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Owning a border Collie

79 replies

Strawberrypie33 · 22/08/2025 11:15

So me and my partner think we are ready to own a dog, we are both financially stable both work, I'm part time so I do have time to walk a dog, entertain and groom when needed, my partner works from home on staggered shifts but tends to do 4 shifts and no more. We have children ages 13,12,6&3 all know how not to act around animals as family members have cats and dogs I've taught them to be kind and gentle so in not worried about that, only thing that worries me is the type of dog. We want a border Collie, obedient and some what easy to train, I've done some research and they do need a lot of active times in their day, what I'm asking is has anyone owned or own this type of breed and what is your typical day with one? Are they ok with children? Ect. I don't want to be rash with getting this breed and it not being suitable, I'm heavy on research first before I make a decision, any help will do, thank you.

OP posts:
DangerousAlchemy · 24/08/2025 20:42

That's a really difficult breed to get as a 1st family dog. I'd recommend you look into an easier breed esp with such young children. The rescue centres are full of dogs like that where owners cannot cope with them once the dog becomes a boisterous teenager. They are hugely intelligent and need constant mental and physical stimulation. 2 walks, at least, every single day. They are often reactive with other dogs. You already have busy lives and 4 children. 2 of your kids are pretty young. I think you'll come to regret it personally.

Frankenpug23 · 24/08/2025 20:44

We have had 2 border collies - I wouldn’t recommend them as a first dog, they need so much exercise and stimulation- we had a lot of enclosed land which helped. We were herded as a family by both dogs, you also need to be a bit careful as they can be territorial over ‘their family.’.

I wouldn’t leave any dog on their own with a child under 10 - not just because of aggression but in this case because these are strong, working dogs.

SeaAndStars · 24/08/2025 21:01

My oldest friend has a collie. She works outside and he's besides her for long working days in the country.

He's a lovely dog and has slowed down a bit now as he's 10. On Saturday we walked him for 5 hours and he was still full of beans when he got back.

I'd really strongly advise you to get a dog that will need less exercise and stimulation or you might become a slave to walking.

NanaStrikesAgain · 24/08/2025 21:12

Strawberrypie33 · 22/08/2025 11:15

So me and my partner think we are ready to own a dog, we are both financially stable both work, I'm part time so I do have time to walk a dog, entertain and groom when needed, my partner works from home on staggered shifts but tends to do 4 shifts and no more. We have children ages 13,12,6&3 all know how not to act around animals as family members have cats and dogs I've taught them to be kind and gentle so in not worried about that, only thing that worries me is the type of dog. We want a border Collie, obedient and some what easy to train, I've done some research and they do need a lot of active times in their day, what I'm asking is has anyone owned or own this type of breed and what is your typical day with one? Are they ok with children? Ect. I don't want to be rash with getting this breed and it not being suitable, I'm heavy on research first before I make a decision, any help will do, thank you.

We had a collie who sadly passed away this year.

Firstly, they are amazing dogs, but they are unique and require a lot of training and routine, otherwise they will train you!

We used to joke that our collie was autistic (most of our family are ND so it wasn’t a negative thing) because she disliked change, was sensitive to noises, was like clockwork with her routines.

We got her as a puppy when our son was 6, collies are often reactive to movement and noises. As a young puppy/teen she would get quite hyper easily if my son and his friends were excited playing. She needed careful supervision and space so that she wasn’t put in stressful situations where she may have nipped or reacted quickly chasing as a game that could go wrong.

She was the most loyal and affectionate dog and had a beautiful personality, everyone who met her loved her.

Please do think carefully before committing to a collie. They need jobs to do either in or out of the home. Lots of brain games and decent walks. So many collies end up in rescues because people don’t fully understand their unique needs.

Bonbon249 · 24/08/2025 21:26

Friends of mine have one - she's lovely but needs to be kept busy. Friends don't have children but she is a bit of jumper and might inadvertently knock a small child over. Also, Collies can be prone to resource guarding, so really need proper training.

MyCoralHedgehog · 24/08/2025 21:42

So basically you have already more or less decided to get one and it seems you are probably going to avoid all the advice anyway so why bother asking the question?

TheeNotoriousPIG · 24/08/2025 21:46

Just so you know, OP, Border Collies have a bad reputation in a surprising amount of people's eyes. However, they are hands-down the cutest puppies and have lovely smiles!

I grew up with Border Collies (one failed farm dog, and one that we rehomed from a pet home, which turned out to be TERRIFIED of sheep and horrible to walk on a lead). I grew up and got two collies of my own.

On reading a book, it advised me to avoid the boisterous ones (too hard to train, headstrong, possible behavioural issues) and the quietest one (might be too shy to withstand the rigours of sheepdog training), so go for a middle one. I did, and she is wonderful. She is so relaxed that she is virtually horizontal, except when working (she is razor-focused and will not take "No" from cows or sheep. Indeed, they take her more seriously than me when it comes to being herded). She is eager to please and was ridiculously easy to train, but I was at home a lot at the time, so could spend a lot of time with her as a pup. She likes to relax at home, come to work with me, go for a drive and see the sights, pootle around for a walk, or plonk herself on the pavement outside the butcher's shop and switch on her "RSPCA Christmas Appeal eyes" until the butcher gives her bones... She's the kind of dog that you don't need on a lead, and doesn't care for resource guarding or any of the stereotypes of collies.

I didn't get as much choice in terms of boisterous/middle/quietest with the youngest. She was just the last female in a litter. She's bright, and learnt everything quickly. The only thing that I couldn't train out of her was needing to rush EVERYWHERE at top speed. I wouldn't have her off-lead anywhere near a road because of this, but the rest of the time, she doesn't go far from me. She's the dominant dog, and only really guards her favourite balls, except when I am required to throw them for her. She's only ever truly calm when working (silent but deadly) or when at home and there aren't distractions like cars passing, or the neighbour's dogs barking.

Yes, they both enjoy work (but only really go out to work in the spring and summer). They like to play ball and visit pet shops, where they are much admired for their good manners (and because most people take tiny dogs shopping, so big ones are a nice change). They like it when we are visited by family members that they adore (to the point of jumping the 4ft fence in excitement to get to them quicker...). They're happy to be petted by random passing children in the park, although the youngest is wary of fast-moving children that aren't used to dogs (e.g. babies with wildly flailing arms, or a child that was like a bull in a china shop). They also enjoy time relaxing at home, and are very fond of watching farming programmes (especially if sheep are featured) or One Man and His Dog...!

So... if you do go for a collie, try to meet the litter early and choose a middle/quiet one for a pet home! Spend as much time as you can with them when they're a pup to instill good values and manners. Just make sure that your family don't hype them up all of the time as a puppy, otherwise they'll think that is OK and what is expected of them. The right match will be an absolute joy for you and your family. I hope that it all goes well for you, whether you choose a collie or another breed.

Motherofalittledragon · 24/08/2025 21:48

I’ve 4 border collies, 3 work and one didn’t meet the grade. They need a lot of mental stimulation and exercise, one of ours is completely neurotic her mind seems to be always busy!

Percypigsyumyum · 24/08/2025 21:53

I grew up with border collies, they are beautiful dogs! Gorgeous puppies, great fun but so, so demanding on your time…
When I grew up and got my own first dog, I went for a Jack Russell Terrier. Bags of personality, great guard dog and so loveable and loyal but doesn’t take half as much walking as their legs are so short!

FalseSpring · 24/08/2025 22:06

Please don't get a border collie with young children. They are working dogs and not really ideal for the home environment. I have seen so many collies end up with behavioural issues as people under-estimate how much exercise and mental stimulation they need.

We kept collies on the farm, they lived outside all day long with freedom to roam around the yard, but they followed us whenever we were outside, only coming in around 10pm for the night and back out again at 6am. They walked around the farm twice a day as an absolute minimum, but often they were working the sheep. Their minds never stop and they are always alert and will bark if they think something is unusual. They can also be territorial and will warn of visitors approaching. Great farm dogs, definitely not pets!

OtherS · 24/08/2025 22:11

They need an insane amount of stimulation all day every day, and the 2+ hour walks twice a day are just the start. When they get home from their first bout of physical exercise, they will then be ready to start their mental exercise. So training and games, interspersed with more physical activity like chasing round the garden. Then they'll be ready for their second multi-mile hike. They really aren't good pets, they're definitely working dogs. If you're a farmer and want some companionship as you traipse over the fields, great. If not, it's really not a good idea. There are a lot end up in rescues as people really underestimate quite how much work they are, thinking it's just the long walks.

A golden retriever would be a good bet, they're very easy to train and excellent with children. They do still need a lot of exercise and attention, but are usually happy to spend extended stretches lying quietly at home, so long as you're nearby and ready to tickle tummies on demand. They're a great first dog (though there's the danger you may never look at another breed again!)

TheLurpackYears · 24/08/2025 22:26

It could be the best thing your family has ever done ot it could be awful. Can you predictably leave the house at least twice a day with as many children in tow as can't be left at home? Do you ever need to be out the house for more than a few hours as a family? How booked up do your local kennels get?
That said, we had a collie for a first dog, although children happened a few years later. She was lovely with the kids but the logistics were bonkers and we didn't get away a couple of summers in a row because kennels were full. And she was smelly.

stressedinsurrey · 24/08/2025 22:36

I know you’ve dismissed a lab but l would recommend a Working (“American”) Labrador. Much more energy than a domestic (“English”) lab and much less greedy. Great with kids, very chilled when you need them to be but very happy to do a 10 mile walk. First couple of years is hard work as they can be chewers and a little bonkers, they like company, but then they really calm down and are such lovely dogs.

carly2803 · 24/08/2025 22:44

Can i throw another breed at you?

cocker spaniel - working. Have an off switch, lovely, loyal, need exercise and are not as "switched on" as collies

had collies, very incredible and intense. Would have another but they need so so much

YourWinter · 24/08/2025 22:48

Please, please don’t get a border collie as a first family dog. You can’t give it what it needs and I’d put money on a bet that it will end in tears. They’re wonderful dogs for the right people - not for what you are offering.

Moll2020 · 24/08/2025 22:51

Think about a Labrador, fabulous with children, very easy going, mine loves a walk but also loves a snooze on the sofa!

MoominMai · 24/08/2025 22:58

MyCoralHedgehog · 24/08/2025 21:42

So basically you have already more or less decided to get one and it seems you are probably going to avoid all the advice anyway so why bother asking the question?

I really hope not. I’m very surprised by the amount of people that think it should be fine. However OP has 4 kids, works a few hrs and a DH. That’s a full house and job already in my book so absolutely a dog can fit in - but a Border Collie?!

The concerning thing for me is OP only reason is because ‘she’s always wanted one’. See I’m not bashing her as I fell in love with the breed from when I first saw it as a plastic model in the nursery farm play set in the 1970s and nicked it! So taken with it was I 😅. My parents hated animals in general so I waited until I had my own home but I was a FT worker so didn’t. Skip on many more years and have a large detached home in leafy quiet area with large garden now where I wfh most of the time. Single no kids and time to spare. However, as I’ve been researching them the past 20 years I’ve learnt how complex their needs are and how sensitive they are also. They can also be a highly neurotic breed and very reactive also. And as many have said the fact they’re so smart has its cons where they are so observant and smart they will also learn to do things you don’t want them to do.

I basically visualise a dog that has no off switch and will take hours (especially when younger) of activity in a day to satisfy. Also, they need a job so either hours of being able to freely run and explore or training with you in the garden etc. In the end though it was a horrible choice to make I decided not to get one as they’re a working breed after all and I know I’m not going to want to do that regularly for the next couple of years. I realise that ‘long walks’ alone aren’t going to cut it. And that’s me with FT WFH and no other responsibilities. I just can’t see how OP with 4 kids will be able to provide the time for what a BC really needs - I means it’d be like having a toddler in a dog suit added to the family!

OP should really talk to a vet perhaps or do more research alone for more compatible breeds eg Golden Retriever would fit in perfectly.

Noodles1234 · 24/08/2025 23:01

I’ve grown up with Collies, Border Collies are working dogs and to have them as pets at least one adult needs to be at home, preferably not working as they need a lot of stimulation and walks - and I mean a lot!

WhatMe123 · 24/08/2025 23:08

They need a lot of training, then constantly need to be mentally fatigued as other wise you will encounter problems. They're need to live and work on farms really working all day and running miles at a time. Not designed to stay at home and wait in for a family

Mediumred · 24/08/2025 23:15

Umm, we quite crazily got one in lockdown as our severely depressed daughter had requested it as her favoured breed.

Won’t lie, it’s been a heck of a learning curve but lovely ddog is nearly five now. She is a nervy girl and def not keen on v small kids (or vets!) and is wary of strangers but loves walks, balls, toys, learning tricks and her people.

She has at least a two hour walk a day and other play/work time but is otherwise pretty chill and reasonably happy to be left.

we are first time dog owners and it has been full on but we, esp dd, are so full of love for ddog

Ritasueandbobtoo9 · 24/08/2025 23:19

Collies need to be off lead, they are very fast and look amazing going full pelt. Have you got acres of land? They also will herd anything, geese, ducks, sheep etc.. if not training they will attack sheep, kill rabbits etc. They are likely to be really playful but get carried away and nip. They are not house with a garden, family pet dogs.

Charlieangle · 24/08/2025 23:27

Wonderful dogs but needs masses of stimulation and working. They are not a pet. They are a working breed and are so intelligent they need continual stimulation. Please do not consider as a pet unless you are able to give hours of time in a day to give training:

SmurfetteBlue · 24/08/2025 23:31

Frankenpug23 · 24/08/2025 20:44

We have had 2 border collies - I wouldn’t recommend them as a first dog, they need so much exercise and stimulation- we had a lot of enclosed land which helped. We were herded as a family by both dogs, you also need to be a bit careful as they can be territorial over ‘their family.’.

I wouldn’t leave any dog on their own with a child under 10 - not just because of aggression but in this case because these are strong, working dogs.

I'd agree with this. We have a border collie and kids between ages of 12 and 6 months. She is great with us as a family but is rather protective of her own. She really does not like my siblings children when they come around to play, so that may be something to consider also. Despite being old, she doesn't have an off switch so always wants something to keep entertained. Dont mistake easy to train for obedience, they are very clever dogs and if you don't remain firm they will do anything to keep themselves occupied

Nanof5 · 24/08/2025 23:37

We had a Collie/Toller cross and he was the best dog in the world - although for the first 2 years, he was the dog from hell, and I would have handed him back in an instant!!
He chewed up absolutely everything - including the piano(!) doors, furniture, shoes, leads etc. - and completely destroyed every dog toy we ever bought, even the so-called indestructible ones! He barked incessantly and was always very agitated, even after long, long walks. We even had a behaviourist in to help us with him.
However, his saving grace was when my daughter started agility training - he absolutely NEEDED to work his brain! He ended up as a champion agility dog - almost qualifying for Crufts - and that was the making of him. He was completely transformed, and ended up as the most adored family pet (although still decidedly quirky!). Seeing him on an agility course was simply amazing!
We lost him last year, at the age of 14, and were utterly heartbroken - we will never find another dog like him.
But, even as experienced dog owners (we have had dogs all our lives), he was not an easy dog, and we had no idea what were letting ourselves in for by getting a collie - certainly not a breed I would recommend for a first dog.
And I think the same would probably apply to many of the ‘working’ breeds - they have been bred to work, and that is what they need to do…
Hope this helps!

Owning a border Collie
Owning a border Collie
Frugalgal · 24/08/2025 23:41

Strawberrypie33 · 22/08/2025 11:15

So me and my partner think we are ready to own a dog, we are both financially stable both work, I'm part time so I do have time to walk a dog, entertain and groom when needed, my partner works from home on staggered shifts but tends to do 4 shifts and no more. We have children ages 13,12,6&3 all know how not to act around animals as family members have cats and dogs I've taught them to be kind and gentle so in not worried about that, only thing that worries me is the type of dog. We want a border Collie, obedient and some what easy to train, I've done some research and they do need a lot of active times in their day, what I'm asking is has anyone owned or own this type of breed and what is your typical day with one? Are they ok with children? Ect. I don't want to be rash with getting this breed and it not being suitable, I'm heavy on research first before I make a decision, any help will do, thank you.

Noooooo!!!

You'll be desperate to get rid within a few months.

Get something a bit more sedate.