The Short Haired Border Collie: The Right Pet for You?

Short Haired Border CollieChoosing the Right Pet

Some people jump into dog ownership with little more thought than simply responding to a desire to own a dog. The process is much more involved than that and should be taken very seriously. You aren’t just getting a piece of furniture to match your home or a plaything to cuddle when you feel like it. Dogs are living creatures with full-blown personalities and needs. Bringing one into your household is like adopting a child in many ways and can be just as much of a full-time responsibility.

But, when approached with the right sense of care and understanding, owning a dog can be a fulfilling and wonderful experience. You aren’t just getting a pet; you’re getting a friend, companion and lifelong member of the family.

In this article, we’ll discuss the attributes of the Short Haired Border Collie, one of the most energetic and work-driven dogs of all time. Consider all before you take the step towards ownership.

 

The Short Haired Border Collie: A Working Dog

According to PetMD, the exact origins of the Short Haired Border Collie aren’t known, but it is widely thought that they hark back to the sheepdogs who helped keep herds of sheep and cattle in order along the borders of England and Scotland. Because of this working background, border collies have retained a sense of duty that is the driving force of their personalities. They are hardworking, energetic dogs who show great loyalty to their owners while being somewhat standoffish to strangers.

 

Physical Characteristics

Border Collies have as many as 17 different coat colors. However, they all share a medium build of about 18 to 22 inches in height and 27 to 45 pounds in weight. They possess intelligent, alert faces, short ears that crease forward and oval eyes that are direct and speak of nimble minds. The short-haired breed has fewer shedding and tangling issues than the long-haired breed but will still need regular brushing.

 

The Appropriate Setting for Short Haired Border Collies

Short Haired Border Collies don’t do well in apartments or confined spaces and aren’t good choices for people who have to (or want to) live sedentary lifestyles. The Border Collie is an energetic breed of dog who must have vigorous exercise, otherwise, you may have a disobedient, frustrated dog on your hands.

Border Collies are also quick-witted and intelligent and are eager to learn. They’re suited best to families who have the time, space and energy to train them. Challenging their agile minds is a great way to give these dogs a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

According to the American Kennel Society, Border Collies work well in family settings with older children, but may not be a good fit for a household with young children or babies. The Collie’s sense of energy may make it dangerous for young children.

While Collies must have regular access to the outdoors, these dogs prefer to live indoors with their masters. They depend on the social environment of their humans for happiness and a sense of belonging.

 

Nutritional and Medical Needs

Choose a quality feed formula designed for medium-build dogs. Talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s specific needs for advice on other sources of nutrition that are right for your Border Collie. These are very energetic dogs, as mentioned before, and will need nutrition that supports their physically active lifestyles.

While Border Collies are generally healthy dogs, they do sometimes suffer from an array of illness, including osteochondritis dissecans, seizures, canine hip dysplasia and Collie eye anomaly. Your veterinarian can run tests to screen for any of these medical conditions in your dog. Collies have a general life expectancy of between 10 and 14 years but can live longer if kept in good health.

 

Are You a Good Fit for Each Other?

To round up, Border Collies are medium-built, intelligent dogs that need daily access to the outdoors and regular training to feel fulfilled. Avoid this breed if you live in an apartment, are rarely home and/or don’t have the ability to devote time to daily exercise. A Collie that is left on its own a lot or isn’t regularly exercised will become frustrated and bad-tempered.

But if you are interested in having a fiercely intellectual dog who enjoys stimulation, training and earning your praise, the Collie is a solid choice. These dogs make faithful companions who will happily stay by your side all their lives.