Border Collies

I never had many pets growing up, so when I got married and my husband had a dog, I jumped at the chance to find out more. When we were still just dating, Tyler (the border collie) used to like to "herd" my cat around the house. My cat's name was The Duchess Bernadette, and as you can only imagine, she was a very high strung and prissy thing.

Tyler loved to push her into corners, doing back and forth motions with his body, until she got so upset that she would swat him in the face with her claws. I no longer have a cat, but I have witnessed Tyler "herding" other dogs at the dog park where I take him.

Border collies are originally bred from Scotland to herd sheep. There is something inherent within them that, occasionally, makes them want to continue to do this. The most amazing thing to watch is the "border collie stare" in which a border collie begins by staring down whatever it wants to herd, almost hypnotizing it.

Another fun fact about Border Collies is that when they compete in dog shows, they are classified as "working dogs," so they are allowed to have chipped teeth, and have less points removed for appearance problems.

Border Collies are traditionally black and white, though there are variations. Tyler is black and white, with brown eyes (though many have blue eyes or one blue and one brown). From what I can gather, Border Collies love routine. If you want to set your dog on a daily routine, he will be much more happy for it. For example, give certain words for going to the bathroom when you put him outside to do so, and certain words for exercising and certain words for mealtimes. Tyler is jubilant to know exactly what time, it seems, that we head to the dog park every day and what time he gets fed.

Border Collies are one of the most intelligent dogs in the world and adapt quickly to their surroundings. They are known to be Frisbee champions, but Tyler does not seem to wish to participate in that. It all comes down to what your dog's personality is, as well. Border Collies are also very social dogs, so watch with great happiness as he or she easily welcomes a new dog into your home (and probably will try to herd he or she!)

Lastly, if you take a Border Collie into your home, make sure you have a lot of time on your hands to give he or she a lot of love. I have been told many stories of Border Collies who were not given a lot of attention and ended up chewing on rocks out of boredom (such as gravel you may have outside your house or in a backyard) and breaking all their teeth off. Border Collies definitely need a lot of mental stimulation.

I am grateful to the second love of my life, Tyler, for all that he gives us daily and if you choose to also get a Border Collie, I know you will be as happy as us!