Hello everyone I have been an admirer of Border Collies for many years reading, watching, and listening to anything about them that I could get my hands on because I wanted to further my understanding of this magnificent breed. I even had the pleasure of going to a big meetup once where I got to be in a sea of like 100 BCs running lose in a park, watching them and talking to many of their owners. I also got to watch them work in person when I was at a sheep ranch with my Pembroke Welsh Corgi for a herding event. The Border Collies were not participating in the event--they were just the ranch dogs who would move sheep from point A to B--but it was so cool getting to see them work in person. Previously I had watched a gazillion YouTube videos showing BCs doing all kinds of work from herding, to agility, to search and rescue, but there was just something special about watching in person.
From everything that I've seen, these dogs captivate me. I love their passion, their qwirkiness, their determination, their love of learning. I love how they move and focus in on stuff. I love how they're so tuned into their handlers and I love the relationships people have with them. These dogs are just on another level. They inspire me.
But I also know that each Border Collie is an individual and a dog that is suited for one person could be completely wrong for another. So now that I'm close to being in a position where I can easily afford the costs associated with a second dog--we refinanced our house to pay off bills and are using the extra money to pay off what remains--I want to learn how to identify a Border Collie that would be right for me.
I am a 33 year old female and I am sharing expenses by living with my mother. It's just me and her in this house. I have no children nor have I ever been interested in having any--animals are what I love. The Corgi is the only pet I currently have. I work from home at the computer, so I am home most all day and have plenty of time for a dog that needs to get out and do stuff. I can pepper the day with little breaks to spend with the dog and give it extended attention in the mornings and evenings. I like to run, bike, hike, etc. and would be happy to have a buddy to come along. (My Corgi is a senior dog now and not up for strenuous exercise.) I live a five minute walk from a dog friendly park, so we could go there and play Frisbee or whatever. And dog training is a big hobby of mine, so I'd be teaching the dog gazillions of tricks. And I live about a 10 minute drive from an agility yard that does classes, so we could do that. I also know a lady who teaches Rally classes, so that's something else fun for us. I might even trial in Rally or something. However, I don't know of a place near me where I can do herding, so that might not be an option.
So anyway, what kind of Border Collie do I need to be looking for? Tentatively I'm thinking: an off switch, sound temperament, sound body and with a personality that meshes well with mine. I love cuddling, so I guess I'd go with the Border Collies that like to do that in their down time. But this is about as fleshed out as I have it.
What else should I be looking for? Any input is appreciated.
