Is a border collie for you?
I’ve been blessed to be a part of several groups on Facebook for the past 5 years, especially our ‘Westcoast-Border Collies page” that is only possible because of the love Carmen has for the breed and her girl Maya.
I have witnessed first hand how this breed CAN be integrated into city life, responsibly and with so much love. This breed is much more adaptable than many will give them credit for. They DO require a busy mind but don’t mistake that for having to run 5 miles a day. You’ll do them and yourself a disservice by thinking that way.
Several of our dogs are working dogs, on a farms and within typical environments. They have excellent herding skills (and sniff skills as Riley excels in this area) but we also have several in normal, city homes or homes where they will be busy with sports and agility.
Border Collies require mental stimulation and to be honest, ours are much more tired (and quiet!) when we are doing mental work (trick training, mental games – find your toy – Riley knows each and everyone one and when I ask for Piggy, she brings Piggy – not Froggy or Fishy, Piggy!)
They thrive with activity and love love love a good hike, they are also more often than note ball obsessed (to the point where you will most likely have to set rules to ensure they learn an off switch).
Yes, they do have an off switch. With training and consistency, these dogs can also hang on the couch and chill with you. Expect kisses (there lickers!) and love but they can and do thrive in normal environments when provided the right mix of activity an mental stimulation.
I also am aware that there are many out there that will not home a puppy to a “first time owner”. That is such a myth! We screen our parents very well and we’ve been blessed with several ‘first time owners’ , two ‘first time dog owners’ and you know what? They researched the breed and we’re more than prepared to welcome their fur babies.
So while the Border Collie is certainly not for everyone, we focus on the individuals and not necessarily their ‘experience.
We do have a ‘must return to us’ policy for all of our dog owner’s and that ensures we will never see one of our dogs in a shelter and also shows how seriously we take their placement.