Border collie in small house?

Question

My family is looking into getting a dog. My mom prefers a smaller dog and I prefer a larger dog, so I thought a border collie would be a good way to meet in the middle. I am a very active person and love to run, so the border collie would get a long walk/run daily. Also, in the winter I was thinking of allowing it to pull a sled around in the snow or training it to go on the treadmill. The problem is that my house is not very big. It is 3 stories (basement, middle floor (living room, kitchen, etc.), upper floor (bedrooms). As long as I provide the border collie with many stimulating toys to play with and daily exercise, will it be okay? Is it possible to have a happy border collie in a smaller home? Or should I reconsider?

Answer 1

That's a small house? My house is one storey, 924 square feet, and my two large dogs manage very well because they get enough exercise that when they're at home, they sleep a lot. A dog doesn't need to charge around the house, though there's nothing wrong with that if you don't mind, and if you want to play with the dog in the house then the space of the average living room carpet is plenty. I don't think you have a problem as far as house size goes. More to the point is how much activity the dog needs, and with Border Collies it's lots. A daily walk or run is great, twice a day would be much better, and if you have a yard where you could do a little agility stuff, that would be better still. And of course there are activities you can do in the house to keep the dog busy, even if it's only getting the dog to follow you around. Border Collies need to be busy. They were bred to do a job and need a substitute if you don't have sheep for them to herd.

Answer 2

Size is relative. If it is big enough for you why would it not be for a BC? The home is not their exercise ground! Border Collies are intelligent, eager to learn and lovely dogs BUT they are an active working breed. They need a lot of excercise and a task to do. Combine the walks with set tasks and they will come home mentally satisfied and physically satisfied. I live in a rural area and there is a large 'Common' nearby. My dogs [none of the current 3 are BC but 2 are terriers] get an hour and a half off the leash on the common in the morning and same again in the early evening, they chase bunnies, explore every interesting smell but also have training tasks incorporated. They are fit and well behaved and as a recent retiree the excercise does wonders for me as well!

Answer 3

Smaller dog...larger dog.....



A Border Collie is not a good dog to fit in the middle. At all.



There are TONS of breeds that are mid-sized. And most would do great and be satisfied with "a" long walk/run a day.



A treadmill? Yes, it is some physical exercise, but is "mindless" exercise.



...for a BC this is not enough.



Reconsider.

Answer 4

Small Collie

Answer 5

Border Collies shed big time, need a whole lot of activity, this could put a strain on your relationship with your mom, especially if you don't help clean up after it. Not saying that you won't. I went through this with my son! I would look into getting a smaller breed, but not one that is hyperactive. A Schnauzer is a good one. We had one for a long time, they come in different sizes. You guys need to do your research as well as potential health problems that all breeds can be prone to. A good example is Irish Setters are very prone to cancer. Cocker Spaniels are disease prone as well. Don't just think of a dog you can take with you every day. Look at all aspects. Certain breeds are going to run up vet bills as they get older. Growing up with Dobermans, they never had health issues, they are bad *** in terms of nobody will mess with you if it is with you. Are very loyal, are protective and will attack and not shy away if someone tries to mess with your family. Grey ones don't keep their fur though. Just my thoughts

Answer 6

The size of the house doesn't matter. However, if you'd research border collies, you'd know that taking him for a long walk/run daily isn't even close to being enough for this breed. They NEED a job to do - you have to be prepared for that very long walk/run every day. In addition, you need to get involved in obedience, agility, rally, herding, tracking, disc sports, flyball - several activities to keep the dog's mind occupied. You have to get involved in classes in several dog activities.



This is not a breed to sit around a house/yard for 23 hours a day. Reconsider.

Answer 7

Ok i have a almost 2 yr old border collie in a house like urs and hes doing fine just take ur dog for lots of walks but it would be better to run with him or her that's what my mom does and border collies are the number 1 dog to run with. just as lone as u have a nice fenced in back yard u will be fine and my dog luvs to play Ball and tag and jump on our trampoline so i think u would be perfectly happy with a border collie just BE WARE THEY ARE REALLY SMART AND HAVE A TON OF ENERGY but so many times are gate has been blowen open and he just sits there and watches it blow open and close and 1 more thing THEY R SOOOOOOOOOOO FUNNY!!!!!



GEt it trained well!!!

Answer 8

I think it'd be okay to have a border collie in your home. But in the winter, don't have it pull sleds because he might not be strong enough or do the tread mill thing. Thats just stupid.