Are Border Collies Good With Kids? Do They Make Good Family Pets?

Are Border Collies good with kids? This is the most common question that most parents looking to bring a pup home ask. Read on to find out whether the Collie will be good with your babies.

Are Border Collies Good With Kids?

Border Collies are energetic, intelligent, loving, kind and amazing dogs. However, this breed is not for everybody. If you have what it takes to care and own a Border Collie, you’re going to have a loyal and wonderful companion by your side.

If you give a Border Collie exactly what he needs, you’ll never have problems with him. On the other hand, if you aren’t sure about how to care for him, for instance, giving him enough exercise, keeping him buys or stimulating his mind – you will end up having a lot of problems. These, in turn, will make you have a really hard time with your dog.

Below is a quick outline about the Border Collie dog breed that will help you decide if adopting or buying this dog will be good for you and your family.

Temperament and Behavior

Border Collies are the most intelligent dog breed on earth. Due to their incredible minds, they can quickly and easily learn new tricks, irrespective of how complicated they may be. Since they were originally meant to be working dogs, they crave for the stimulation found in training.

Border Collies are viewed as very smart dogs. For this reason alone, most owners find it hard to deal with them. They simply can’t keep their Collies under control or manage to give them enough mental exercise, which is very vital for their health and well-being of this breed. Although owning an intelligent dog is fun, it’s also important to know how to care and handle them. Otherwise, you could end up with a disobedient and manipulative trouble maker.

Health

Although Border Collies are susceptible to particular health problems such as epilepsy and hip dysplasia, they are normally happy and healthy dogs. The average lifespan of these dogs is about 10-14 years. If you’re providing them with enough exercise and feeding them well, then they can live for much longer. Your border collie diet should be well balanced, with all the required vitamins.

Shedding and Grooming

Just like all other dogs, Border Collies shed. Their hair is of medium length, which makes them more noticeable on furniture and clothes. Generally, Border Collies shed at least twice a year. However, expect to see dog hair everywhere in the house for most parts of the year.

The best way of reducing shedding and keeping your Collie’s coat shiny is by brushing it at least once a week. This should help remove all hanging loose hair. Doing this will improve your dog’s coat.

Border Collies also don’t need to be washed and shampooed very often. Actually, it’s better to avoid washing them unless when necessary. If you decide to bathe your Collie, use pet friendly products. Human soaps and shampoos are not good for a dog’s coat. For more information, check out grooming and care.

Exercise

Border Collies love to play and exercise. However, they don’t want mind numbing kind of exercises. What they need are activities that will also make them use their minds. This is why Border Collies find playing fetch or Frisbee more fun.

If you’d like to own a Border Collie, be prepared to spend a lot of time outside (at least several hours every day) with your dog. Otherwise, your Border Collie will keep disturbing and won’t leave you alone until you take him outside, no matter what time it is.

Are Border Collies Good Pets?

The answer to this question ultimately depends with the person that would like the dog as a pet. If you’re willing to provide your Collie with the exercise he needs, play games and teach him new stuff each day, then this is the perfect breed for you.

However, if you’re looking for a quiet and polite dog that can stay inside the house watching TV with you, look for another breed. For more information about how to raise, care and train your Border Collie check out this guide.

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