This is a medium-sized breed and individuals should be slightly longer than they are tall. After Lu died, and I added Hoot, the second collie Well, that's when things got interesting. I love how snuggly Max is in the mornings and don't want to lose those special times. But after having added four dogs to my group over the years, I have learned that when a new dog comes into the mix, things just don't stay the same. Regarding adding a second dog, it was the best thing we did. Even though smaller than what you want, I'd consider a schnauzerthey are tough little dogs who will definitely keep up - they are also snuggly dogs and can steal your heart in an instant. In order to view the gallery, please allow Manage Cookies. To work off some of the energy and give them a task, you can play ball or Frisbee in a safe, fenced-in area. Although it has been forever since we added our second dog after having just one (he was also about 2 years old when we added a new dog), I think it is good from the outset to know that things will change. He spent his first 6 months with our old roommate's 5 pound toy poodle and LOVES the tiny dogs. I will always have very fond memories of walking our oldest around town, just the two of us, and the one summer that we spent hanging out and playing and enjoying just each others company. Hillcolo, Get 50% Off Select Styles at SAXX! Most herding breeds, tough, would tend to be more compatible. If you are not comfortable trimming your dog's nails, take them to a groomer to have this done. When the balance is found, these dogs can be amazing canine companions. It was worrisome going from one dog, to two. Border collies are known for chasing vehicles and bicycles, so you'll need to walk on a leash. Intelligent, intense, energetic, and fun are all words used to describe the Border Collie's personality. Originally, the American Kennel Club recognized the Border Collie in the Miscellaneous Class in 1955. Pretty much anything that involves horses and dogs. The smooth coat variety needs to be brushed at least once or twice a week with a pin brush to keep their coat in top shape. By that time, you will have a good idea of adult size and temperament. More seriously, we worried a lot about our first dog when we added the second and nothing particularly changed about him except for the better. We did struggle to create a balance as we did favor our girl dog which was not fair to the new one (our first border collie) but all four of us worked it out and the two dogs had 10 great years together. Your previous content has been restored. These midsize dogs tend to dominate in canine sports like agility and Frisbee, and are always always atop the list of smartest breeds. Why not another border collie? Third, I want to rescue a dog, I do. He does like herding types. Border Collie Rescue of Northern California, Adult Trick-or-Treating Ideas (Because You're Never Too Old), How to Clean an Electric Kettle Inside and Out, 30+ Halloween PartyCocktails and Punches for a Boo-zy Bash. I struck up a conversation and she wryly admitted that they weren't for everyone - indicating that they had personality issues. If not a border collie then maybe a terrier cross, most terriers are tough little dogs who are great fun. Best Qualities: Loyalty and boundless energy. Nick's favorite dog in the whole world was our old neighbor's small, poodle-something mix. And as Alligande pointed out, border collies can be real snobs when it comes to other types of dogs. If you're looking for a Border Collie puppy, a good place to start is the Border Collie Society of America. So, unless you lead an active lifestyle yourself, you might not be able to provide the kind of activity these dogs need to stay in top condition. But I have found that to be true with the full sized ones I ran across as well. A real Mini can be a wonderful companion. As someone else said, you can find nice small border collies too. Because Border Collies needed to earn their keep, these dogs were selectively bred to become one of the finest, if not the outright best, herding breeds of all time. Chaser was found to know more than 1,000 words. What to Do With Them: Border collies have a natural instinct to nip at things thats how they get obstinate sheep to cooperate and some will nip (but not bite) at bike tires, or even small children who seem to be running astray. Trim your Border Collie's nails regularly. Upload or insert images from URL. Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest adventures, workouts, destinations, and more. Border Collies are highly energetic yet well-balanced dogs that should carry good muscle tone without excess fat. Natural herders, Border Collies are at their best when allowed to live and work in a pastoral setting. Summer Sale! Some of them can be smaller dogs. They also get bored easily, so you need to challenge them constantly, which is why theyre great for learning tricks. Max is a very large border collie-62 pounds-he's mostly legs, but I think he'll still fill out more. I agree with looking in shelters and rescues. Ok, so I do have to defend the mini Aussies a bit. . My girl is fun, athletic, very much my shadow. It's ideal for them to be in a home with a large, fenced yard or a farm or ranch with room to move around. This produces the patented Border Collie stare, occurring when they focus their full attention on any object or task at hand. Amber is an expert in canine cancer, behavior, and nutrition, and has written extensively about dog health and training. . We want it to be large enough to keep up hiking. All coat colors and markings are permissible. Collies also need a good deal of exercise to burn off excess energy. I also agree with not getting a mini Aussie. If you aren't set on an adult or a puppy, you can look for Border Collies and mixes on PetFinder or Save-a-Rescue. For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube! And finally, yes, Max is a total snob about other breeds. Right now my husband and I are leaning toward mini aussie shepherds, thinking they are small but still big enough to tag along. Also, our dog Max is 2 1/2 years old, does anyone have experience with going from having an only dog to him/her being the older sibling? Wherever competitions are held, chances are a Border Collie will enjoy top honors at the end of the day. You want a companion pet, not a dog bred from champion herding stock, so keep that in mind when assessing breeders. Chaser, a world-renowned Border Collie, has been surrounded by fame as the world's smartest dog. Chaser never stopped learning, and could have learned more names, if it weren't for her owner's passing. The breed's high energy level and demand for exercise make them unsuitable for apartment living. Lu was there first, but I don't think that mattered. Where are you located? Perhaps the most notable feature of these remarkable animals is their eyes. If you can make the investment, however, these dogs are among the most engaging and intelligent pets you will ever have. The border collie was bred to herd sheep for hours at a time, and that work ethic cannot be turned off. Dont miss out on our newsletter, featuring all the latest stories and products we love. Dr. John Pilley, a psychology professor at Wofford College in South Carolina, received a Border Collie puppy as a gift from his wife in 2004. And thanks for the kind words about making room for a second dog, there's enough love in this house for two. The extremely intelligent nature of these dogs needs to be channeled to keep them from getting into mischief, which will happen without enough guidance from you. We also want a dog that has those big melty puppy eyes that look up at you---max's eyes are, well they're intense- ha ha. A combination of brains, beauty, and an incredible amount of heart make the Border Collie a wonderful companion and working dog. Not as frequently as young adults, but often enough. But we have decided to be very firm with size (25 lbs or under). I find that BCs tend to get annoyed with Elsie though, they don't seem to enjoy her play style that much. I have never regretted expanding beyond one dog. Why wasn't this page useful? Please consider checking out your local shelters and rescues. fwiw my male BC was only 28.5# last time he was weighed and can fit almost anywhere! Is the Border Collie the Canine Companion for You? You can also search breed-specific rescue organizations: Border Collies are magnificent animals, but there are a few points to consider if you're thinking of taking one on. She is smart and a load of mischief as well! Mens Journal has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. And if we can find a puppy then that is a definite option. If you bathe your dog too frequently, you may remove natural oils from their coat and skin, potentially leading to various skin conditions. It takes a dedicated owner to provide a Border Collie with the kind of life that balances their natural talents and instincts with life as a family pet. Take care to remove any tangles or mats as you go. Drawbacks: This is not a dog you can leave alone all day. However, conscientious breeders are working to remove affected animals from their breeding programs. Your link has been automatically embedded. Clear editor. I have a happy-go-lucky golden retriever that is a perfect companion for my BC. Buyers Guide: Start with the Border Collie Society of America, then be clear about your needs and intentions. I am terribly afraid of messing up this wonderful thing we have going! Musical Freestyle, Canine Parkour, Agility. Their play styles are different and don't always mesh well with other types of dogs. Pick up the National Geographic Canvas Sneaker From Cariuma for Shark Week, CBD Oil For Anxiety: Top 10 Products To Reduce Anxiety In Men In 2022. Thus theyre not the best dogs for mountain bikers, skateboarders, or parents of young children. My favorite two fosters were in that age range, and I just loved working with them. Just like I hear is true with children, there is enough love and devotion to go around. He'd go into "slow mode" playing with the little fuzzball. The rough coat is feathered and of medium-length, while the smooth coat is relatively coarse and shorter. These dogs are generally up for any activity you have in mind, but they are also quite capable of spending time lying quietly at your feet. At the very least, you must be able to provide a long, fast walk every day (preferably two). (when I measured him for an airline crate he needs the very largest our other very average 40lb one needed a crate 2 sizes smaller) At the last agility trial it seemed like half the other border collies could have walked under him without ducking, if you look in rescue you could well find a small border collie if you want another. However, you do find a new normal, and many things can be better than they were before. If they both get along, I don't see why you can not still have your snuggly time in the morning - but with one dog for each human. While observing them in action, you see their mind's wheels turning as they process information and decide whether any action is required. And with a good personality, they love to train. If you're looking for actual breeds, I find miniature poodles tend to get on well with BCs, they are SUPER snuggly, will keep up well on walks and playing chase with BCs and are very clever too. These are high-energy dogs, so you need to carefully consider their needs before deciding on a Border Collie. Display as a link instead, How Do You Know When Your Dog Is About to Give Birth. Hi, I'm just wondering what some generally good breeds would be for a second dog. More than breed, I'd say it's important to make sure the dogs' personalities mesh. . You will keep some of the special times and special things, but things will also be different when a second dog is in the picture. He has liked a sheltie, and a blue heeler. I would also suggest another border collie, from my own limited experiences they just seem to interact differently with each other than other dogs. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. She works with clients to offer counseling, nutrition advice, and education on a wide variety of topics related to dogs. Once I got to three, most things started happening with the group as a whole, or a pair at a time!! 2022 LoveToKnow Media. Pasted as rich text. Heart-WrenchingFacts and Statistics About Puppy Mills, List of 30 Herding Dog Breeds (With Key Characteristics), 14 Healthiest Dog Breeds That Make Excellent Pets, 10 Bernese Mountain Dog Mixes (and Why You'll Love Them), How to Make Running With Your Dogs Safe and Stress-Free, Zodiac Signs as Dog Breeds Based on Their Personalities, How to Make My Dog a Service Dog: Path to Certification, BestPet-friendly Hotels to Stay At WithYourBuddy, Safety Tips for Dogs on Halloween: Protect Your Pup-kin, How to Adopt a Retired Service Dog (and Why You Should), How to Comfort a Friend Who Lost a Pet and Offer Support, Veteran Service Dog Benefits and Organizations, ChoosingFlea, Tick and Heartworm Pills or Medicine for Dogs. To keep them happy and healthy, this breed requires a lot of exercise and activities. I would get a young adult rescue if size is important to you. Males stand 19 to 22 inches at the shoulder, and females stand 18 to 21 inches at the shoulder. Second, thanks for the advice on mini aussies and their personalities, that is really important. I loved shiba inu's for awhile after seeing one hiking 14'ers, but after every single owner telling me what a pain they are I won't go near them.Plus, I'm finding mini aussies to be very expensive. By She was a fairly dominant dog, and pretty strict about her boundaries. First, I would consider getting another border collie because I do love, love, love them. You never quite know how big a puppy will grow. You cannot paste images directly. Heroes Rescue Kids From Epic Boating Smackdown, Take Paddling Safety Seriously This Summer: Learn the Ropes Before Hitting the Water, Paddling Trip Tips: 12 Things to Know When Planning Your Adventure, Rare Rafting Adventure: Northwest Colorados Lodore Canyon, Mountain Biking Norways West Coast: Oslo to Lofoten Islands, Best Motorcycle Training Course Tips for Riding Your ADV Bike on Dirt, Best Water Safety Training for Kayaking, Standup Paddleboarding, and Canoeing, We may use your e-mail address to send you the newsletter and offers that may interest you, on behalf of Men's Journal and its partners. Common conditions that affect the breed's health include: Members of this breed typically live to be 12 to 15 years old. But I don't do terribly well with constant shadows. Their keen intelligence also makes Border Collies good candidates for service companions for the disabled, and they are increasingly trained as hearing assistance dogs and therapy dogs. The Border Collie was bred as a working dog, thus producing a great ability to reason. I've had two border collies so far that were 25 lbs or less. I had a shelter mutt and my older collie for a long time, and it was a great combination. Typically, you do not need to trim your Border Collie's coat frequently, if at all. Granted, if you find the right match, most of the changes can be good ones. The AKC Marketplace also has a breeder search. If your only requirement is size, getting along with your other dog, and companionship, there will be a lot of great choices. If your Border Collie has a rough coat, plan to brush it out every couple of days. Chaser became the puppy's name, and Dr. Pilley, who had just developed an interest in animal intelligence, was eager to see how smart his new puppy was. I understand about the size criteria, my young dog grew into a leggy and long beast. She & Nick got along famously. Hoot's 4 now, and Nick is 9, and even though they mostly get along, I still have to run interference every now & then. Nick was perfectly happy to let her be top dog, and he respected her rules, and I think that's what made it work. So maybe a miniature poodle. September 17, 2013 in General Border Collie Discussion. Their hyper-intelligence also makes border collies easy to train. Of course, with just two, you really can still carve out a lot of one on one time. You don't say why you don't want another border collie, or what it is you're looking for in a dog other than size. And the only problem I saw with getting a second dog was it led to a third. By the time she was 5 months old, she already knew 40 words. But in the end, one of the best decisions we ever made. They are incredibly dedicated to their flock and will go to nearly any lengths to protect them. I think that if my next dog is a rescue, I would search for a dog between 5 or 6-12 months of age. Daisy was not my type of dog, but Nick loved her! Dogs who are well cared and provided with ample exercise will leave happy, healthy lives. Any advice on finding rescue puppies (I rescued an adult golden-cocker mix who was sweet but had aggression issues stemming from years of abuse)?? As for finding rescue puppies, shelters and rescues both get puppies in. A friend of mine has a working bred BC girl that is the same size as my terrier/BC! For more information please read our, Cool New Digital Watches That Give a Retro Vibe, Reviewers Call This Testosterone Support Complex Their Manliness Vitamin, The 24-Hour Trouser Pants Make Work Pants as Comfy as Sweatpants. This breed was developed along the borderlands between England and Scotland from landrace collies, giving Border Collies their simple, no-frills name. You will have special things with your new dog, and special things with the pair. Any ideas on other smallish dog breeds, or good mixes? Lu was a who-knows-what-mix, definitely some GSD, possibly ACD. All rights reserved. The breed is celebrated for their agility, a necessity for herding sheep, so being in top condition is a must. Ancestors of the Border Collie have been around since humans began using dogs to guard and herd sheep. Smart and impossible to wear out, border collies are arguably the best athletes in the dog world. Check out Petfinder.com, put in your location and see what pops up. Herding trials provide an excellent outlet for their natural instincts. Today, these dogs are perhaps better known for their excellence in dog sports such as agility, flyball, and obedience. Go figure. Because they have a double coat, Border Collies typically blow their coat twice a year, though they may shed regularly throughout the year. I'd like a dog around 25 lbs, and we will be seeking a female. Paste as plain text instead, Border collies are exceptionally high-energy dogs, which you must take into account before bringing one home. The Border Collie received full recognition in October 1995. That they were n't for everyone - indicating that they were before to lose those times. Champion herding stock, so being in top condition is a rescue, I 'm wondering... Smart and impossible to wear out, Border collies are arguably the best athletes in the Miscellaneous Class 1955! Max is a definite option but often enough couple of days smooth coat is relatively coarse shorter... He 'll still fill out more these midsize dogs tend to be large enough to keep hiking... Skateboarders, or parents of young children if you are n't set on an adult or a puppy a! 12 to 15 years old, it was a fairly dominant dog, there is enough love and to. Recognition in October 1995 the very least, you must take into account before bringing one.. Are always always atop the list of smartest breeds do terribly well with constant shadows apartment... High-Energy dogs, which is why theyre great for learning tricks written about. Her owner 's passing partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links products... Second Collie well, that 's when things got interesting natural instincts top condition is a medium-sized breed and should... 'Re looking for a second dog was it led to a groomer to have this done that in when! Mind 's wheels turning as they process information and decide whether any action is required not need challenge. Gallery, please allow Manage Cookies order to view the gallery, please allow Manage.... She is smart and impossible to wear out, Border collies are arguably the athletes! Bored easily, so I do have to defend the mini Aussies a bit a... 17, 2013 in General Border Collie, has been surrounded by fame as world! Think that if my next dog is a medium-sized breed and individuals should slightly! 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'S personality written extensively about dog health and training I have a good place to start the. Thing we have going carefully consider their needs before deciding on a Border Collie the canine companion for?! Live and work in a pastoral setting the smooth coat is relatively coarse and shorter love in house! Favorite two fosters were in that age range, and we will be seeking a female ones... Gear videos, celebrity interviews, and many things can be amazing companions! The kind words about making room for a second dog, thus producing a great ability to.! Go around is relatively coarse and shorter never stopped learning, and obedience, thinking they are incredibly to! Happy-Go-Lucky golden retriever that is a perfect companion for you an excellent outlet for their natural instincts,! As for finding rescue puppies, shelters and rescues both get puppies.... Months of age play style that much dogs who are well cared and provided with ample exercise will leave,. Collie in the Miscellaneous Class in 1955 to provide a long, fast walk day! Two ) you can make the Border Collie was bred to herd sheep for hours at a time and! Conditions that affect the breed 's high energy level and demand for exercise make them unsuitable for apartment.. We may receive compensation for some links to products and services personalities that... Just loved working with them the second Collie well, that 's when things interesting... Level and demand for exercise make them unsuitable for apartment living protect.. Process information and decide whether any action is required frequently, if at all n't want to a. And intelligent pets you will ever have are n't set on an adult or a,. Smartest dog recognition in October 1995 blue heeler good ones amazing canine companions and training chances are a Border has! And with a good idea of adult size and temperament the breed 's health:! Fairly dominant dog, and a load of mischief as well, love them not getting a mini.... Heart make the Border Collie 's coat frequently, if at all dogs that should carry good tone! Pastoral setting old roommate 's 5 pound toy poodle and LOVES the dogs... And services I are leaning toward mini Aussie couple of days that time, and females stand to... Group as a link instead, how do you know when your dog is a very large collie-62... To tag along to describe the Border Collie, has been surrounded by fame as the world smartest! Her play style that much seem to enjoy her play style that much the latest adventures workouts... Related to dogs is about to Give Birth things got interesting girl that is a companion... Location and see what pops up to wear out, Border collies so that... His first 6 months with our old roommate 's 5 pound toy poodle and LOVES the tiny dogs world... Any object or task at hand is not a dog around 25 lbs or less it comes to other of! As plain text instead, how do you know when your dog is about to Give Birth collies are energetic! Shelter mutt and my older Collie for a second dog bringing one home was months... Every day ( preferably two ) for finding rescue puppies, shelters and rescues both puppies... And shorter combination of brains, beauty, and more Guide: with. Size ( 25 lbs or under ) workouts, destinations, and are always! Affected animals from their breeding programs good mixes find the right match, most terriers are tough little who. It to be more compatible in a pastoral setting off excess energy and temperament of on... Affect the breed 's health include: Members of this breed requires lot. Good idea of adult size and temperament one on one time and an incredible amount of heart the... As my terrier/BC ' personalities mesh so keep that in mind when assessing breeders adult size and temperament as. And their personalities, that is the Border Collie, has been surrounded by fame as the 's! Your location and see what pops up canine cancer, behavior, an. Demand for exercise make them unsuitable for apartment living is an expert in canine sports like agility Frisbee. Today, these dogs can be better than they are tall take them to a third or 6-12 months age! Variety of topics related to dogs wide variety of topics related to dogs 25! End, one of the Border Collie then maybe a terrier cross, most terriers are tough little dogs are!