Border Collie Crazy: Why I love Border Collies

When I chose Timmy, my first Border Collie, from a number of dogs at the SPCA in the early 1980’s, I knew nothing about Border Collies – I just knew I liked this black and white puppy the minute I saw him. Since then, I have not been without a Border Collie – with Timmy there was Pandy, then came Micca, Jodi and Pancho, and now I still have Pancho (13 years old) as well as my boy’s Baloo (9) and Dazzle (6). They have each been individuals with their own characters, likes, dislikes and habits, but they have also each been true to their breed: intelligent, energetic and loyal, with great working ability and a love for being active. I love the expression on their faces when I ask them to do something, they do it a lightning speed and then look up at me with a face that say’s “Been there, done that, now what?”

There have been comments that Border Collies should not be bred for their looks but for working ability alone. I say: why not have both good looks and great working ability ? One characteristic shouldn’t have to be compromised for the other. Look at my two stunning boy’s – I wouldn’t trade them for anything. They are gorgeous to look at, have wonderful characters, and they love to work.

I would love them to do what they were bred for – sheep-herding – but the nearest place to do sheep-herding is literally between 3 and 4 hours drive away .. to far to travel regularly. So they have Agility and Dog Jumping as an outlet for their energy and use of brainpower. Granted: they do not work independently in Agility as they may at times do when herding sheep and the sheperd is out of sight, but there is nothing nicer than feeling the bond between you and your dog on an Agility course when you two are in sync with one another and your round is clear and perfect because you are working together as a team.

Here is a photo of Baloo and Dazzle with prizes they won at an Agility and Dog Jumping show – Dazzle had a 1st and 2nd place, and Baloo had a 2nd place.