Has anyone here ever had a border collie and how do they fair compared to a Goldie?
Hubby is interested in them

From what I have seen and observed, they are very high energy dogs and are pretty different from goldies in terms of energy levels. Depending on what lines they come from, the working lines tend to have even higher energy levels and in some cases, agression as well.

I've seen a male BC attack a passing pup for no reason or rhyme. I've also seen one biting a passer-by accidentally because he was raring to have a go at another male BC.

:shrug

Clever dogs, sometimes highly strung, can be delightful (I know one that wraps his front legs round your waist and just hugs with his head resting on your hip, he will just stand there for ages, I have never met such a sweetheart!) I do, however find some of them very intense and they never seem to want to play with other dogs...whenever we pass a collie it is always 100% focussed on a ball or its owner...kind of running in front...rounding them up, then runs ahead a bit more...they don't seem to care about where they are or what is around them, JUST the ball! Great if you have the time and energy for them I reckon...but I think many of them need a 'job' to do...

Exactly what I was going to say. I love them, but have never owned one. My brother & sister-in-law have one & have to shut heer out when people are visiting as she is so "in your face" I don't mind & tell them to leave her in doors, but it does get a bit much at times. Emma (my sil) takes her to agility & she loves it. She is not good with other dogs & has even nipped a child running past!! :speechlesssmiley She spent a day with mine once & was ok, but she did keep rounding them up by nipping them like she was hearding sheep!! :laughingsmile Alfie adored her I think he thought she was his mum, he likes being bossed about!! :rolleyes:

Border Collies are herding dogs, and they have really strong herding instincts. If they are with a group of dogs, they will try to herd them together. A bunch of kids, same thing. The way they herd sheep is to nip at the ankles of the sheep. Beautiful dogs, tons of energy, and very very intense.

I had a chance to watch some sheepdog trials one time, they are amazing dogs. All the dogs at the trial were Border Collies. It was really interesting to watch, if you ever get a chance, go see them.

I KNOW ALOT ABOUT THEM, BUT ALL I CAN TRUELY SAY IS....

YOU BETTER HAVE A GREAT PAIR OF RUNNING SHOES AND ALSO A GREAT SET OF LUNGS BECAUSE THEY ARE SUPER ACTIVE AND HIGH ENERGY, AND IF THEY ARE NOT KEPT BUSY AND HAVING A JOB TO DO THEY CAN BECOME A PAIN IN THE ASS...... :laughingsmile

Thank you for all the info. That is what I thought they were like. Smart but a handful
I think hubby just is looking for a new baby that is all his. Like Tara was
I suggested no more puppies till I get Edie trained and to give her a chance.
Thanks again guys

I usually take a friend of mine's two border collies out for a walk. Their owner don't do much training with them other than walkies, but I see that the younger one (who's about 6), can be a pain in the ass. Depends on the lines. The PITA dog is very cool to do obedience training with (both of them are always walking off the leash in the city and in the country, none of them gets off more than 10 metrics ;) from you). But when he's off duty, he's starting to herd anything he get his eyes on. A cool dog indeed, but those herding instincts aren't THAT cool all the time.

The other one is a dream to take for walks. He sit and wait by you and follow you calmly around wherever you go, and chase the other bugger off when he gets his herding game on. I love that dog. :)

Okay I think I have hubby talked out of it. I said another dog would have to be a goldie and nothing but. :laughingsmile