Owning a Border Collie
What is a Border Collie like?
- Lively, loyal and agile
Intelligent:- Being very intelligent they are easily trained, but because of that intelligence, if allowed to do as they please, they may think up some mischief. Like children, they need to be trained from an early age.
Type of Owner Required
Caring, active and patient
Willing to involve the dog in family activities
Willing and able to train the Border Collie
Willing to groom the dog once a week
Border Collies Need
Daily exercise:- They really require a good stretch-out in the park at least twice a week, remember they are a working breed. They are an ideal companion if you are a jogger, or if you just like to go for a walk.
Weekly grooming (at least). Because of the particular texture of the Border Collie coat it very rarely tangles. This only happens when it is losing its coat and at this time it will require more brushing to remove the loose dead hairs, as they will matt if left unattended.
Regular well balanced meals and no tid bits as these will result in an overweight pet and carrying excess weight will shorten its life considerably. Your dog can however be given a hard biscuit or a large raw bone to chew on, to clean its teeth and exercise its gums (this will help prevent doggy breath).
Attention from owner and others. The Border Collie needs to be a part of its family
Plenty of training, play and attention to prevent boredom.
Keep your dog free of worms, worm them 4 times a year (more often in young puppies). Heart worm is now prevalent in most areas and therefore, it is very necessary for dogs to be given preventative tablets.
Vaccinations:- ensure that your dog receives an annual booster injection for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo-virus and Kennel Cough.
A dry warm kennel to shelter from the rain, cold and summer sun.
- AND AN ABUNDANT SUPPLY OF CLEAN FRESH WATER