Buying or Adopting a Border Collie

Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]

The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)

The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)

The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)

Is a Border Collie the right breed for you?

Border Collie Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find

Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family.

Are YOU the right owner for a Border Collie?

Can you provide what this breed needs?

• Someone home most of the day
• Fenced yard (6-8 feet high, not an electronic/underground fence)
• No cats in the household
• Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 18 months old), exercise restricted to multiple short (20 minute) walks, fetch games, and playing with other dogs – no forced running (beside a jogger or bicyclist), no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
• Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Border Collie stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
• "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as a challenging dog sport (agility, rally obedience, herding, flyball, frisbee, musical freestyle, tracking); challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; tricks and games such as Musical Toys and Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
• Brushing – moderate
• Trimming (individuals with longer coats) – every few months, for sanitary reasons
• An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
• A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a smaller dog
• An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Border Collies are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
• An owner who is okay with moderate/heavy shedding
• Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Border Collie to lots of people and other animals
• Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Border Collie, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say

Which sex? What age?

Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?

Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?

Where can you buy or adopt a Border Collie?

Border Collies are very common in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Border Collies rank 38th. And many more Border Collies are registered with other organizations.

Unfortunately, their popularity is often based on their reputation as a "very smart" dog – which they are, but which people don't realize can be a negative trait if you just want a casual pet. Border Collies do lots of exercise and interesting activities to keep that "very smart" mind busy. Otherwise they're extremely challenging to live with.

Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
Border Collies are often available from Dog Rescue groups. Owners often give up their Border Collie when it becomes apparent that the dog is bored out of his mind and getting into all kinds of trouble. You would need to provide these dogs with the exercise, training, and socialization that they are lacking.

Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Border Collies are often found here, but Border Collie rescue groups do keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. When a Border Collie turns up at a shelter, the rescue group does try to move the dog into their rescue network.

Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy a Border Collie from a show breeder, who breeds Border Collies to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring.

Or you can buy a Border Collie from a performance breeder, who emphasizes an energetic, intense, high-drive temperament and strong "prey (chasing) drives" for working with livestock, or participating in performance sports like herding, dog agility, flyball, frisbee, etc. Some breeders are a combination of show/performance, though how they prioritize those two goals can vary greatly.

You can also buy a Border Collie from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.

Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Border Collie puppy should have:

• a certificate from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases
• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or PennHip certifying the dog to have normal hips

If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Border Collie ends up with cataracts and hip dysplasia.

Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
Border Collies are sometimes seen in pet shops. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!

Which puppy?

Choosing the Right Border Collie Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Border Collie puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.

AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Border Collie puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?

Dog Quest: Find The Dog Of Your Dreams
My dog buying/adoption book will help you find a good-tempered, healthy family companion.