My son owns a dog that is a Border Collie Sheep Dog; actually, my son has a Border Collie that owns him. Her name is Pales. My son named her after the Roman patron goddess of shepherds and flocks; (Pretty clever, eh?). Pales the goddess, also presides over the health of domestic animals. He certainly named her appropriately.
Border Collies were a breed I knew very little about. In fact, my idea of a collie were the ones that looked like “Lassie”. I have to say that these Border Collies are an amazing animal.
When you are introduced to a Border Collie Dog, there are four things that you will find out right away. First, they can stare you down if they want to. When Border Collies are herding sheep, they use a look called “the eye” to stare down sheep to intimidate them to get the sheep to do what the dog wants then to do. However in Pales case; if she wants you to pet her, and, you tell her to “go lay down”, she will move close to you and look over her shoulder peripherally at you trying to get a “cheap pet”.
Next, you will find that this particular animal is smarter than you. It is said and, I do not know if it is true or not, that this breed has the mentality of a five-year-old. I will say I believe it. They are “spooky smart”. It is true that they are considered to be the smartest breed. (Wilkipedia Border Collies) This dog is always a couple of steps ahead of me.
The biggest thing that separates the Border Collie Sheep Dog from any other animal is their athleticism. They have a vertical jump that is amazing. What is really amazing is their endurance; their ability to run and run and run, and, not get tired. They have been bred to watch and herd sheep, and, they have that ability. It is very important that they have enough exercise in their environment, or, they may become destructive.
Finally, you will note that the dog may try to “herd you” by brushing against you to keep you from going in a straight line.
Border Collies emanated from the “border country” of England and Scotland.
Hip dysplasia, “Collie eye” anomaly (CEA), and, epilepsy, are considered the primary genetic diseases of concern in the breed at this time. Males stand from 19″ to 22″; Females from 18″ to 21″. (Wilkipedia Border Collies). Border Collies will weigh any where from 25 to 40 pounds.
This is a fascinating breed of dog. However, this is not a breed for everyone. Unless you are committed to an energetic dog; and I do mean energetic, you may want to opt for something a little more lethargic.
If you do get a Border Collie Sheep Dog, it is important that you give them work to do. It has been said that if you don’t give them a job to do, they will find their own work, and, you may not like what they find.
If you decide you want an energetic pet, you couldn’t ask for a more caring, loving and intelligent dog.
Reference:
- Wilkipedia Border Collie
