On this page I would like share my views and experiences with this very versatile breed, the Border Collie. I hope in doing so, it will not offend or antagonize anyone. This is certainly not my intention, but perhaps it may be inevitable. These are my own thoughts and not neccessarily those of my wife,Jean. Even we have varying opinions of the breed and those involved with it. Yes we are breeders and exhibitors. We show our dogs in Conformation classes, but first and foremost our Border Collies are our companions. We allow them the freedom to run like the wind, roll in the mud and jump in the smelliest of water. Bathing is only done when required and not on a regular basis. We allow them to run on the hills up to two days before a Dog show. In essence, we allow our dogs the ability to breathe freely.
The Border Collie, as I see it, is a product of an early form of genetic engineering, a breed contrived to do a specific job. The breed was developed by selecting the best attributes from other breeds. These attributes are stamina, a sharp eye, a good nose, sensitive hearing, speed, quickness of mind and of course herding instinct. Along with these came faithfulness and loyalty. No other breed can boast of all this in one dog. These dogs were never bred for appearance, but for working ability only. As a consequence the Border Collie resembled a mongrel. His temperament was so hyper and at times unable to settle. This type of behaviour is un-suitable for a family pet or companion dog. Through selective breeding practices, like the past, we have now been able to develop the Border Collie into a more calm and relaxed dog that is also pleasing to the eye. This same dog can and will do any job that is required of him.
It is unfair to assume that the Border Collie will do all these tasks without formal training. For example they do not jump up raring to go and say "Where's the sheep?" as some would believe. They do not arrive fully house broken, obedient and ready to bring in the sheep at the end of the day. This type of thinking can lead to many problems. The Border Collie is a very willful dog and will try your patience to the bitter end. Don't laugh at him when he does something wrong! He will repeat it just to "please you". Patience, understanding, love and a firm upbringing are the best training tools. A firmness in your tone of voice does more good than any stick. So, when you see a Border Collie, bringing in the sheep, performing in agility or stacked in the conformation ring. Remember, many years of patient training is involved to achieve this level of obedience and special bond between handler and dog.
Another myth surrounding the Border Colie is that he is so energetic that he needs daily walks of 10 to 20 miles. New owners have a preconceived notion that they must take an 8 week old puppy on a very long walk. This is wrong and can be detrimental to the puppy's health and well being. It can cause many problems, such as OCD. DO NOT over excercise a young puppy. Sleep is much more important for proper growth. Even children can develop serious problems when they are forced to excercise too early in life. As breeders we allow our pups to be active within the home and socialize them outside the house with strict supervision. It is at this time we introduce them to the lead. At approximately six months of age, we allow them short trips with the other dogs being careful to watch for any tiredness. The puppies will somtimes in their enthusiasm very easily tire out in which case the pup must be carried. So, you too must have good stamina.
When on holiday we like to go camping and we take most of our dogs with us. It is wonderful to have dogs under control so that they may enjoy the freedom of running in the countryside. We have even taken our young puppy which I carried in my rucksack. It grew into a very lazy dog, No, I am joking. We have found our Borders to be loyal and true and our best friends. No we we don't use them to herd sheep, but they don't seem to mind a bit. They love their long runs in the hills and so do we.
Whatever your reason for choosing a Border Collies, whether for a family pet, show dog or working dog, choose wisely. Always buy a puppy from a reputable breeder. State exactly the kind of dog you want and this should enable you to find the dog that will bring you many years of love and companionship as our dogs have for us.
Jimmy Entwistle
