What should you look for in a Border Collie puppy? This is a bit of a tricky question.
First, you should agree if you want a male or female puppy. Border Collie males and females are alike in many respects but there are distinct differences between the sexes that you should be aware of.
You have to ensure that you are aware of what you expect from your new addition so you can advise the breeder. Let him/her know if you want a companion, show dog, or a competitive performance dog. No matter what the function you desire in your puppy, all puppies in the litter will have the same bloodlines.
Most well-bred litters from ethical breeders are bred to emphasize the health, character, and trainability of every puppy in the litter. In the pursuit for your puppy, you want to examine the puppies together at first. A Border Collie puppy should have, first and foremost, a good temperament. They should be inquisitive, outgoing, and unafraid in his advances towards everything and everybody. They will also demand and display affection without inhibition.
Many times puppies will choose one of the litter to pick on. This does not mean this puppy is defective in any way. Take this puppy aside and he will usually contend himself when he is away from his littermates.
The Border Collie
The Border Collie is a herding dog breed developed in the Anglo-Scottish border region for herding livestock, especially sheep. The Border Collie is descended from landrace collies, a type found widely in the British Isles. The name for the breed came from its probable place of origin along the Anglo-Scottish border. Mention of the "Collie" or "Colley" type first appeared toward the end of the 19th century, although the word "collie" is older than this and has its origin in Lowland Scots dialects.
It is also thought that the word 'collie' comes from the old Celtic word for useful. Many of the best Border Collies today can be traced back to a dog known as Old Hemp.
Appearance
Border Collies are medium-sized dogs without extreme physical characteristics and with a moderate amount of coat, which is often thick and frequently sheds. Their double coats vary from slick to lush, and come in many colours, although black and white is the most common.
Black tricolor (black/tan/white or sable and white), red (chocolate) and white, and red tricolor (red/tan/white) also occur regularly, with other colours such as blue, lilac, red merle, blue merle, brindle, and "Australian red"/gold seen less frequently. Border Collies may also have single-color coats.
Temperament
Border Collies require considerable daily physical exercise and mental stimulation. The Border Collie is an intelligent breed; in fact, it is widely considered to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds. Although the primary role of the Border Collie is that of the working stock dog, dogs of this breed are becoming increasingly popular as pets.
True to their working heritage, Border Collies make very demanding, energetic pets that are better off in households that can provide them with plenty of play and exercise with humans or other dogs.
Due to their demanding personalities and need for mental stimulation and exercise, many border collies develop neurotic behaviors in households that are not able to provide for their needs. They are infamous for chewing holes in walls, biting and chewing on furniture such as chairs and table legs and digging holes out of boredom.
One of the prime reasons for getting rid of a Border Collie is their unsuitability for families with small children, cats, and other dogs, due to their intense desire to herd; this was bred into them for hundreds of years and still one of their chief uses outside the household. However, many will still live happily with other pets if they are used to them.
First, you should agree if you want a male or female puppy. Border Collie males and females are alike in many respects but there are distinct differences between the sexes that you should be aware of.
You have to ensure that you are aware of what you expect from your new addition so you can advise the breeder. Let him/her know if you want a companion, show dog, or a competitive performance dog. No matter what the function you desire in your puppy, all puppies in the litter will have the same bloodlines.
Most well-bred litters from ethical breeders are bred to emphasize the health, character, and trainability of every puppy in the litter. In the pursuit for your puppy, you want to examine the puppies together at first. A Border Collie puppy should have, first and foremost, a good temperament. They should be inquisitive, outgoing, and unafraid in his advances towards everything and everybody. They will also demand and display affection without inhibition.
Many times puppies will choose one of the litter to pick on. This does not mean this puppy is defective in any way. Take this puppy aside and he will usually contend himself when he is away from his littermates.
The Border Collie
The Border Collie is a herding dog breed developed in the Anglo-Scottish border region for herding livestock, especially sheep. The Border Collie is descended from landrace collies, a type found widely in the British Isles. The name for the breed came from its probable place of origin along the Anglo-Scottish border. Mention of the "Collie" or "Colley" type first appeared toward the end of the 19th century, although the word "collie" is older than this and has its origin in Lowland Scots dialects.
It is also thought that the word 'collie' comes from the old Celtic word for useful. Many of the best Border Collies today can be traced back to a dog known as Old Hemp.
Appearance
Border Collies are medium-sized dogs without extreme physical characteristics and with a moderate amount of coat, which is often thick and frequently sheds. Their double coats vary from slick to lush, and come in many colours, although black and white is the most common.
Black tricolor (black/tan/white or sable and white), red (chocolate) and white, and red tricolor (red/tan/white) also occur regularly, with other colours such as blue, lilac, red merle, blue merle, brindle, and "Australian red"/gold seen less frequently. Border Collies may also have single-color coats.
Temperament
Border Collies require considerable daily physical exercise and mental stimulation. The Border Collie is an intelligent breed; in fact, it is widely considered to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds. Although the primary role of the Border Collie is that of the working stock dog, dogs of this breed are becoming increasingly popular as pets.
True to their working heritage, Border Collies make very demanding, energetic pets that are better off in households that can provide them with plenty of play and exercise with humans or other dogs.
Due to their demanding personalities and need for mental stimulation and exercise, many border collies develop neurotic behaviors in households that are not able to provide for their needs. They are infamous for chewing holes in walls, biting and chewing on furniture such as chairs and table legs and digging holes out of boredom.
One of the prime reasons for getting rid of a Border Collie is their unsuitability for families with small children, cats, and other dogs, due to their intense desire to herd; this was bred into them for hundreds of years and still one of their chief uses outside the household. However, many will still live happily with other pets if they are used to them.
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