It often surprises many when they hear the phrase “herder.” Instantly, images of a Border Collie controlling a flock with remarkable precision come to mind. Bet you didn’t know that these agile pups, known for their intelligence and hyper-activeness, may not be as calm as your average house dog. Let’s delve deeper into their behavior — a fascinating exploration of a breed that jostles the norms of tranquility.
The Original Athletes
Before we delve into their energy levels, did you know that Border Collies are the original jocks of the dog world? Originating on the borderlands of Scotland and England (hence the name), these dogs have been bred for their agility, endurance, and intelligence. They were exceptionally good at herding sheep, which needed both speed and strategy, essentially making them the equivalent of canine Olympians. Whether it is agility trials, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, or athletic events, you will find Border Collies as stars of the show.
So, the question stands — is the Border Collie a calm dog breed?
Energy for Days
It’s not hard to see why one might presume that being athletic might also automatically make them calm. The logic stands that a busy dog is a calm dog, right? However, with Border Collies, this is the exception rather than the rule.
Border Collies are a bundle of unceasing energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity which often gets mistaken for restlessness. For a Border Collie, quiet time doesn’t come naturally. They are often found pining for something to do, some form of mental or physical stimulation. Hence, although it’s technically not a lack of calmness, you could consider your Border Collie to be an eternally curious toddler perpetually seeking the next task.
Versatility and Intelligence
Another interesting trait about Border Collies is their exceptional intelligence. They are consistently ranked as one of the smartest dog breeds, and it is because of this intelligence that Border Collies need constant mental stimulation. Their brains thrive on tasks, learning new tricks, solving puzzles, and just generally having a job to do. Just like a gifted child can become bored and restless in a standard classroom, so too can a Border Collie become restless and anxious without proper stimulation.
Your Clever Buddy
A quick indicator of a Border Collie’s intelligence is their powerful gaze or “herding eye”. They use it to communicate and control livestock, showcasing their mental prowess. This need to be mentally active dovetails with their endless energy, often resulting in them not being viewed as calm dogs.
However, this intelligence also makes them very trainable. As long as you can handle their energetic nature, you’ll have a great time teaching new tricks and commands to your furry friend. You’d be amazed by the surprising things they can memorize and learn – like the names of different toys or even numerous commands.
How to Keep Your Border Collie Happy?
Now that we have established that Border Collies are not exactly a calm dog breed, what can be done to ensure that they are content?
They need ample exercise – we’re talking about both physical and mental activity. You can start by establishing a regular exercise routine – two walks a day, a fetching session, Frisbee catch, or even agility training. This helps them burn off physical energy. Mental energy can be spent by providing interactive toys, puzzles, and regular training sessions.
In conclusion, the Border Collie may not be the first breed to come to mind when thinking of a “calm dog”. Still, their high energy and intelligence have their advantages. With seemingly inexhaustible energy, they provide endless entertainment, and their high intelligence makes them great at learning and obeying commands. Moreover, their love for activity makes them fantastic companions for hikes, runs, and other outdoor activities.
So while your Border Collie may keep you on your toes, remember that their active nature simply means they’re full of life – just with an extra bounce in their step, a curious glint in their eye, and a mind that never stops ticking. They may not embody calmness, but they sure know how to make life entertaining!
