bossyboo Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 Hi Just wondering what you would recommend for a family dog? medium size . Kids under 10? And do you think a show border Collie would be a good choice for a resonably active family. Normal sized back yard? Home alot Is there a big difference in show and working lines? My friend is getting one has had the breed before when she was little as a child but know has family, she thinks show ones are more sedate and happier in family situations, I have no idea so asking the experts here. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancinbcs Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 Hi Just wondering what you would recommend for a family dog? medium size . Kids under 10? And do you think a show border Collie would be a good choice for a resonably active family. Normal sized back yard? Home alot Is there a big difference in show and working lines? My friend is getting one has had the breed before when she was little as a child but know has family, she thinks show ones are more sedate and happier in family situations, I have no idea so asking the experts here. Thanks Sounds like a perfect home for a well matched show line Border Collie. These are the sorts of families that we are happy to sell to, especially when one of the parents has some experience with the breed. A middle of the road, bomb proof but not hyper puppy would probably suit but a lot depends on what the children are like. Quiet, placid kids need a quieter dog than kids that are a lot more rough and tumble. I have successfully sold two siblings from the same litter to two families with very different natured kids. The quieter puppy fitted in well to his placid family but would run and hide when the other family visited with 3 boisterous boys. The girl I sold them was tougher but very easy going and she was perfect for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greytmate Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 It depends on the family. Each family is very different. Factors to consider include: Amount of time you want to spent on exercise Type of exercise you want to give the dog Amount of time you want to spent on training What sort of interaction your kids want with the dog Amount of time you want to spend on grooming Tolerance for fur/dirt in the house Border collies require a lot more owner input than many other breeds, so they would not be a good choice for most families. But they might be the right dog for your family if your activities are compatible with the dog's needs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finnesse Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 My brother and his wife have 9 yr old twins and have two BC's that were x-showies, they got the first one when the kids were aged 6 and the other one when they were 8, the dogs were both around 2 years old when they got them. Their yard is the average size and they are an active family and both dogs have fitted in so well, they are a perfect fit for them. The kids are always out the back playing ball etc with them and they get daily walks with all the family and go on most their outings and holidays. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizT Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 When you say "Show Border Collie" are you referring to adopting an adult ex Show Dog or a puppy from Show lines on MR to Show themselves? The first option would be excellent for a first time dog owning family as the dog would be well trained and socialised. The second option of a puppy would be fine too provided the family is committed to training the dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janba Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 When you say "Show Border Collie" are you referring to adopting an adult ex Show Dog or a puppy from Show lines on MR to Show themselves? The first option would be excellent for a first time dog owning family as the dog would be well trained and socialised. The second option of a puppy would be fine too provided the family is committed to training the dog. The OP probably means show lines as distinct from working lines. Working BCs and show BCs both come in a range of activity levels so just because it is working bred doesn't necessarily mean the dog will be more active. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smisch Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 I would tend to maybe go an older bc, my boy is what appears to be a show x working and he has no end to his energy and is very bouncy even at 4.. An ex show dog or even one who didn't make the grade - too small, too big ect would be good they have been well socialized and for the most part reasonably calm as they are used to being crated and examined and all that jazz and they're over the puppy stage as well.. Just my thoughts :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancinbcs Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 If they get an adult make sure it has been raised with children. Otherwise a puppy is better. They are active puppies and some mellow a little as adults but the basic temperament and activity level are evident by 6 weeks to an experienced breeder. A hyper puppy will never be a placid adult. A calmer puppy will still be very active but will mature into a calm adult. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blakbelgian Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 A SCHIPPERKE would fit into family life as well. And not much sticks to their coat unlike a BC. One shake & its off. BB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ons Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 my sister has a border collie which she got when my niece was about 9. My niece absolutely adores Cody and still does at 17. She taught him so many things including taking him for walks whilst she was on her skateboard (probably not recommended) so she went extra fast. So I would think, provided that hte family are prepared to put lots of effort and know how active a border collie both physically and mentally it would be a good dog for the family. My sister has a very small yard but she has horses she visits each day so with the activity at hte horses, my niece's walks and general ball throwing he gets lots of exercise Coolies are better though :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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