Confession time. One – I LOVE Border Collies. Two – when I got my Border Collie, Soda, I was 21 years old and had NO IDEA what I was getting myself into.

You see Border Collies make excellent companions. They are smart – you know the dog that learnt over 1000 words? A Border Collie. They also have oodles of energy, a charming and affectionate nature… and to top it all off – a fluffy coat. In my eyes they really are the perfect dog. But as I said, the 21 year old me had to learn very quickly that for all of the wonderful attributes a Border Collie possesses they require a devoted owner who is willing to give as much as they take from their family pooch. In other words I had to go from being a shoe-obsessed couch potato to someone who got up at 6am to take my puppy for a run. Was it worth it? You Bet.

Now for a happy BC I’m not talking about moving to Scotland so your dog can herd sheep for the rest of their days but I am talking about daily exercise, lots of educational toys, and bucket loads of attention. Anything you give to a Border Collie you get back ten fold so make it count and you’ll be loved for the rest of your days.

FLUFFY WRAP UP
Grooming For long haired Border Collies you need to be prepared to brush them daily. Some shorter haired pups can get away with less (i.e. once a week), but Soda’s nickname isn’t Fluffy for nothing! It’s also a good idea to invest in a good quality vaccuum cleaner and lint brush for a bit of shedding around the house.
Exercise This is where Border Collie’s shine. Devote at least an hour or two each day to your pooch – walking, backyard fetch, off leash runs, frisbee, flyball, hide and seek, pats and games….the list is endless but the aim is the same: to keep your dog’s mind and body active.
Temperament Sweet natured and cuddly, Border Collies make excellent companions for people who have the time to devote to them – best with couples, singles or older families. Toddlers just remind them waaaay too much of sheep, and as you can imagine young kids being herded up by a big dog usually ends in tears.
Space Requirements Needs a medium/large space, and adequate areas for fetching and herding games. A big backyard for a Border Collie is nothing without someone to share it with.

Love the idea of a Border Collie? Try your local shelters or your nearby Border Collie Rescue. To get started here are some beautiful boys and girls at Border Collie Rescue that are looking for homes.