Thinking of getting a collie

[Whaet]

I've tried rescue centres to adopt a rescue but as we don't have 6 foot high fencing, none of them will allow us a dog. :(

So now looking at puppies. I love collies, and was wondering what advice anyone has on the breed and what makes them happy and content?

I have 2 acres of land so plenty of space, and lots of woodland walks on my doorstep. I run and walk a lot. But when I'm not outside, I'm glued to the sofa relaxing or at my desk writing!

I'm drawn to collies because they seem very intelligent and I'd love to teach tricks/agility, they seem calm indoors, good recall, good around livestock (lots of horses, cows and sheep here).

Appreciate any advice! I grew up with greyhounds, amazing dogs but they're basically large cats! And a greyhound wouldn't be suitable with their high prey drive.

If you run a lot, a dog that can run past distractions and remain by your side is important. A well trained golden retriever would do this. Labradors tend to go deaf if they see a potential party. Retrievers are also more placid in the home and would lie around while you're writing.

I'd love a collie but there are very few lifestyles that would really accommodate what you're likely to get with a collie.

I absolutely love Border Collies and a good friend of mine while I still lived in England was a farmer and she had two. So they were used to working hard. I remember when she was visiting me in London and we were sitting in a big park on a hot Summers day. They were both standing at her feet expectantly almost like a gun ready to be fired, they were so full of pent up energy. So eventually she said "Oh go and jump in a lake!" they both disappeared over the horizon found the one artificial lake, jumped in, got soaking wet and then ran all the way back and took up their position again waiting for the next command.

They were gorgeous but they really need to be working or I think they would soon lose their minds (as would their owners).

Sound like youre in an ideal situation to have a collie. Id add that theyre notoriously bad at walking on a lead. I dont approve of halties so early intensive training rqd. Also, chasing cars/spinning wheels is a major stimulation for them so lots of getting used to town as a puppy. Id give them a break from exposure to it as a teen, 12 to 18m, as thats when they are prone to develop phobias and neuroses. And collies do tend to be neurotic as they are so smart.
Also, perhaps most important, a lot of collies, mine included have a gene variant where their brain does not have a particular protective enzyme which makes them react very badly to many popular dewormers and deflea-ers. The vet can test them for this gene but best to have a google and avoid all medications that can affect them. With ours it caused a week long change in behaviour and personality. He just went weird and I did not trust him, he wasnt himself at all. Psycho Zombie dog we called him!
Oh and kids, they can be bloody great with them but they arent the sort to be hugged or cornered or taken advantage of ( like most dogs really) so youve got to have sensible kids!

More love for a rough collie. Much more chilled than a border in that they don't get obsessive and don't need tons and tons of exercise. Good with other dogs, wary with strangers. Ours is a bit nervous of children because we just don't know many. Rather barky when they think they are protecting their herd. Ours is noise reactive particularly with bangs. No smell and very clean. Everyone admires them so you can't go for a walk without being stopped.

We have 2 border collies. Couldn't be more different

Yes, they'll go all day but you have to manage them or they'll hurt themselves because they don't stop if you don't tell them too. So they'll literally walk all day til they drop.

One is calm, loving and the star of our village. Has doggy mates and is perfect.

The other is aggressive with other dogs, zero recall and steals stuff! Eaten every duvet, cushion & rug I've bought. But absolutely the cutest thing on the planet. Won't flyball. Won't puzzle or trick. But loves toys. And Pillows!

Both are one-master dogs though. They both stare at my husband endlessly.

Collie? Which breed? Border, Rough, Smooth, Bearded? Different breeds have different characteristics. Don't have any Collie unless you have experience with dogs. All the breeds are bright but get into trouble if they are in charge, not trained properly and given lots of exercise.