A border collie is a high energy dog breed that requires an owner who can provide the time and attention it needs. They are intelligent, strong-willed dogs that require boundaries in order to thrive in their environment.
Our Border Collie Temperament and Personality Guide will help you understand the personality and traits of the Border Collie.
The playfulness of Border Collies
Border Collies are famously known for being very playful. They are extremely intelligent dogs, and they use their intelligence to make the most out of every single situation possible. They love training games, interactive toys, and especially playing with other Border Collies. Even if you decide not to train your border collie in complicated things like agility or fly, you should still provide them with mental stimulation. They absolutely love it!
Are Border Collies open to strangers?
Border Collies are generally good with strangers. The thing is, they can be very picky about who they like and don’t like. They need to get to know someone first before they decide if said person is okay or not. If you have guests over for dinner, your border collie will probably want to get to know them first, and will probably end up hiding somewhere in the house if they don’t like your guest. If they do like your guest, then they will be very friendly and outgoing around them.
How trainable are Border Collies?
Border Collies are one of the most trainable breeds. You can train them to do all kinds of cool tricks, or more specific tasks that border collies are known for doing such as herding sheep, cattle, etc. Whilst you may not actually have sheep around the house, you can teach your border collie to herd toys, kids, other dogs or anything else you consider “herdable”. This strong herding instinct is a trait that Border Collies are famous for. You can also train them for flyball.
The adaptability of Border Collies
Border Collies will be best suited to an environment where they can run around and play. If you don’t have a backyard, or you just want to take your border collie for a walk instead of letting them play in the yard, then that is absolutely fine as long as it’s not too hot outside. They would love to go running around with you! That being said, they are also very adaptable to most households and environments, being a medium sized dog.
The protective nature of Border Collies
Border Collies are very protective animals, and will take up the role as “owner protector”, or “pack protector” very quickly. If they don’t know you, then expect that your border collie may bark at you until they decide to trust you. They are constantly on alert and observant of their surroundings, and will conveniently let you know if they notice any strangers or other animals. Sometimes border collies will try to be “pack leader” as well, so it’s important to show them that YOU are the one in charge of everything, and that they should listen to and obey you at all times.
Border Collies will often give you the stare, and while some people think it’s funny, it can be very intimidating for anyone who doesn’t know border collies well enough. If you’re not offering your Border Collie enough of the stuff he wants, he’ll stare at you like this.
Confidence of Border Collies
Border Collies are intelligent dogs and confidence is a trait that many of them share. Border Collie owners need to make sure their confidence does not get in the way of training, however, as this confidence could cause them to become too stubborn for their own good. When properly trained, border collies can be obedient and loving dogs. Their confidence and intelligence make them a good choice for a wide range of people, including single owners and families with children.
However, this confidence can also become a problem if not properly addressed by the owner. Border Collies need to know who is in charge or they may try to take over. This means that training methods need to be consistent and firm to prevent their confidence from becoming overbearing.
This confidence can also manifest in the form of aggression. Border Collies have a high prey drive, meaning anything moving fast will catch their eye, so it is important for owners to socialise them with other animals early on in life. If they are not introduced to new animals or situations
Intelligence and Loyalty
Border Collies are considered one of the smartest dog breeds. This intelligence stems from their confidence and creates a bright, loyal companion. Their confidence means they have a natural curiosity and desire to learn. They can easily pick up on commands and tricks, which is a great benefit for new owners who may need help training them.
Their intelligence also means that they are easily bored, so owners need to be careful not to use the same trick over and over again if their dog is capable of learning more. If a border collie gets bored with daily activities, they may become destructive or try to find other ways to entertain themselves.
In addition, intelligence means that these dogs can become a bit mischievous. They may be able to figure out how to open cabinets and closets, play with power cords, or even learn how to open doors by using their intelligence and their body weight as leverage.
Border Collies are also known as one of the most loyal breeds due to their intelligence and confidence. Their intelligence allows them to become very attached to their owners, which can be a great thing for single dog owners.
However, this intelligence and loyalty can also lead to separation anxiety if they do not get enough attention and exercise.
Border Collies need mental stimulation.
Border Collies are curious, smart dogs who have a lot of intelligence that needs to be engaged. They need regular mental games and challenges to keep them from being bored.
As stated above, intelligence means they will become easily bored if not given enough physical or mental activity on a regular basis. Without this, they can become destructive or anxious.
In addition, intelligence can also lead to separation anxiety or boredom if they are not given enough attention and mental stimulation.
Vocal Border Collies.
Border Collies are known for being very vocal. They may whine, bark, or even howl to get the attention of their owner.
However, this intelligence also means that border collies need firm owners who are not afraid to set boundaries. If their intelligence is not met with firmness and guidance, they may begin testing their owner.
Loud barking can happen with Border Collies, but it is not inherent, and this behaviour could be curbed with training to prevent it from becoming an annoyance.
Border Collies are super energetic.
Border Collies were originally bred as working dogs, so they have a lot of pent up energy. They need to be engaging in physical and mental exercises daily or else their not spending their bags of energy can turn into destructiveness.
Their intelligence also means that it is easy for them to become over-excited and overworked which can lead to exhaustion if they are not given time to calm down.
Border Collies are playful, energetic dogs who need a lot of activity every day. They are best suited for owners who can provide them with long walks or some form of physical exercise on a daily basis. Without this, they will quickly become destructive or frustrated.
Other Frequently Asked Questions about Border Collies
Are Border Collies anxious dogs?
Border Collies are not always known for being anxious dogs, but their intelligence and loyalty can lead to anxiety in some situations.
For example, if their intelligence and loyalty are not met with firmness and guidance, they may become anxious.
They are also very intelligent dogs, so they can easily become anxious if not given enough mental or physical activity on a regular basis. This can lead to destructive or anxious behavior.
Conclusion
Border Collies are a wonderful herding dog that is intelligent, playful, and energetic. They require significant mental stimulation from their owners to keep them happy. They can be vocal at times but make loyal companions for those willing to give the time they need! If you’re considering adding one to your family you should know these qualities before making any decisions about which breed might best suit your needs. The Border Collie has been ranked as one of the top 10 smartest breeds in the world – an intelligent animal that requires daily physical exercise and mental challenges to keep them happy!