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Border Collie breed profile

Training and intelligence
Border Collies are very intelligent and very trainable. However, the key here is finding activities to use up both physical and mental energy, so the dog is happy and has no need to think up ways to amuse itself. For anyone who wants to compete in obednience, few breeds can beat the Border Collie for willingness to work and speed.

Temperament
Border Collies are born to herd, and even with no sheep to look after, they are still driven to be active. They are very devoted to their family, and excel at obedience and agility activities. They can be very focussed on what they want to do, and can be very effective in communicating what they want you to do.

Attitude towards strange dogs and people
Not having a high level of agression, Border Collies are usually friendly with other people and most dogs. They do have protective instincts, and some can be shy, so socialisation is important.

Grooming and shedding
Border Collies are medium shedders, and a weekly groom will help keep the coat tangle free.

Exercise
Border Collies have very high energy levels, and need a lot of exercise. Occupying them adequately is quite a challenge as they have energy, stamina and are very clever. Don't underestimate the commitment you make in taking on a Border Collie; significant amounts of exercise will be necessary every day no matter how tired or busy you are, or how bad the weather is!

Need for company
Border Collies are not couch potatoes, and the only thing worse than lounging around, is lounging around alone. They need company and will not take well to being left alone for long periods as they will become bored and destructive.

General
The huge popularity of the Border Collie breed shows that the effort you need to put in to keep this breed happy is well worth it. Remember their breeding though, which often results in them trying to herd their people, especially children.

Sharing

273 - dog parkour and dog news discussion

Dog trainer Emma Hendy explains how Dog Parkour can help your bond with your dog, and give you both a new mindset. Julie gives her opinion on some dog news stories which caught her attention.

189 - The Dog Healers and War Dogs Remembered

In this episode you can hear Mark Winik talk about his debut novel, The Dog Healers, and listen to Julia Robertson explain why she founded the charity War Dogs remembered. Plus there's the DogCast Radio News, and what Mischief the German Spitz puppy has been up to.

188 - Service Dogs UK and Roxie the Doxie Finds Her Forever Home

In this episode you can hear about Service Dogs UK, a fantastic charity which trains assistance dogs to support veterans of any service - military personnel, police, firefighters, paramedics and the coastguard - who develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to their job. Also, listen to Dr Jody A Dean, a clinical psychologist talk about how her book, Roxie the Doxie finds her Forever Home, is helping children understand and talk about adoption and other family issues. Plus the DogCast Radio News and some thoughts on the alpha dog myth.

187 - Muffins Halo and Chorley Fun Dog Show

In this episode you can hear about Muffin's Halo for Blind Dogs, and what motivates people to enter their dog in a fun dog show. In the DogCast Radio News, listen to stories about the latest dog related research. Plus there's a new member of the DogCast Radio team!

186 - Maxwell Muir on wolves

In this episode you can hear trainer, behaviourist, writer, broadcaster and wolf expert Maxwell Muir talk about what wolves mean to him personally, their plight in a modern world, and his hopes for their future. Plus we have the DogCast Radio News.