About Ann Jordan Expertise I raised, trained, competed and sold purebred Border Collies for about 13 years. I can answer any questions relating to Border Collie behavior, pup selection, sheep dog training issues, obedience training, stock dog trials and competition, obedience competition, what judges judge, sheep showing, sheep selection, Suffolks sheep, Cheviot sheep, the difference between aussie trials and border collie trials, dog care, traveling with your dog, how to house and feed your border collie, border collies as pets, border collies with children, breeding, assisting with labor and delivery of border collie pups, why some border collie owners don`t like AKC, what you can expect with your new border collie, the different types of border collies, and a whole lot more.
Expert: Ann Jordan Date: 3/25/2007 Subject: Border Collie suitability
Question Hello Ann,
We are considering a Border Collie because we want an intelligent dog which enjoys lots of interaction. I dislike the phrase “obedience,” so I’ll say that we would like to have a dog that is highly cooperative in games and activities. Most of these activities are going to be scent work types of routines and I would like to know if Border Collies generally enjoy scent sorting. In reading about the breed I’ve learned that they really prefer herding though. I’m wondering if a Border Collie could be sufficiently mentally stimulated with scent work instead of just herding types of games. I have ruled out the hounds, though, sweet as they are, they just don’t have the mental acuity which will be required.
Thank you,
Karen
Answer Hello again Karen,
The reason I recommended another breed other than a Border Collie for your situation is because the instincts are different. You will have much better results with a dog that is bred specifically for what you're looking for. I just don't want you to get frustrated with a breed that is seemingly intelligent, but lacks the instinct to do what you require. True, you may get lucky, but why take the chance.
