Author's product rating: 
| Advantages: |
Caring, Loyal, Intelligent, Gorgeous ! |
| Disadvantages: |
Require alot of time, excercies and stimulation (physically and mentally) |
| Recommend to potential buyers: |
yes |
This will be an ongoing review that I will update regularly...
I was sceptical about getting a border collie, my girlfriend really wanted one, as her mum had two, and she loved them to bits. I was more on the lines of a staffy. However in the end I just wanted a dog and I love all dogs regardless of breed so began to look for a border collie. She specifically wanted a welsh border collie, so I began phoning around. Eventually I spoke to a man in east london who said he had some welsh border collie puppies for sale, £225 each. Now I knew this was alot of money for the breed, concidering they were coming from a pet shop in effect, and that they would not be KC registered. Regardless we went to see them (any potential dog buyers be warned this will result in you taking a puppy there and then) and of course we couldn't leave without one. We chose a lovely little black and white boy. I carried him out of the shop and into the car, he was 8 weeks old, quite shy, but incredibly sweet. He mouthed me the whole way home in a very docile way, giving the occasional kiss too. Once we got him home, he instantly pee'd on paper we had put down and recieved copious amounts of praise and love for doing so. The days went on, he had learnt sit , paw and stay within the first week. And I had already began teaching him basic obediance for when I could take him for walks. Once he was old enough I would take him daily to a local park that has woody areas and water. I remember vividly getting him to cross the water, his little hazel eyes looking so afraid, and his heart breaking welps. Eventually he done it, and realized "hey I like this!". Ever since then he has been the most adventurous dog. I began making some make shift agility equipment in the garden, his energy and fitness grew amazingly. His temprement was always good with my girlfriends sister and her nephew who we lived with. However by the time Scruff (our border collie) was about 1, he began to develop a distinct lack of time for Luan (our nephew). I done some research and put this down the fact that Scruff was now feeling higher up in the pack than Luan, and therefor did not want to pulled around and patted by him anymore. Even though a few weeks earlier Luan could pretty much jump on him and Scruff would just be a gentle friend. We moved out soon after and now Scruff cherishes seeing Luan, kissing his face and wagging his tail profusely. Scruff is now 15months old, he knows how to "Sit, Lay, Paw, Stand, Jump, Over, Round, Bow" and "Find, Stay, Go, Wait, Heel" which for a dog of his age I find unbelievable. He loves other dogs, people and above all playing.
What I have learnt about the breed. They have an unparalled thirst for attention, knowledge and excercise. They want to be mentally and physcially stimulated very often. So if you want a dog you walk once a day and sit on ya lap the rest of the day, please do not get a border collie. They need human companionship, and have a keeness to learn and work that is remarkable. They bond with their owner in a deeper way than other dogs, and their attentiveness is a big factor in this. They like nothing more than pleasing you.
Scruff is our baby, full of character, attitude and even humor! He is very vocal when he wants to play or get a tickle (not barking, more of a doggy grumble). All in all a border collie is an amazing dog, but not ideal for families or the elderly. This dog wants to work, and if you cant substitue work for something equally challenging and physically demanding, they will simply be and unhappy and frustrated dog.
very helpful
very helpful
very helpful
