The Border Collie breed is a high-energy breed that requires owners who can meet their activity needs. Historically bred as herding dogs, this medium-sized dog has been used in dog sports, trained for herding sheep, and is a much-loved family pet. But what can you expect from the Border Collie temperament?
Our Border Collie Personality Traits Guide will help you to understand your Border Collie puppy better as he grows into an adult dog.
Border Collies are natural herders. This trait means they may try to herd anything smaller than them, including animals and children. They may also try to herd groups of people at gatherings, cyclists, or groups of children by nipping at them.
This herding instinct of a Border Collie dog breed can result in these dogs chasing after cars.
Border Collies are highly intelligent dogs. According to Stanley Coren, they are one of the smartest dog breeds in the world and will use their intelligence to their advantage, even trying to outsmart their owners.
Their brain power can be put to use in sporting events or working on a farm. They love a mental challenge and are quick to pick up new commands.
Border Collie training is very important as badly trained dogs can become destructive if not mentally and physically stimulated.
Border Collies are very friendly dogs. As a working breed, they are people-oriented and will show plenty of affection towards their owners.
They are boisterous and enthusiastic when they see their family and will enjoy playing with older children and other dogs.
The main drawback of this friendly, loving nature is that your dog could develop separation anxiety, although not all Border Collies will become anxious when left alone.
Border Collies are devoted companions and can make good family pets, but individual dogs may not get along with other pets and children.
Border Collies may show some aggression towards other dogs if they are not properly introduced. When first introducing your Border Collie to smaller dogs, you will have to be patient and use a lot of positive reinforcement; otherwise, they may attempt to herd a small canine.
This may extend to when you are walking your dog – when he is off-leash, he may run off after smaller dogs in an attempt to herd them.
This doesn’t mean that Border Collies have to be the only dog in the household. With time and patience, a Border Collie can be introduced to a pack of dogs.
With proper obedience training, your Border Collie can be good in a household with other animals, like cats. Pet owners will have to monitor interactions between their animals carefully to make sure their Border Collie does not attempt to herd their pets.
Border Collies do not get on well with very small kids because of their boisterousness and herding instinct.
This does not mean they make bad family pets. Each dog is different, and a calmer individual with proper training can live in a household with young children.
Border Collies can have some behavioural problems. You can consult with your Border Collie breeder to find out if the puppy’s parents had any issues that your dog might inherit.
Dogs adopted from a Border Collie rescue may also have some behavioural issues that may have arisen due to life in the kennels or in an abusive household.
Border Collies do not tolerate being left alone. You can leave them for up to six hours at a time, but they can easily become destructive when home alone for too long without companionship.
Yes, Border Collies are vocal dogs and can bark excessively when bored or excited.
Border Collies are very energetic dogs. They require more than 40 minutes of daily exercise and will do best on farms where there is lots of space to run.
Border Collies are lovely family dogs with keen minds and playful personalities. This herding dog requires a lot of training but will make great pets for those willing to put in the time and tackle Border Collie grooming tasks to make sure they have a happy, confident and healthy dog.
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