Border Collie

My wife and I were lucky enough to get a adult border collie 2 years ago. The dog came from a dysfunctional household where the husband shot and killed his wife and then turned the gun on himself and committed suicide. This happened at Knouff Lake outside of Kamloops. Through word of mouth we heard about the dog and took her in. In the beginning she was shy to a fault , but in a short time became the most loving pet we have ever had . She is Loyal and protective to both of us and the family cat. Almost every weekend we go out on the ATV and she loves to go. When she finally starts to tire after running a long way at a good clip we call her and she jumps up on the ATV and rides with us until she gets her wind back. We take a couple of guns with us for plinking and she is somewhat gun shy although she is getting better. I dont see her ever being a hunting dog but you will never find a more loyal friend than a border collie.
 
I live in Saskatchewan. When I need to find a deer I just look out my back door and I can see clear over to Alberta.

I did think of a hound dog but some of the people I spoke with said they were trouble when it comes to house training and just training in general.
 
robbcart said:
My wife and I were lucky enough to get a adult border collie 2 years ago. The dog came from a dysfunctional household where the husband shot and killed his wife and then turned the gun on himself and committed suicide. This happened at Knouff Lake outside of Kamloops. Through word of mouth we heard about the dog and took her in. In the beginning she was shy to a fault , but in a short time became the most loving pet we have ever had . She is Loyal and protective to both of us and the family cat. Almost every weekend we go out on the ATV and she loves to go. When she finally starts to tire after running a long way at a good clip we call her and she jumps up on the ATV and rides with us until she gets her wind back. We take a couple of guns with us for plinking and she is somewhat gun shy although she is getting better. I dont see her ever being a hunting dog but you will never find a more loyal friend than a border collie.
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Agree with all that has been said regarding these dogs.
Our bordie collie would flinch then run the other direction, and she never did get used to the sound of gun fire. Usually it was while checking fences that a 'yote was spotted and shot at, she was never taken on a grouse hunt but I doubt it would have been any different for that dog.

Great companions and tireless. If they'll wear bandanas around their neck you may be able to train it to wear hearing protection.:)
 
Deemed by who to be smartest of all breeds? Past owners? LOL

A boxer dog has the most certifications and awards (tests/contests/competitions) achieved by any dog ever in the USA IIRC.

All dogs with great owners are great.

A border collie will be a good family dog, as well as outdoorsy dog if you want one. Most dogs can be trained for things it does not have "genetic predisposition" for, but if you want a hunting dog, get a hunting dog. Easier...
 
Meh. Certifications are a sign of an owner with a hobby of entering their dogs in trials, not of the innate superiority of the breed.

The Border Collie was not even a recognized breed until a short while ago, in the CKC, as the breeders bred them based on ability and instinct, as well as what they bloody well liked in the way they looked, rather than to an idealized "standard" that the other breeds were bred to meet. Brains ruled out over shapes, sizes and color choices, as far as a Border Collie was concerned.

I've seen a few folk that had their lives changed by the dogs. Folks that ended up buying acreage, and a flock of geese or ducks, to give the dogs something to do, and finding out that there are their own competitions (Herding, Sheepdog Trials) , that they had not known about when they did not have them around.

Dad had two, neither would stay in the same square mile as a gunshot going off. A friends was the same way. If the dog was missing, you could fire a shot in the air, and about three minutes later a black and white streak would be seen heading to hide under the truck.

They are smart, busy dogs, incredibly trainable. Keep your eyes on your car keys and wallet! :D

I'm more of a sighthound guy, but watching a sheepdog Trial is a pretty good way to spend a Saturday!

Cheers
Trev
 
Folks that ended up buying acreage, and a flock of geese or ducks, to give the dogs something to do, and finding out that there are their own competitions
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That's a great idea. I've got a 22 acre chunk of alfalfa/grass that would be ideal for free range ducks. How are they with other dogs? My rottie is really good with other dogs, so I would think a young BC would be adopted like TJ's cats.
 
robbcart said:
My wife and I were lucky enough to get a adult border collie 2 years ago. The dog came from a dysfunctional household where the husband shot and killed his wife and then turned the gun on himself and committed suicide. This happened at Knouff Lake outside of Kamloops. Through word of mouth we heard about the dog and took her in. In the beginning she was shy to a fault , but in a short time became the most loving pet we have ever had . She is Loyal and protective to both of us and the family cat. Almost every weekend we go out on the ATV and she loves to go. When she finally starts to tire after running a long way at a good clip we call her and she jumps up on the ATV and rides with us until she gets her wind back. We take a couple of guns with us for plinking and she is somewhat gun shy although she is getting better. I dont see her ever being a hunting dog but you will never find a more loyal friend than a border collie.
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I knew Michael and Helen.....shod horses for her and her daughter. Had a Christmas drink with Michael years ago......tragic!! Helen was beautiful.
Know the dog as well..small world.
 
casterpollox said:
I'm looking for a friend and found a 7 month old Border Collie at the local Humane Society.

"Joey" is neutered and the staff say he's a bit shy but really warms up to you once he get to know you.

joey2.gif


I've never really heard of Collies used as hunting dogs but does anyone have any experience with them? Even just as a pet?
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Congrats! Sweet looking pup! :)

Best dog I have ever had was my first...A border collie Deer hound Cross.
I Got her at the SPCA at 8 months of age, and she already had a litter of puppies at 6 months of age.

She could and did everything... Agility, fly ball, tracking, coursing, clicker training, volunteered with me for chasing Geese of a Cities Sport fields, Kept our pitbulls in line, and even enjoyed their spring pole exercise toy. She was one amazing dog and probably smarter then me on many levels. Also she was highly ball obsessed which was a great outlet for her high drive and a good gateway into other activities.

Sadly we lost her last year to Heart/Blood Cancer (a Deerhound trait) at 12 years of age. :(

In my professional opinion as a dog trainer the breed traits are just a guideline...what is in the heart of the dog is more important... ie what the dog really enjoys doing...he will tell yah. :D

Play safe, and have fun. :)
 
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Had one, loved to stalk (point) partridge and mourning doves. She didn't mind me shooting them but I had to wait till they were out of her jump range she caught a few on the ground and in the air, gave the wild turkeys fits. Scrappy was a great border, Jeannie the Aussi ignored the small birds but would help work the wild turkeys. They do need a lot of work but they give a lot in return, all the best art.
 
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