave because you need reliable people to take care of your dogs while you are gone. Do you have room for pups? Do you have room to rescue? If you can breed then you can rescue and all breeders should do their part and rescue or donate to rescues. Lastly, but most importantly, no matter what breed you decide is for you......DO YOUR HOMEWORK AND ASK QUESTIONS!! Be aware of the health issues of the breed and choose your breeder carefully. Beware of breeders who price pups according to color and/or sex. Don't be afraid to ask the breeder for proof of health testing such as DNA or OFA certificates. A responsible breeder will have all available DNA tests run on their breeding stock and have their hips scored by OFA before they ever breed. Ask how many litters the breeder produces per year. Breeders who produce more than a couple of litters at a time may have problems providing pups with the proper amount of attention. Visit the breeder if possible to see their facilities and their dogs. Breeders should be willing to establish a relationship and provide guidance and advice for the life of the pup you purchase. Beware of breeders that allow you to "window shop"....A responsible breeder will not let you look at puppy pictures shortly after they are born and allow you to pick what you want. The breeders primary concern should be what your intentions for the pup are, then color and sex preferences should be considered. After spending lots of time over the next eight weeks with the pups, the breeder should be able to determine the temperaments of the pups and let you know which ones will best fit your expectations to insure that all efforts have been made to place that pup in his/her forever home. There have been some debates about temperament testing pups.... Pups are like children and are products of their environment. If you continue the care that the breeder has started, the temperament test should be accurate. However, if the pup suffers from abuse or neglect, then temperaments could change....you can expect your precious puppy to become exactly what you allow it to be. The amount of homework you do before purchasing your next best friend can have a positive or negative impact on your financial future. Are you prepared for the commitment? |
