Border Collies

Border Collies are categorized as a herding type of dog. They are known to be herding things like sheep or kids if you let them. They are also very intelligent. If they don't want to do something, they will find a way of not doing what you ask of them, but border collies do look to please you too. I do have a border collie mix, so I do know what it is like to have one.  My dog Lucky does have a lot of these traits.  He oviously does not herd anything as there is nothing to herd here, but most of the rest he does like he uses his brain to not have to do something he does not want to.

In these dogs there are a few variations when it comes to their colors. These variations are:

• Black and White
• Black tricolor (black, tan, white)
• Red and White
• Red Tricolor (red, tan, white)
• Blue creme
• Yellow white
• Red Merle
• Blue Merle
• Australian Red/gold
• Sable
• Black

My favorite is the black and white look though.

All breeds no matter what breed you look at have problems.  They all have risk factor in acquiring certain health problems.  It seems to me that most medium sized breeds do happen to have simular concerns.

Border Collies can have these problems:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Collie Eye Anomly
• Epilepsy
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Neuronal Ceroid Liposfuscinosis
• Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome

Border Collies have high startle reflexes.  They will cling to whomever they feel safe with if they can.  Lucky, will cling to me until it stops thundering.  He basically holds onto me for dear life and would let go until he feels safe.  There have been times that I have been woken up by him clinging to me.

Border Collies are not for everyone. They need people whom will be around to take care of them. If they are left alone with nothing to do, they will create their own job and more than likely you will not like what they do. They can be very destructive. If you have the time and energy, you should be fine. They need you to keep them busy.