Wendy Bedwell Wilson - Border Collie

CONTENTS

By Allan Reznik, Editor-at-Large, DOG FANCY magazine

Meet the Border Colliean intelligent, hard-working, energetic herding breed that excels in competition, in the field, and as a companion for the active owner.

Our simple two-page guide gives you all the necessary information about the Border Colliein 300 words or less!

While its name reflects its development on the English/Scottish border, this herding breed traces its ancestry back to farm dogs of the ancient Romans and has become known as one of dogdoms brightest.

Find out how to choose a reputable breeder and pick a healthy puppy or how to work with a shelter or rescue organization to adopt a dog. Either way, there are plenty of Border Collies out there waiting for homes.

You need to puppy-proof (or Border Collie-proof) your house and make sure that you have what your new dog needs to be comfortable, such as bedding, toys, and other essentials.

Your first job is getting your Border Collie to do the doo where you want him to. Using a cratea.k.a. a modern-day denwill expedite the process.

Selecting a veterinarian means doing some research and planning your Border Collies first vet visit. Also, learn what to do when everyday bumps and bruises occur.

Learn how to deal with external and internal parasites, skin problems, and medical and behavioral conditions common to the breed.

With proper knowledge and a bit of research, you can feed your Border Collie a sound diet for optimal health and condition at all life stages.

From brushing and bathing basics to nail-clipping instructions, youll have your Border Collie looking his best.

Every dog needs training to become a well-mannered member of your home, and advice on the basics will help you teach your dog to follow your cues without hassle.

A well-behaved dog isnt just born that way. When problems arise, prompt and appropriate training will turn bad habits into good behavior.

Your Border Collie has great potential in many areas, whether work, competition, or just plain fun. Harness his energy and build your bond as you train and play together.

Border Collie, a Smart Owners Guide

ISBN: 978-1-593787-82-0 2012

eISBN: 978-1-593787-40-0

Printed in China. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by Photostat, scanner, microfilm, xerography, or any other means, or incorporated into any information retrieval system, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright owner.

photographers include Isabelle Francais/I-5 Publishing, LLC; Tara Darling/I-5 Publishing, LLC; Gina Cioli/I-5 Publishing, LLC; Shutterstock.com

FOREWORD

K9 EXPERT EDUCATION

If you are considering bringing a Border Collie into your life, congratulations! Youre in good company. This breeds incredible intelligence, energy, trainability, and work ethic are what have catapulted it to worldwide popularity in recent years. From print ads and movies to TV series and all manner of commercials, the Border Collie has become the poster pup for brainy dogs in the media. Where chic Afghan Hounds and Poodles once dominated the fashion and lifestyle pages, today its the Border Collie whos lounging on leather sofas, dining in state-of-the-art kitchens, and riding in luxury SUVs.

Fantasy has its place, but for prospective dog owners, a reality check is in ordernever more so than when investigating the Border Collie. The same qualities that make this breed such an asset on the farm and agility course present a huge challenge to pet owners. A Border Collie can make a wonderful companion in the right home, but the breeds prey drive and relentless energy are difficult to live with. This is a dog who must have an active, engaged owner who accepts the commitment to keep him busy, well exercised, and always with a job to do. The Border Collie may be considered the worlds most intelligent dog, but he doesnt train himself.

A Border Collie is in his element when hes doing what he was meant to do.

Much like a gifted child who isnt challenged in school, a bored, neglected Border Collie will become destructive. Confinement and isolation lead to barking, digging, and chewing. Small, furry pets and running children will trigger the dogs prey-chasing instinct, often with tragic consequences.

Remember that the breeds temperament was irrelevant to the shepherds who lived alone on the hills and moors. A shy or wary dog was a non-issue in an isolated environment. Thats not the case for modern-day owners in suburbia. Early and ongoing socialization of puppies is essential to prevent shyness or aggression.

Where you acquire your puppy is always of prime importance, but particularly so in this breed because different bloodlines display different behaviors. Those bloodlines bred to work cattle tend to produce stubborn, dominant dogs. Many bloodlines that work sheep and compete in trials produce softer, more responsive dogs. The most successful obedience dogs are intense and high-energy and love to retrieve. Border Collies descended from conformation (dog show) bloodlines are generally more mellow, with less prey drive, and probably make the best pets.

The parents of a litter will give you an excellent indication of how the puppies will turn out. You wont have the parents to meet and observe if you adopt your dog from a shelter or Border Collie rescue group, so in this case, try to obtain as much information as you can about the dogs past. How did the rescue volunteers acquire him? What do they know about his background? What light can the foster home shed on his individual quirks? How is he with children, adults, men, women, other pets, riding in the car, being left alone? The more observations they can share with you, the better equipped you will be to choose the right Border Collie.

The Border Collie is indeed unique, but that means that he isnt right for everyone. Take the time to study the breed and assess your family to ensure that you and the Border Collie really are the best fit. There are lots of great breeds out there to consider, many of them much less complex and demanding in their care. If you are convinced that the Border Collie is the one for you, proceed with caution, talk to breeders and owners, and find the most suitable dog for your familys energy level.

Allan Reznik
Editor-at-Large, DOG FANCY

With this Smart Owners Guide, you are well on your way to earning your Border Collie diploma. But your Border Collie education doesnt end here. You are invited to join Club Border (DogChannel.com/Club-Border), a FREE online site with lots of fun and instructive features, such as:

forums, blogs, and profiles