MikeAlan

Regarding the rent deposit, my space does not require one. I am allowed to have pets (I have a cat already). My lease doesn't stipulate breeds or sizes, but I will definitely discuss the specific dog I find with my landlord before bringing her home, particularly if I decide on a dobe as I mentioned I am considering. But I'm sure my dog will find other ways to cost me $300 from time to time... Anyway, thanks for the tip.

Sluj, I would consider rescuing and fostering, but I'd have to give it some serious thought. Frankly I don't know that most rescues would want to work with me, as many seem to want you to have a yard. I have actually grown up with rescue dogs. My mother worked with ASPCA until I was around 12. I do intend to get my dog from a rescue. As far as fostering, let me know if you have connections for that. I would consider taking on single dogs. It's something I would like to be involved with at some point, be it now or in the future. I will let you know that right now I am still planning and not quite shopping yet. Although I am here and working now, I do want to get better settled and get some resources (parks, vets, etc) before I bring anybody home, which I think will be in a couple of months. That actually prompts another question: Looking at Border Collies, there seems to be such an array of appearance that it's hard for me to judge whether they are purebred. I realize they are not bred for appearance, but my question is, how do you determine that you're getting a purebred BC? I don't mean to seem callous regarding mixed breeds, I just want a good sense of what I'm getting. I want a dog that is highly trainable and up to participating in sports. I'm not sure I care to compete, but I just want a dog that I can really be engaged with. What characteristics shd I look for in a BC? It surprises me that most members consider BC's and standard collies to be vastly different, bc I have always perceived character similarities, but been impressed by what seems to be a greater training/working ability in BC's and a more intense desire to learn. (And give me some credit guys, it's not just the name. I would say that Australian shephards are more similar to both than bearded collies, who seem to have a more relaxed temperament.) On an aside, I have actually done some looking into Dobermans as well, as I understand that they are also competitive in agility. I am proceeding with caution on that front, as I plan to have children and need to be confident that the dog is safe. I know socialization is always critical, but dobes are just a different experience, so I'm choosing carefully. Anyway, while BC's definitely appeal to me, I really haven't made my decision yet, so it's awesome that you have all given me so much advice, and I hope you will keep sending feedback.

Hello MrSnappy (Or Anyone Who Can Answer) You said I should consider the difference btwn border collies and standard collies, and I was hoping you could say more about that. I have never had BC's. The reason I think they might be better is that they seem to have a higher energy level and to be among the best (If not simply THE best) in terms of learning commands, so I think they would be a lot of fun to work with in agility or other sports. Collies are definitely bright dogs, but don't seem to have the same drive to learn and to be active. Frankly I like the size of the standard collie better, but there are always trade offs I guess. When I have met BC's, they have shown similar personalities as far as being funny (...Actually smiling...),positively adoring people, and perhaps being a bit obstinate at times. It seems to me that standard collies are a bit more reserved, where the BC's I've encountered have sometimes had over the top personalities. I have known most of both types to be friendly, although I've encountered one BC who was extremely agressive toward people. Am I on track here? Would you say that there are other distinctions I should consider, or that any of what I have said is a misperception? Thanks for your feedback, and thanks to everyone who has already responded.

Hello All, I am a new member to the post. I am thinking of getting a dog and considering a BC, but need advice as to whether I can meet all of a BC's needs for space and excercise in my living space. I am not a new dog owner, but have not had one in a few years. My family has had standard rough coat collies since I was a young child, and I love the collie temperament and intelligence. The intelligence seems to be most pronounced of course with BC's. The only dog I have kept on my own was my mixed breed collie, who I lost at age fourteen two years ago. I was not too concerned with the space then, as she was older with trouble moving around and I was renting a house with a yard. She loved to be outside and played, but didn't run around. But when she was young she had been on a farm with pretty much the run of it. When I left home I debated leaving her to be on the farm and with my mom and her dog, but my mother thought it best that she come with me, and of course I wanted her. After losing her, I have been two years without a dog bc I started travelling with my last job (I am in my mid-twenties). Recently I have moved to a small apartment, and I have much more time for a dog as my schedule is flexible (But not always consistent), and after finally making a long anticipated move out of state, I will not be moving or travelling. I don't want a dog only for a companion. I have a cat who is fine for that. While of course I enjoy the companionship, the reason I want one is because dogs are fun. I want a dog that can come bicycling with me, and that I can train, possibly for competition, or maybe just for fun. My concern is not losing interest, as I have wanted a dog for years and missed the running and driving around to parks and tennis ball chasing etc...My concern is that maybe I do not do ENOUGH of these things for a BC, especially without having a yard now. I don't bike everyday. I bike most weekends, up to abt 3 days a week in good weather, and only a few days out of the month in freezing weather. I have time to walk a dog a few times a day, and to spend an hour or so at a park a few times a week (I'd love to find a space where I cd take my dog for herding or other working/training activities, so if anyone knows of these in the Boston area pls let me know, I am new from out of state). I am also thinking of looking into trading play time with another dog owner so that my dog can go out and excercise more than I can take her, or alternately finding a dog daycare for a day or two a week so that she is not confined at home. I want my dog to be well socialized with other dogs, but I CAN'T have two. Is a BC a good choice for me? I am well aware that they are not a typical choice for apartment living. The reason I am not looking for a toy or a laid back, Great Dane type that typically do well in apartments is that I want the dog to be active and bright enough to really come out and do things with me. Is a standard collie a better choice? I want a dog that has enough energy for this, but who will be comfortable hanging around at home for a good 6 hours on most weekdays (My fiance and I have overlapping schedules, so that is about the most we are ever away). Do others have experience keeping BC's or other collies in apartments? Can you talk about your experience? I welcome everyones advice, including cautionary advice. I terribly miss my dog and want another similarly hilarious, sometimes exasperating, "how the hell did she do that-?" smart kind of dog. I give pause only bc I want to make sure I can give her a good home and a happy life. I will wait if I need to. What do you all think? Thanks so much.