I think the suggestion of a border collie isn't well thought out. They don't just need loads of physical exercise they need to use their brains. If you don't give them a job they'll fine one and it's generally not one you'd have chosen! They are a high drive herding breed that will chase small shrieking kids and attempt to contain them. All of this can be dealt with but it's a huge commitment to training
God this makes me so angry!
9 times out of 10 the people who say such things have never even had one yet talk as if it is fact.
They do not need huge amounts of exercise and mental stimulation.
It can actually be really detrimental to them, they overstimulate easily then become stressful and/or destructive.
They relish peace and quiet and calm activities.
Teaching them a solid 'settle' is essential.
About the kids.
It is true that as a herding breed they appreciate peace and quiet, sometimes they get stressed by young children and feel the urge to calm them down/herd them.
Extremely dangerous behaviour to allow.
The answer is not to allow herding behaviour towards people.
Ever.
It is as simple as that.
I used to live rurally where it was mostly elderly people and I can't tell you how many had (working bred, bar one that looked like a show strain) border collies.
I think it highly unlikely that the majority of that demographic were out walking hours, training tricks, doing agility etc.
Where I live currently a few of my neighbours have (working bred) border collies and I have a working bred border collie.
None of dogs get excessive exercise or training, one of my neighbours is an elderly lady!
They are all friendly, mine in particular loves children.
I have had people say before that my collie must be 'low drive' or a 'poor worker' as she doesn't demand massive exercise, she actually couldn't less if we skip a walk, not destructive, doesn't herd/bite children etc.
No.
She is a worker through and through.
Herding drive was obvious at just 9 weeks old when we bought her.
She terrified my in laws dogs giving them the eye at less than 12 weeks old.
She tried to exhibit herding behaviour towards us and my DS (4 at the time) but it was made clear from day one you absolutely do not attempt to herd people.
When we had chickens she would happily gather them all up and keep them in one place with absolutely zero training whatsoever.
I am not saying the breed is perfect, I would happy to talk about the breed with anyone, including the 'bad' points of the breed but so much of what is said about them just isn't true.