Border Collie

Hi Jack is a blue merle collie he is very good although he hates loud noises and will hide if not given reassurance he will run for miles given the chance but now he is older he has settles down at home. I have found with him that it is not really about giving him long walks (although he does love this) but more about working his mind will tire him out more and he loves nothing more than playing frisbie.

Skip is a young tri coloured border collie, he has high energy levels but is the most amazingly intelligent dog. I am a dairy farmer, I start work at 3.30 am and am lucky to be finished by 6 pm, Skip happily spends all day with me on the farm, is very well behaved and has more energybleft at the end of the day than his human counterpart!
A truly amazing breed...

Moss is a chocolate trio merle border collie, he is only 13mths old but already shows signs of having a very strong character & I've already had to show him that I'm the boss. He is my 3rd collie and I think with plenty of exercise and training they are the best family pet you can have, as long as you put in the work at an early age.

3 year old Meg and 8 Year old Sky are both Border Collies but with very different temperaments. Meg is very outgoing and sociable and is definitely the boss! Sky is quite timid but is a very affectionate girl once she gets to know you. Meg is obsessed with playing ball games, but is very obedient and has a great recall. Sky ambles along quite happily doing her own thing out on walks. I adore them both!

I have two border collies Jess and Kia litter sisters aged nearly 13 but have only just started to show there age. Jess is very hyper where as Kia is quite shy. They have given us great fun with lots of hilarious moments but if you are thinking of getting one or even two they are very active and require lots of stimulation, so be prepared. Fantastic breed.

I own 4 border collies at present. They all have very different personalities however. Tootsie is very insular and doesn't interact much with the others or people. She is quite independent and doesn't like fuss or cuddles. She prefers her own space. She comes from a working and show background and was home bred. Depp is her uncle and, also home bred from working and show lines. he's much more loving and likes to have cuddles and kisses. He is quite protective of his territory though and will intimidate visitors to the house if he gets the chance. He's a good guard dog :-). Finn is from show lines, home bred, and is very loving. he adores people and is very friendly to everybody and loves to get fussed. He and Depp love to play fetch and will do it all day if they get the chance, great entertainment for kids! They also love to play football. My youngster Boo is a Merle and came from a farm, her dad works sheep so she has strong herding instincts. She's quite wary of new people but once she gets use to you she loves giving kisses and getting fuss. All of them need plenty of exercise so we walk at least 2 hours a day off lead and I take tennis balls and toys on a rope for them to fetch and chase so they get an extra work out. We also compete at agility and Flyball which helps to keep them mentally stimulated as they can become a bit destructive if they get bored. By that I mean hole digging in The garden or chewing the fencing or furniture. All of mine are fine with other dogs because I socialise them at dog shows/comps and at training from puppyhood, collies do need to have that socialisation with other dogs from an early age. They can be nippy and sharp sometimes so you need to be a strong pack leader and ensure you let them know what is / isn't acceptable and give them clear boundaries. They are in the main quite quick to pick things up and are easier to train than other breeds because they generally want to please you and get praise which they love. If you enjoy spending time outdoors in all weathers, like to play games and want a devoted companion then a collie is for you :-)

I have had 6 boarder collies, 3 tri's one white and black, one black and white, and a tri colour merle. All have been different. The tri merle is the worst i have had. He was attacked at 14 weeks. His best mate had to be put down through a turmor. He is 3 years old and i have thought hard wether to have him put down. We been to training which made him worst. He tries to attack anybody anything. From buses to bikes from strangers to anyone near the grandchildern

Sheba is 14 years old . Came to live with us whem mum passed away. She is Very loving and affectionate to everyone does not matter who even strangers. But she has a stubborn streak if she does not want to do something thats it nothing or any treats will make her want to do it. She is set in her ways and was spoilt rotten by mum. Never been trained or taught anything previously but since being with us has picked up many things . Sheba certainly is the boss of our two dogs other being a 5 year old female mal Bella. She quietly gets her own way helps herself to Bella s bone will have hers on her bed then go and pinch Bella s. She will rush to get on Bella s bed despite having her own . Bella being a very active dog always wants to play sheba just looks at her and moves away . She is so easy going . There could not be two very different types of dog . It's unbelievable the vast difference between breeds of dogs .

I have a 18 month old border collie. Cooper is a super dog, very loving and loyal and his training is coming on well. He can be very excitable especially when meeting new people and has lots of energy. We have just started Flyball which is great for his mental stimulation, and energy. Fantastic breed with children but needs exercise and attention.

Alfie is a 5 year old all white bc. He is very calm and laid back. He adores children and plays gently with them. He is my soul companion and can't imagine life without him

Bodhi is a blue merle border collie. He's as daft as a brush (ive been led to believe border collies are highly intelligent-mine appears to be broken), but at my side through thick and thin..unfortunately this can include being chapperoned to the toilet too! I find that whilst he does enjoy his belly runs and an occasional lapdog moment he is not excessively needy for psyhical attention like some breeds;as long as he can be in your presences he's happy.not mad for playing with ball or frisbee like some but will walk and explore for miles so hes brilliant for getting you out the house and active! Great with kids..zero herding takes place which im glad of!a true and honest member of my pack!

Hi all Border collies,
In March this year we had to let our Holly go over the rainbow bridge aged only 8years.
She developed epilepsy at 6years and although she was very well cared for, gave up the long struggle.

We’ve had 2 BC’s over 21 years, both from Issa registered workinging stock. They were both lovely girls from 8 weeks old and adapted well to an ordinary domestic home with cats. Yes, they are demanding for time and trouble, but oh what a joy and we found for every minute of love and jobs given to them, they gave hours in return.

We feel the time is right to seek out another pup. Nine months is a long time without a Border Collie . Our previous sources in the Midlands have both retired from farming so finding a trusted supplier is not so easy. We’ve seen many pups advertised, some very cheap but from people who I wouldn’t trust, and some from so-called. breeders asking extortionate prices. However, the search continues and I’m sure that we will find the right one at the right price. We managed it twice before and will do it again. It’s a very hard decision to make as it’s so easy to make the wrong one. Some I have seen looked to me like they might not belong to the owners. I would hate to find I owned a pup that was stolen. Sooooo much to check out but in the end it will have been worth the wait.

I have a tri colour bitch called Madge. She is very homely and loves to cuddle up on the settee. She lives with myself and a German Shepherd and I think she is the boss over the Shepherd. She has a very strong character, a little aloof with new people until she gets to know them, hates tinkly bell like sounds but is so intelligent. She knows that if she gets a toy the GSD has got to have it, so if he's on the settee and she - Madge - wants to go on the sette, she gets a toy so he jumps off to get the toy and she then gets on the settee......how's that for using the brain to your advantage?! I always have Collies and Shepherds together as they are equal company both exercise and intelligence wise, but beware they both need daily grooming!!! Definitely 2 breeds i will always have.

Hi Iam a tri coloured border collie from Dumfries. I love company and I am quite obedient even though Iam only one.
I love to play and my favourite toy is two balls attached to rope. I took a bit of getting used to not being sick whilst travelling but Iam ok now. I am very loyal and loving and love going for long walks.

My Border Collie is a failed Working Sheepdog who was rescued from the farm. He was very badly treated and as a result is scared of strangers, especially old men with sticks and flat caps. He has come a long way as we couldn't touch, look at or speak to him when we first met him, but he still prefers not to be touched by strangers.
He is reasonably intelligent (although my JRT cross is cleverer- I don't think collies are as clever as people make out!),and very loyal and obedient for me. He's a one person dog. He's mostly wonderful but doesn't appreciate people invading his space or ridiculously friendly dogs that don't take a hint, and he needs (complete with nipping) when he gets excited.

I can't stress strongly enough that collies aren't really pet dogs, particularly farm dogs that really have it in their blood to work- different to show/pet bred collies. They need to be kept busy, and most seem to not cope well with changes to routines, strangers, noises, too much fussing etc.
They will not be happy sitting at home all day. I walk 12 to 18 miles a day with my BC- 15 miles on average, for which time he is running, playing with other dogs, herding me and my other dog, playing with the ball and being very busy, so he goes much further than my mileage. If you don't want to/ can't commit to walking A LOT, every day in all weathers then please don't get this breed as you will create an incredibly unhappy dog.

My Border Collie is a failed Working Sheepdog who was rescued from the farm. He was very badly treated and as a result is scared of strangers, especially old men with sticks and flat caps. He has come a long way as we couldn't touch, look at or speak to him when we first met him, but he still prefers not to be touched by strangers.
He is reasonably intelligent (although my JRT cross is cleverer- I don't think collies are as clever as people make out!),and very loyal and obedient for me. He's a one person dog. He's mostly wonderful but doesn't appreciate people invading his space or ridiculously friendly dogs that don't take a hint, and he herds (complete with nipping) when he gets excited.

I can't stress strongly enough that collies aren't really pet dogs, particularly farm dogs that really have it in their blood to work- different to show/pet bred collies. They need to be kept busy, and most seem to not cope well with changes to routines, strangers, noises, too much fussing etc.
They will not be happy sitting at home all day. I walk 12 to 18 miles a day with my BC- 15 miles on average, for which time he is running, playing with other dogs, herding me and my other dog, playing with the ball and being very busy, so he goes much further than my mileage. If you don't want to/ can't commit to walking A LOT, every day in all weathers then please don't get this breed as you will create an incredibly unhappy dog.
My dog loves to learn commands and we do lots of training. My dogs are my world but I can't imagine a BC being happy if they aren't busy- mentally and physically!

Hi I have the most beautiful Tri-coloured Merle collie. She is 9 and I got her as a rescue when she was 20 weeks. She has been the most beautiful natured, loyal friend and companion to me through so much. She is hard to tire even now but lately she has been having issues with her hips and we have had to stop her running and jumping too much. She is generally good with other dogs but ever so occasionally they get too friendly and she will try to avoid but if they persist she will give them a nip. She lives with 5 cats and plays lovely with them. Good with kids and will go up to her bed when she has had enough of them. I have been truly blessed with this canine friend and love her very much.

My 10 year old collie is bright eyed, fast as a racehorse and can sing !

He comes to work with me every day and has the official title of office manager and doorbell !

He loves fireworks and his ball on a string and is a very happy boy !

These boys are simply amazing. Born just a couple of weeks prior to our old boy passing away they made for a lovely distraction. 7 in the litter and no two the same.

Chubby is the red boy and stitch the blue tri. They are such loyal, loving dogs. Although we have Collies on the farm these two aren't working dogs. Belonging 1 each to my daughters they both have completely different personalities. Chubby is a big baby. He loves nothing more than to try and sneak upon your lap and pretend he is a Chihuahua, curls as tight as possible and sleeps for hours. Stitch is definitely a 1 person dog, that being my eldest daughter. Stitch is very intelligent and she has taught him numerous tricks but also useful things like unloading the washing machine, closing doors behind him and he loves agility. He isn't a cuddly dog, he prefers to sit at your feet in loyalty. Both dogs are super friendly and both will protect my girls. Chubby has a little anxiety particularly around strange men but he quickly comes around. He will go away and hide rather than stick around.

We have quite a menajory here and I wouldn't be without any of them. If your not an animal person don't come to my home. They live here you don't.

Eager to please, very active, affectionate, loyal to the end, fantastic breed to own if you are active, my Kodi will only come for a cuddle on her terms, but, when she cuddles it is brilliant. Superb agility/fly-ball/Heel work to music dogs always eager to do the right thing. Would not want to be without my Collies

I have a tri coloured collie who’s 2 years and 3 months, he is the most loving dog, he loves to play
, go for walks, has a mountain of toys and life is never dull.once you have a collie your life changes for the better.

Blake is my second Border Collie . I lost my other one at 14years . I adore this breed but they are not easy you must have a sense of humour to own one but they are very loyal and Blake is only 7 months old but is very obedient AND LOTS OF FUN .if you have a lot of patience and are active these dogs are a pleasure to own .

Our flute is a wonderful well behaved boy his a black and white pure border collie and he has been apart of our family for over ten years his is fun loving and loves meeting his friends adores kids and other animals .his perfect for our family we had four children at home when he first came to us . He was playful for many years and having collies before we knew the training and he has been the best dog I have ever had the pleasure to be a guardian for he never has liked fireworks but likes our local beach car rides and even doing some night work in a supported living home with 32 teenagers his always been very calm and loyal to us never run off his run home a few times but never run away . His a popular dog within our community. But his in his late years now his 14/15 years old and his joins are not as they used to be but with his medication he still loves a walk . But he chooses with who when when.

We have always had border collies Lizzie is our fifth.and our first tricolour girlie
the others were all black and white with different coat lengths Our first was Patch she went on th have 6 pups and we kept one (the runt) called Banquo because he used to follow Patch everywhere When we lost Patch we rescued Digger another male he was x collie he hated leather jackets and tesco carrier bags!! We then had Jessie who was extra special gentle loving and unfortuneatly died in an accident on the day that Lizzie was born so obviously we had to take her. Lizzie is a product of farm dogs she is very busy!! hence the name. She loves long walks but has no interest in the sheep around here thankfully.She is gentle with our grandson and a good watch dog. She hates big lorries and tractors she would go for wheels if she could .She has to stay on the lead as she has a tendency to bolt. she loves ripping toys to bits too I would recommend collies to anyone as they are loyal and loving but do need plenty of exercise As we live in the countryside that is not a problem. She doesn't like loud bangs but will bark at visitors then lick them to death haha when they enter. She is a beautiful animal who loves jumping in shallow water abd barking at the ripples

I got Jazz at 8 weeks. We had Tammy when I was a teenager, a black and white (mostly black border collie) He was amazing rescuing a child from the top of a slide who had got up there and then panicked. Tammy liked to run up the steps and run down the slide. The child held on as Tammy went up and followed him down the slide part. After that Jazz was inevitable.
Jazz is Black and white, he was the smallest of the litter (his Mum was called Titch) his Dad would go in the field with sheep, but just play with them, all sounded right for a pet. He is a small collie but it suits me, he is also very pretty. We have worked hard and passed our Good Citizen award upto Gold, so I am really proud. Jazz loves catching things would fixate on balls if I let him instead he fixates on whatever we are playing with at the time. I have been so lucky with him he has few fears (if any) and we watched the fireworks together this year, he was more ear flicking with the curtains closed. Yes he can be wilful but then so can I, and I do love him.

My border collie, Ben (Benny) his nickname, is black and white and now 10 years old. He was born on a farm in Perthshire, his dad being a working collie herding sheep was black and white and his mother red and white. Being a collie pup off working stock he was very nippy with me, sometimes I was covered in bruises with his nips and he liked to tear the furniture. I went through 2 futons. However, as he got older he got out of that thankfully and he is a wonderful dog with his own personality and his own mind. Very caring with children and old people and people in general. He is very socialised and loves meeting his pals and other dogs. They need a lot of walking and exercise when young so please take that into account when getting a border collie. He is my baby though and I love him very much. He is also a good guard dog and protector.

My border collies Darcy & Tilly, both 4 years old, are silly and fun unfortunately one has epilepsy but this does not stop him from being active and playful. When the seizures come we stay calm now until they pass. Where as before we would sit around watching him like a hawk waiting for days not letting him out of our sight. It has only been 2 months since he was diagnosed, and he is on pills for life and we have changed his food to purina neurocare as recommended by the vet in the hope that he might have less seizures, but will have to wait and see .

Very clever! Instinctively know what is expected! Like humans, vary in character/nature. Currently have two collies, one is very self determined. The other awaits for my command before doing anything. They both know what is expected, depending on my tone. One is like having a second skin and is very much tuned into my thoughts. The other assesses the situation and determines the best course of action. However, even the self-determined one is VERY obedient. Lots of fun, even as they get older. The younger one is 8yrs old and his mum (the other collie I have) is 11yrs old. Needless to say that the one that is self-determined is the female (typical female). She loves cats and is very protective of young animals, rabbits, guinea pigs and hens, etc. Loves to be around them. I could write a book about all my dogs, now and historically, so will end there. :-)

Flynn is not your normal Border Collie.... we took him in when he was a year old and now 4. He is great with kids and usually takes his ball to the smallest toddler in the park wanting them to play. He knows how far I can throw the ball and runs to that distance and waits for me to throw. He does have a fascination with shadows and reflections, which he is obsessive with and which we have been unable to overcome. He walks 3 times a day and likes playing hide and seek with treats. He is a water baby through and through and is always first in the pool. He loves to be near us in the house even in the loo, but loves to be out in front when on walks. He is very protective of his home with strangers but loves playing with guests. For me a Border Collie is the true top dog, full of life.

I now have a beautiful EE Red (gold) border collie puppy, as well as a 10 year old collie from show stock. I have also had a collie from working stock, and a rescue collie. All are different, and all were loved - but the rescue and working collie were nippy (even though the working collie came to me as a puppy). My 10 year old is very different and loves all people and children, and much less sharp. I disagree with those who say their collies need masses of walking - what they need is to have their brain occupied and to be kept busy. That doesn’t mean lots of walking necessarily, but it means lots of activity whether its dog toys (I have Nina Olsen jigsaw and tornado) on a rainy day or just doing things with you..... If you cant commit to keeping your dog busy then don’t get a border collie - they will just find a job for themselves, which is why so many end up in rescue.

We have two border collies: litter mates who came to us at 8 weeks old and are now 5 and a half years old. They are completely different in both looks, build and temperament.
Milo is a very handsome tri-colour boy with a medium-length rough coat. He is big and bony and we have struggled, at times, to keep weight on him. He is the most loyal of dogs with a gentle, docile temperament who loves everyone.
Mia is a beautiful, smooth-coated black and white girl, who is a small example of the breed but is the same weight as her brother!! She is incredibly intelligent and intense in her affections towards her 'pack', which includes extended family. She is a complex little dog who has needed careful and consistent training to get her to the stage she is at. She was reactive and nervous as a young adult but now copes admirably with most situations. She keeps her distance from situations that might cause her to react, e.g. small, yappy dogs or unknown over-friendly humans, which shows what a clever little dog she is.
What they have in common: a love of balls (or any inanimate object they can chase and catch), the beach, a nice warm fire in which to curl up in front of.
They both need lots of mental stimulation ahead of physical exercise and are so easy to train.
They each have a 'job' on our smallholding. Milo herds the chicken whilst Mia stares at the goats and the sheep.