Border Collies are my heart breed and I have been involved in the breed for over a decade, having hands on and in depth experience with hundreds of different Border Collies, learning the ins and outs and refining what I am looking to produce in my program.
Border Collies are known to be "the smartest dog breed" and are often featured in the media, showing off amazing feats of their intelligence and trainability, which leads to many people thinking they want one, without necessarily appreciating all of the time and work put into those dogs who look so perfect. From herding hundreds of sheep into shapes and pictures to be viewed from drones, running complex agility courses, doing remarkable tricks and unbelievable stunts, flying through the air, and knowing over a thousand words. While it is amazing what these dogs are capable of, it's unfortunately misleading as well. Many people think because they are so smart, they simply train themselves, and often social media only shows us the good side. Border Collies need people who understand them and are ready and willing to be a firm but fair handler who is going to guide them through life in a way that makes sense to them. They often are described as being "sensitive," and while they are sensitive to many things, like mistakes in their handling, their handler's emotional state, motion, sounds, etc. they are not a dog that does well being tip toed around. They have been bred for hundreds of years to push around animals over 20 times their size without backing down. Does that sound sensitive to you?
While Border Collies are remarkable and lovely, they do not come without issues. They can have just about every behavioral issue you can think of! Reactivity, aggression, resource guarding, fear, over arousal, separation anxiety, and the list goes on and on. They are a breed who require good training to be their best selves and unless you've successfully owned several Border Collies in the past, they are a breed that is more than likely going to require you to increase your level of education. They are not the dog for everyone and that is okay! If you're unsure if Border Collies are for you, don't hesitate to reach out. It's a part of my job as someone deeply passionate in the breed to help educate people about them.
Border Collies are also prone to quite a few health issues, for example; seizures and other neurological issues, hip dysplasia, elbow problems, shoulder problems, drug sensitivity, and many different DNA testable diseases. Some of the issues Border Collies are prone to can be tested for, some can not.
Despite all of the negative possibilities, Border Collies can be some of the very best dogs in the world. They are of the most versatile and capable, highly trainable, biddable, dedicated, physically able, some of the highest work ethic, as well as some of the most unique and special personalities and connections. They can and do excel in nearly everything a dog can do.
To quote the Border Collie temperament standard;
"The Border Collie is energetic, intelligent, keen, alert, and responsive. An intense worker of great tractability, it is affectionate towards friends but may be sensibly reserved towards strangers. When approached, the Border Collie should stand its ground. It should be alert and interested, never showing shyness, fear, dullness or resentment."
Border Collies are a unique breed, not just because of their intelligence, amazing work ethic, and biddability but also because of their community of people and breeders. There are a wide variety of people with a huge array of opinions on what they think the Border Collie should be. And therefore, there are a lot of very different Border Collies and types within the breed! It can be confusing to sift through and figure out what type of dog best fits your needs and goals with the politics, lack of transparency, and back and forth that goes on within the breed community.
From my experience and understanding of the breed, there are roughly 4 broader “classes'' of Border Collies in the United States. Working lines, sporting lines, conformation lines, and lines bred without a specific purpose.
Working lines can go back to the foundation members and original intention of the breed, which was to work. “With work came the calm dog with its adrenaline channeled into its abilities” –Sue Main. To be the ideal farm hand, the quiet collected herder who makes his handler’s life easier. These working line dogs were not designed to leave their property often and if they did, it was likely to go to another farm. They weren’t designed to live in busy cities, to go to dog parks, to meet and greet with every person. They were designed to be their handlers right hand, a partner and teammate with loyalty and devotion unmatched. A capable and biddable dog who can think under pressure and make fast decisions, who will listen even at great distance, who can influence many animals of a much larger size than itself without causing a wreck or losing its confidence. These types of Border Collies are often very sound in temperament (and I say that with a lot of experience with dogs)! However, these breeders can put health on the back burner and sometimes will simply not health test their dogs at all, which can be concerning to some. They may also not be raised with the best (or any) puppy rearing or socialization practices. Dogs from these programs may not be the most versatile, and may take more effort to adjust to life beyond the farm. They need appropriate outlets for their drive and firm but fair handling.
In the sporting lines, for example agility or flyball focused breeding programs, the dogs often don’t have a natural off switch and can be prone to destructive behaviors, OCD tendencies, over the top arousal, excess reactivity, and a lack of self preservation as a few examples. That may make a world class flyball dog but does not always make for the best living companion.
In the conformation/show lines, there are commonly issues with temperament as breeders often evaluate the appearance and structure of the dog and prioritize that above other factors. They can be lacking in drive and biddability, struggle with displaced herding behaviors like shadow/reflection/light chasing, car chasing and motion reactivity, and I’ve commonly seen fur-chewing behaviors in the dogs going back to conformation lineage. Paradoxically, they can be far from the breed standard (which calls for moderation in all aspects), often being very overdone or exaggerated in body and coat–directly conflicting with their ability to work for duration in varied climates. They are very cute and are ideally an “easier” and equally versatile Border Collie compared to other lines, but it doesn’t always turn out that way.
Lastly, there are many Border Collies and sport dogs/sport mixes who come from kennels who are breeding without a specific intended purpose. Often, they can be referred to as “backyard breeders” who are not working to better the breed or breed ethically. This can be challenging to identify especially as a newcomer to the breeding world. Health testing should be the bare minimum, not the primary sign of an ethical or intentional breeder.
Historically, Border Collies were meant to be “on,” to be managing large flocks of sheep, to be working in complex, challenging, and dynamic environments. To completely ignore all of those things when they’re told “that’ll do” and the job is done. Taking that caliber of dog and expecting it to be flawless in our human society is not appreciating the breed in its most true form. Border Collies should not be the go-to for people wanting a dog that will not require them to increase their level of education.
I prefer the genetics and temperament of working lines and some sporting lines. Temperament is among the most important considerations in my program, and I am very careful with the pairings I choose. I know my dog’s faults and the things I would like to improve on in future generations! I am active and intentional in my breedings, and my goal is to create well-rounded puppies that can excel at herding, sports and training, who are also good pets. Because at the end of the day, that's what they all are! Our companions.
Finding a Border Collie breeder whose goals and ideals are congruent with your own is what is most important. Border Collies have become such a popular breed and many people want to breed them... but without necessarily holding themselves accountable for, not only the dogs they produce, but also their puppy buyers' success and long-term happiness with their dog.
What it all boils down to at the end of the day is finding a breeder whose program aligns with the things that you value and are looking to find in your dog.
Border Collies are known to be "the smartest dog breed" and are often featured in the media, showing off amazing feats of their intelligence and trainability, which leads to many people thinking they want one, without necessarily appreciating all of the time and work put into those dogs who look so perfect. From herding hundreds of sheep into shapes and pictures to be viewed from drones, running complex agility courses, doing remarkable tricks and unbelievable stunts, flying through the air, and knowing over a thousand words. While it is amazing what these dogs are capable of, it's unfortunately misleading as well. Many people think because they are so smart, they simply train themselves, and often social media only shows us the good side. Border Collies need people who understand them and are ready and willing to be a firm but fair handler who is going to guide them through life in a way that makes sense to them. They often are described as being "sensitive," and while they are sensitive to many things, like mistakes in their handling, their handler's emotional state, motion, sounds, etc. they are not a dog that does well being tip toed around. They have been bred for hundreds of years to push around animals over 20 times their size without backing down. Does that sound sensitive to you?
While Border Collies are remarkable and lovely, they do not come without issues. They can have just about every behavioral issue you can think of! Reactivity, aggression, resource guarding, fear, over arousal, separation anxiety, and the list goes on and on. They are a breed who require good training to be their best selves and unless you've successfully owned several Border Collies in the past, they are a breed that is more than likely going to require you to increase your level of education. They are not the dog for everyone and that is okay! If you're unsure if Border Collies are for you, don't hesitate to reach out. It's a part of my job as someone deeply passionate in the breed to help educate people about them.
Border Collies are also prone to quite a few health issues, for example; seizures and other neurological issues, hip dysplasia, elbow problems, shoulder problems, drug sensitivity, and many different DNA testable diseases. Some of the issues Border Collies are prone to can be tested for, some can not.
Despite all of the negative possibilities, Border Collies can be some of the very best dogs in the world. They are of the most versatile and capable, highly trainable, biddable, dedicated, physically able, some of the highest work ethic, as well as some of the most unique and special personalities and connections. They can and do excel in nearly everything a dog can do.
To quote the Border Collie temperament standard;
"The Border Collie is energetic, intelligent, keen, alert, and responsive. An intense worker of great tractability, it is affectionate towards friends but may be sensibly reserved towards strangers. When approached, the Border Collie should stand its ground. It should be alert and interested, never showing shyness, fear, dullness or resentment."
Border Collies are a unique breed, not just because of their intelligence, amazing work ethic, and biddability but also because of their community of people and breeders. There are a wide variety of people with a huge array of opinions on what they think the Border Collie should be. And therefore, there are a lot of very different Border Collies and types within the breed! It can be confusing to sift through and figure out what type of dog best fits your needs and goals with the politics, lack of transparency, and back and forth that goes on within the breed community.
From my experience and understanding of the breed, there are roughly 4 broader “classes'' of Border Collies in the United States. Working lines, sporting lines, conformation lines, and lines bred without a specific purpose.
Working lines can go back to the foundation members and original intention of the breed, which was to work. “With work came the calm dog with its adrenaline channeled into its abilities” –Sue Main. To be the ideal farm hand, the quiet collected herder who makes his handler’s life easier. These working line dogs were not designed to leave their property often and if they did, it was likely to go to another farm. They weren’t designed to live in busy cities, to go to dog parks, to meet and greet with every person. They were designed to be their handlers right hand, a partner and teammate with loyalty and devotion unmatched. A capable and biddable dog who can think under pressure and make fast decisions, who will listen even at great distance, who can influence many animals of a much larger size than itself without causing a wreck or losing its confidence. These types of Border Collies are often very sound in temperament (and I say that with a lot of experience with dogs)! However, these breeders can put health on the back burner and sometimes will simply not health test their dogs at all, which can be concerning to some. They may also not be raised with the best (or any) puppy rearing or socialization practices. Dogs from these programs may not be the most versatile, and may take more effort to adjust to life beyond the farm. They need appropriate outlets for their drive and firm but fair handling.
In the sporting lines, for example agility or flyball focused breeding programs, the dogs often don’t have a natural off switch and can be prone to destructive behaviors, OCD tendencies, over the top arousal, excess reactivity, and a lack of self preservation as a few examples. That may make a world class flyball dog but does not always make for the best living companion.
In the conformation/show lines, there are commonly issues with temperament as breeders often evaluate the appearance and structure of the dog and prioritize that above other factors. They can be lacking in drive and biddability, struggle with displaced herding behaviors like shadow/reflection/light chasing, car chasing and motion reactivity, and I’ve commonly seen fur-chewing behaviors in the dogs going back to conformation lineage. Paradoxically, they can be far from the breed standard (which calls for moderation in all aspects), often being very overdone or exaggerated in body and coat–directly conflicting with their ability to work for duration in varied climates. They are very cute and are ideally an “easier” and equally versatile Border Collie compared to other lines, but it doesn’t always turn out that way.
Lastly, there are many Border Collies and sport dogs/sport mixes who come from kennels who are breeding without a specific intended purpose. Often, they can be referred to as “backyard breeders” who are not working to better the breed or breed ethically. This can be challenging to identify especially as a newcomer to the breeding world. Health testing should be the bare minimum, not the primary sign of an ethical or intentional breeder.
Historically, Border Collies were meant to be “on,” to be managing large flocks of sheep, to be working in complex, challenging, and dynamic environments. To completely ignore all of those things when they’re told “that’ll do” and the job is done. Taking that caliber of dog and expecting it to be flawless in our human society is not appreciating the breed in its most true form. Border Collies should not be the go-to for people wanting a dog that will not require them to increase their level of education.
I prefer the genetics and temperament of working lines and some sporting lines. Temperament is among the most important considerations in my program, and I am very careful with the pairings I choose. I know my dog’s faults and the things I would like to improve on in future generations! I am active and intentional in my breedings, and my goal is to create well-rounded puppies that can excel at herding, sports and training, who are also good pets. Because at the end of the day, that's what they all are! Our companions.
Finding a Border Collie breeder whose goals and ideals are congruent with your own is what is most important. Border Collies have become such a popular breed and many people want to breed them... but without necessarily holding themselves accountable for, not only the dogs they produce, but also their puppy buyers' success and long-term happiness with their dog.
What it all boils down to at the end of the day is finding a breeder whose program aligns with the things that you value and are looking to find in your dog.