Anyone own a Border Collie or Austarlian Shepherd?

[isubeatle]

I really would like to get a dog and one of the 2 that i really like are the Border Collie and Australian Shepherd. I really like the size of them and the temperament along with the high intelligence.

i know they are both very active dogs and if you don't train and give them lots of exercise then they can become bored and destructive to your home.

so my question is how much exercise is needed? I have a pretty big backyard that a dog could run around in and i would love to go to the park with a dog a few times a week. Is it something were you really need to play with them outside every single day or a few times a week?

any info would be appreciated.
Thx!

 

[Mr Janny]

We had both growing up. Both are fantastic dogs. As far as exercise goes, I couldn't say specifically how much they need, only that ours got a lot. We lived on a farm, and they had the run of the place, something they really took advantage of. Neither were ever destructive of our home, but it may be that they were getting all the exercise they needed.

 

[RayShimley]

I really would like to get a dog and one of the 2 that i really like are the Border Collie and Australian Shepherd. I really like the size of them and the temperament along with the high intelligence.

i know they are both very active dogs and if you don't train and give them lots of exercise then they can become bored and destructive to your home.

so my question is how much exercise is needed? I have a pretty big backyard that a dog could run around in and i would love to go to the park with a dog a few times a week. Is it something were you really need to play with them outside every single day or a few times a week?

any info would be appreciated.
Thx!

Of course every dog is going to be different, but with herding dogs the mental exercise is often more important than physical exercise (though they usually go hand-in-hand). I wouldn't reccomend either of these breeds to someone who doesn't have time to get involved in some kind of task-oriented acivities on a regular basis.

 

[isubeatle]

Of course every dog is going to be different, but with herding dogs the mental exercise is often more important than physical exercise (though they usually go hand-in-hand). I wouldn't recommend either of these breeds to someone who doesn't have time to get involved in some kind of task-oriented acivities on a regular basis.

can you elaborate on that more? like playing games with them or training them to do tricks and stuff like that?

 

[Broodwich]

Dogs 101: Australian Shepherd : Video : Animal Planet

Dogs 101: Border Collie : Video : Animal Planet

I've always found these very helpful.

 

[mganzeveld]

Well, I've got two border collies and let me tell you, they are pretty bright dogs. They are also very active dogs. They need walks and runs once or twice a day and depending on the coat need brushed often. Our vacuum is often full of hair once a week. A good backyard is a good start but they need something to do that will keep them occupied or they will get bored and destructive. As far as how much exercise they can handle? A lot. My brother in law is one of those marathon runners and he was concerned that our dog wouldn't be able to handle one of his morning runs. My dog welcomed the challenge and stayed ahead of him the entire 3-4 mile run, kindly waiting for him when she got too far ahead. I can walk/run with my dog 1 or 2 miles a day and she will maintain her weight. Walk her once or twice a week and she will start gaining. I took mine to agility classes. It was good exercise and a good mental challenge. They love learning and strive to show off their skills. I can't recommend a breeder though. Both of mine are rescues.

 

[Cytom5]

I have a border collie named nittany and is probably smarter than the rest of the family. this dog is crazy she is 11 years old and is still very active. she never sits down, but she is a very good dog. she pouts when i am not home and will not eat or drink, if you are considering a border collie make sure you give it a ton of exercise and pay attention to the creature.

to answer your question yes it is very important to give them exercise at least once a day. they will not destroy your home if you dont. they will just become upset and may not like to be around you. (they are something else) make sure they have plenty of space to run outside and inside.

FYI get a new pair of running shoes you will be chasing your new border collie alot

 

[isubeatle]

Dogs 101: Australian Shepherd : Video : Animal Planet

Dogs 101: Border Collie : Video : Animal Planet

I've always found these very helpful.

i did watch both of those and there were pretty helpful thx :spinny:

 

[RayShimley]

can you elaborate on that more? like playing games with them or training them to do tricks and stuff like that?

Yes, something as simple as playing games like "Find-it" to more advanced things like agility training. Basically, more than just letting them run around in the yard for a bit. I'm not saying there aren't a lot of collies out there that are just fine with a little exercise, I'm just saying you will have a better chance of having a positive experience if you make sure to keep your dog mentally stimulated (more so than most breeds).

 

[isubeatle]

what about exercise during the winter months? i've gotten into running a and general working out this summer and so that would be great. But what about during the winter?

 

[Cytom5]

also these dogs are meant to be on farms for herding, they are not your typical play pet they love to run. since she was a puppy she would knip at your heels because they are trying to herd you, it is pretty funny

 

[jaretac]

I really would like to get a dog and one of the 2 that i really like are the Border Collie and Australian Shepherd. I really like the size of them and the temperament along with the high intelligence.

i know they are both very active dogs and if you don't train and give them lots of exercise then they can become bored and destructive to your home.

so my question is how much exercise is needed? I have a pretty big backyard that a dog could run around in and i would love to go to the park with a dog a few times a week. Is it something were you really need to play with them outside every single day or a few times a week?

any info would be appreciated.
Thx!

If you don't live on a farm I would say be prepared to put up with obsessive compulsive behavior from your dog. I got my boarder collie when he was two and he has been the best dog I've ever had. A little too active for really little kids (I have a 3 month old son), but from probably 7 or so and up probably one of the best dogs you can get. Loyal to a fault. Too smart for his own good. Mine isn't very concerned with food, just wants to please us and play.

Be prepared for shadow chasing, sprinkler attacking, tree destroying. He will likely leave scratches on your walls and floors if he isn't exercised enough and you would not believe how much exercise they need. Seriously! Best dog I've ever had but not for people who want low maintenance dogs.

 

[CFanatic21]

I've got a mix of a Border Collie and Aussie Shephard. MAKE SURE YOU TRAIN THEIR ATTITUDE. They can be very protective of their owners. My Leo dislikes everyone he doesn't know.

 

[jaretac]

Also keep in mind that a boarder collie is intelligent and really needs chores. He needs to be able to use his brain or you will never tire him out. I've taken him on hikes (in one day 4,000 ft up, 26 miles around trip) and by the time I got back I was limping and he was chasing bears, literally! He is 11 years old and still has that kind of energy. The only time I've seen him worn out and I wasn't on my death bed as a result was one time I let him chase the snowmobile back a forth for a few hours. He cased one snowmobile to crash in the mean time but I had a peaceful evening for once.

He can get by with less, and once he has formed a bound with you he would rather be kept in a cage then leave you to be on a farm, but they require a lot more than I can probably convince you of.

 

[cycopath25]

Both dogs are awesome with the properly educated and dedicated owner. Someone who will take the time to walk them and train them. My family had several border collies. Loved em all. Very smart and loyal. If you get one I recommend getting one from Mo-Kan Border Collie Rescue (Missouri, Kansas, Midwest)

 

[Bret44]

I have three dogs that either BC or Aussie in their blood. One is a Mix between the two, she is 10 and still sure active. The other two are 6 months and their mamma is a Full Blood Aussie and the dad is a hound mix so the are super active. The best thing for them is open spaces and room to run, which they love to do. They are incredibly smart, but if you don't train them well when they are young then they will get really set in their ways. Good luck in your search and have fun! They are great dogs to have.

 

[twistedredbird]

as opposed to getting a bread you think is cool, I suggest finding a dog that fits you.

There are a few of these tests out there that will give you lists of breeds suited to you. I would recommend doing this and at least considering other breeds:

★☞ Dog Breed Selector Quiz SelectSmart.com

It has been my experience that herding dogs are best for people with kids on some land. I don't have experience with collies, but I do with aussie shepard, and I can attest that a regular back yard is not going to be enough. The aussie on my aunt and uncles farm had 25 acres and covered it several times daily up to 17 years old.

 

[ThatllDoCy]

I have a Border Collie and have not regretted it a bit. She is sweet, and great with kids and people. They are very smart and are fun and easy to train. Borders often get a bad rap because of poor breeding. If you get one do your research and get one off of a farm from working parents. This gives them the intelligence along with the focus and temperament that you want. The Breeder can point you to the puppy that bests suits your lifestyle. All breeds have a range of personality and energy. Also, there are rescue groups for Borders that may have a good dog that needs a home.

If you want a dog that will just sit around then probably look for another breed, however if you want a dog that is easy to train and can be active with you then a Border is a good choice.

One thing I love about Cassidy is no matter where I take her she listens and will not leave sight of me for more than a few minutes. I do not have to worry about her running off. She will sit from 100 yards and I am not that great a trainer. If you are going to have them off leash running or hiking a Border is a great dog that feels like they need to be with you. Some breeds will just run after something and never come back.

Also, to answer your actual question, I walk her at least once a day, and we have a small backyard where she runs around. We are in Chicago and she does just fine. Of course, she would do just fine with 25 acres too.

 

[mganzeveld]

Border collies are bred to herd and it is amazing how they will carefully watch and test their owners until they become masters at herding and controlling you. That is why proper training is vital. They are known for their collie "eye" and will use it on you to get what they want. No doesn't aways mean no, because they figure out just how to manipulate you into getting what they want. It is that level of intelligence and independence that makes them both wonderful companions and a challenge. Be prepared for a match of wits.

 

[cyclone101]

We raise, train, and sell both trained Border Collies and pups to work cattle and sheep. I have been around Border Collies all 18 years of my life. They are great dogs and very active. Obviously they are bred to herd livestock, but they also love to catch frisbees so that is something to do when playing with them. It is best to spend time with them everyday, let them get out and run. If you have kids that is GREAT the kids and the pup will both enjoy it.

We just had a litter of pups July 20th, 5 females and 3 males. They all are the traditional black and white. They are for sale!