Thinking Of Buying A Border Collie?
The Border Collie is a medium-sized breed of dog that has bounds of energy and enjoys the outdoors. Their lifespan is approximately 10-15 years old, and they must be attended to often for happiness. The Border Collie comes in a range of colour combinations that includes white in the coat with a mixture of either black, blue, red or brown. The males reach 47-53cm in height and the females reach 45-51cm, slightly shorter.
Border Collies can also be put to work, useful as sheepdogs and in competitions where they can demonstrate their smarts and athleticism. Playful and demanding, more and more people are purchasing the Border Collie as a pet. They are no longer acquired purely for herding or sport.
Personality
Intelligent, friendly and recommended for active families, the Border Collie thrives on work and tiring activity, eager to learn and recognised as one of the smartest breeds of dog. The Border Collie requires loads of attention and will struggle in an environment without regular stimulation. Owners need to place emphasis on providing time and care towards their dog, especially in terms of exercise; a large backyard and obstacles are necessary to test their stamina.
While they will be affectionate to people and children, a bored Border Collie may enter into mischief to satisfy requirements. They are very agile dogs, and enjoy tasks such as jumping through hoops and reaching heights on constructed equipment. Known to show off, the Border Collie will challenge owners in their early stages of growth to test who is dominant. Apartment life is not an option, and the results of poor management will provide you with a disobedient dog.
Health
Due to their high levels of activity, the Border Collie can suffer from hip issues and other bone/muscular problems. Eye diseases are common, so it is best to have their eyes checked every three months by a vet. Beware of Storage Disease, which is a build-up of sugar on the brain that changes the temperament of a Border Collie and can result in aggression. There have been cases of Border Collies being put down due to the drastic changes in behaviour.
Cancer remains the highest cause of death, followed closely by age and cerebral vascular afflictions. There is little than can be done about these issues. Hearing loss is common to the breed, and can occur in both the puppy and adult stages. As with all pets, consult your vet and ensure regular checks.
Cost
As they are high maintenance dogs, their costs will exceed most other breeds. Puppy classes from a young age are highly recommended for training and obedience purposes, and this also allows them to meet other dogs and bond with the owner. As they grow, activities such as swimming, fetch, running and Frisbee are ideal to ensure mental and physical happiness; purchasing toys is a wise investment. Thick coats require brushing and grooming, while baths are necessary (especially when it’s warm) as dirt and other excrements will get caught in fur and bother the dog. Beware; they will shed.
As mentioned, if they are not given the required amount of attention, they will become restless. This will result in chewed walls/furniture, holes in the floor and urine in the house. Border Collies also chase moving vehicles, so it is best to have them on a leash when navigating through areas with roads.
If you have large amounts of space and a patient family that can spend time with the dog, this breed is for you. For those who spend the majority of time away from the household, it is best to consider another option.
Border Collie Boarding Perth
West Coast Pet Care Centre is the perfect place to bring your Border Collie as the staff have extensive experience in training border collies. There is also plenty of space for them to run around. Get in touch with the team at West Coast Pet Care Centre to book in to Perth’s best dog boarding facility today.