Do Border Collies make a good house pet?

Question

Hi, I live in a bungalow and I was wondering if a border collie would be a good house pet. I already have a golden retriever, so if you can tell me anything about border collies, and who they get along with, that would be great. Thanks! :)

Answer 1

Yes, they would. And sometimes you have to take it outside with you for some exercise and maybe do some training :)

Answer 2

The housing situation is of little importance with this breed.

What you need to know is that Border Collies are not good "pet" dogs. They are not content with simply a few 15 minute walks around the block each day.

One subjected to only that as their form of daily exercise will become destructive, neurotic, and aggressive.



You need to be able to devote at least 2 hours of solid physical exercise to this breed on a daily basis. On top of that you will need to provide at least an hour of mental stimulation (things to make the dog thing - obedience, agility, herding etc.)



I have seen first hand many Border Collies that are subjected to a normal "pet" amount of exercise and it's not pretty.

Some are so far gone that they will never be "normal" dogs. I know a few that have been euthanized as a result.

Answer 3

Yes, they can make great house pets IF you make sure all it's needs are met.



As I've said a hundred times on this site, not all border collies need to be on a farm. I bought my BC at 11 months old from a CBCA breeder (breed for intelligence not looks) and she was sold because she didn't want to work. My BC loves to cuddle.



That being said she is handful. They need to be walked. We walk ours at a min twice a day every day for a min of an hour each time. Not to mention we play endlessly with her. As well as with our eight year BC terrier mix and my two and one year old Siberian huskies.



They are not ones to be bored, they usually make up there own own fun, and you will not like what they find fun. They were breed to spend all day with their masters, so they like being with you. They are incredibly Smart, so games to improve intelligence, and teaching tricks is a great way to bond.



All in all, if you don't mind that 5/10 times your dog would rather be with you then the other dog. You having to spend a lot of time, energy, training (not to herd things on wheels, kids, cars). Don't mind ENDLESSLY throwing the ball, a border collie can make a great house pet.



Just keep in mind border collies are one of the most common dogs in shelters for a reason. Not everyone can handle one. They are not like a retriever.

Answer 4

NO!!!



Border collies need a job - all day.

The last place they should be asked to live is in a small house or apartment.

they are not good with dogs they don't with, and can be quite territorial - they can also nip kids passing by, and bark. Seriously, you don't want any part of that, or anything else in the Herding group.



Your best bet would be to adopt another Golden, a Lab or even a retired racing Greyhound - but something mature enough to live in a house. Greyhounds get along with everything but very small dogs (they are trained to chase Jack the rabbit, and are after all, hounds) - and are known as the forty mile an hour couch potato. very sweet, funny, and love everyone. they also do very well in what other dogs consider small spaces, since their racetrack enclosures are basically large crates.

Answer 5

Border Collies are hyper and extremely intelligent. If you are at home during the day and you can cope with LONG walks and training you should consider a B.C.



A Border Collie has a good temperament and is friendly with other dogs.IF IF IF you have the time and inclination to also do dog sports in addition to long walks..



You can sometimes dodge walks with a Goldie, however if you dodge walks and training with a Border Collie it will drive your crackers. B.C. need walks, training and fun every day.

Answer 6

weigh 30 - 60 pounds

the bite because herding instinct is overwhelming

border collies can make good house pets but only for dogs who do not have the intense herding instinct

hyper

far difficult to handle

bred to herd sheep

not good around kids

needs 2-3 hours exercize aday

can remain confined to house all d ay while u are a t work but dont expect u to come home and relax

not easy to train

i would say no do not get this dog

Answer 7

They get along with other dogs if your dog will get along with him, but border collies need lots of exercise & a place to run

Answer 8

border collies are great dogs. plus they are the #1 most inteligent dog breed in the world! the only thing is they need a lot of exercise so i wouldnt get one if you dont do a lot of physical activities.

Answer 9

BC's are very high energy dogs, so if you don't have the time to walk and play with the dog every day, its best not to try to make them a "house" pet like your golden. And BC's were bred to work, herd sheep, etc. They need a "job" to so and will get very bored and destructive if you expect them to lay around in the house.

Answer 10

They are suited for country area, they're highly active and need plenty of exercise.

If you don't live in a rural area, but still really want one, you'll need to give him/her LOTS of exercise.

Though highly active when young, as they become older they exercise less, which means their joints begin to ease up.

Highly intelligent dog, considered one of the smartest breeds in the world.

-Good luck!



EDIT- forgot to mention, it really is important you exercise them, or they'll begin to use their herding instinct on your children or maybe even you!

Answer 11

if you have the time to take out and train and exercise