Consistently ranked at the top of the list of the most intelligent dog breeds, Border Collies are among the most well-known herding dogs. That said, there’s more to consider when adopting a dog than brains and farming skills! How well do these dogs tend to fit in with families, and especially families with children?
Let’s break down the pros and cons of a typical Border Collie and see if these pups make a good addition to the family!
Border Collie Personality and Temperament
One of the first criteria to look at when adopting any dog is overall temperament, and this is no less true for Border Collies! So, what is the average Border Collie’s personality like? The main features of a Border Collie’s disposition are intelligence, loyalty, friendliness, and energy.
That last trait is likely the first thing you’ll notice when adopting one of these dogs. Border Collies are an extremely energetic dog breed, and they require daily, vigorous exercise to burn off some of their excitement. If they don’t get this physical stimulation, they’re likely to act out and start tearing up clothing, furniture, and just about anything else they can get their paws on.
On a similar note, due to their incredibly high intelligence and ever-present curiosity, Border Collies need frequent mental stimulation. When these dogs get bored or feel like they don’t have a “job”, they’re likely to start acting out. But, these high physical and mental energy levels also make Border Collies an excellent fit for owners and families who lead active lifestyles.
How Trainable Are Border Collies?
Even the most naturally docile and well-behaved dogs require some level of training when adapting to a new home and family. How easy is it to train a Border Collie, correct undesirable behaviors, and teach positive routines?
Fortunately, Border Collies are some of the most highly trainable dogs you’ll find! Their combination of high intelligence, people-pleasing temperament, and strong work ethic makes them an ideal candidate for advanced training. In fact, many Border Collies have been trained to complete obstacle courses, perform simple daily chores like fetching newspapers, and, of course, herd farm animals.
For an effective training routine, there are some basic guidelines you’ll want to follow. Depending on how old your collie is when you first adopt them, it’s a good idea to start training as early as possible. Additionally, trainers and experts recommend that you use positive reinforcement like treats, train in short bursts to prevent exhausting the pup, and work on socialization.
It’s also a good idea to use training to correct poor behaviors like excessive barking, unwanted herding, and biting and tearing furniture.
Daily Routine for Border Collies
Now, I’ve already briefly touched on Border Collies’ psychological need for routine and high activity. But, what does this look like in practice, on a day-to-day level? For the most part: Lots and lots of play and exercise!
Most Border Collies generally need around 1-2 hours of exercise a day for optimal well-being. Some older collies prefer around a half-hour, while younger and more energetic ones like to get up to 3 hours! Understandably, many families have busy routines that can’t accommodate this level of exercise, so adopting a Border Collie probably won’t be a practical choice for those owners.
Beyond how much exercise Border Collies need, members of this breed also like to incorporate other activities into their routine. They, for example, usually like to get in plenty of cuddling and relaxation time with their owners.
Likewise, owing to their mental sharpness, Border Collies also like to receive some intellectual stimulation. In most cases, this can be provided with entertaining games, puzzles, and dog toys.
Are Border Collies Good with Kids?
Photo by Blue BirdFor families with children, the first and most important question when adopting a Border Collie is how well the breed gets along with kids. Luckily, this breed typically responds very well to children! Well…with a couple of caveats.
Now, the good thing is that Border Collies have a loving and gentle temperament. They are highly unlikely to ever become aggressive with children. The problem, however, lies with their pesky herding instinct. Because these dogs have been bred to herd farm animals, untrained Border Collies have an alarming tendency to try to herd kids. This problem, if it goes unchecked, can lead to the pups accidentally hurting kids by nipping at them or knocking them over.
When properly trained, on the other hand, this is a breed that can act as a wonderful experience for your kids. Their innate loyalty and desire to please means they can be nurturing and protective toward their young family members, keeping a watchful eye over them!
Behavioral Traits of Border Collies
So, beyond what we’ve already discussed, what are some behavioral quirks of Border Collies that might make or break their adoption prospects for the family? Whether they’re your cup of tea or not, there’s no denying that this breed has a lot of personality and flair.
First, let’s start with the not-so-desirable behaviors. As a side effect of their high intelligence and strong need to work, Border Collies can be quite obsessive. In some cases, this can lead to highly compulsive behaviors like repetitive licking, tail-chasing, and chasing shadows. Additionally, with their alert and active mental state, Border Collies can be sensitive to loud or unfamiliar noises, causing them to start barking a lot.
But, there are also plenty of strong, positive qualities found in the breed! Their playfulness means they can often find novel and entertaining ways to pass the time, and watching a Border Collie play can be an event all by itself. The dogs also tend to anticipate what their owners want ahead of time, making them adaptable team players.
