Border collie admiration

[Riverhousepuppy]

We were walking dog past a field with sheep in, we were on the top of a hill so had a great view. The farmer came out and brought his border collie out and we spent half an hour watching them work together, herding and moving all the sheep. It was incredible to watch and we were fascinated. Even ds said it was as good as TV.
Personally, a border collie would never be right for me but I was in absolute awe.
Thats it really. Amazing moment

They are the most amazing dogs.

I am extremely lucky to own them and also work them. Every day I am grateful for this privilege.

It was truly beautiful to see how intuitive and in tune it was with the whole situation and how it problem solved too. I felt lucky just to be witnessing it.
Is it as much nature as nurture @PollyRoulson?

Many collies are born just knowing what to do. They wake up at abot 12 weeks of old, the head goes down, shoulders go up and they herd

Training does help a lot but collies are very willing students (usually)

To be working on the moors with my dogs still give me goosebumps the bond for me is everything

You are truly blessed and what an amazing life to lead.
We spent the afternoon afterwards watching border collies working on youtube.
I would never have enough work for one so personally wouldnt have one but I definitely have a new found dog crush and soft spot for them and their abilities.

I love borders. Such gorgeous looks and brains but they are too clever for me to keep happy. I have a lab cross instead and he is a clever lad.

Also an admirer. @PollyRoulson would you say it’s possible/likely to have a border collie and it be really truly happy not working sheep. I know you can keep them stimulated with tennis balls and puzzles etc, but would you say this is a good or poor substitute for the real thing (sheep) if you have a working stock dog?

@WiganNorthWest Collies need time and interaction with humans.

They choose to work with us and do need to have mental stimulation with humans.

Work does not need to be herding, most love it but not all, but they do like to think they are working though

Some of mine do not work the sheep and are pretty contented but they all use their brain every day.

If you are happy to give them time every day plus exercise they can be happy

I love them and their intelligence. However day-to-day my very willing but not tremendously intelligent mongrel is more my speed! No risk he'll outsmart me.

I once watched a collie pup have its first try out with a lure. It was wonderful, watching those genetics switch on.

I think Border Collies are truly magnificent animals, and love to watch them work. They have so much intelligence! However my beloved BC couldn't herd a fart bless him - but he's so clever in his own way!

So handsome

We have a lab collie cross and she loves to round up the children or stalk her ball. She's amazing, it's all instinct.

I was talking to the kids the other day and collies came up as we passed a field with one herding sheep. Their dad and I were explaining how we used to watch sheepdog trials on tv. They looked at us like we were crazy but I just remember it being so amazing to watch.

They still do the sheepdog trials on Countryfile.