Calling all Border Collie and Aus. Shepard enthusiasts!

Mechanical-Mind

Arachnoknight
Old Timer
Joined
Jul 18, 2003
Messages
186
Hey guys and girls,

My girlfriend and I have been researching Border Collies and Australian Shepards for some time now, and have more or less decided to get one. I'm leaning towards a Border Collie for their intelligence, trainability, athleticism, and inherent need to do something (work); and Leah is in favor of Australian Shepards. Likewise, for most of the above reasons, but also because, from what we've read, they aren't as demanding in regards to the work/stimulation aspect. Which is bothersome for me, to some degree, because I feel that's really what would set BCs apart from most other breeds.

To be fair, though, we do live in an apartment, and we're gone from 8 am to 12:30 pm, Monday through Friday. However, we're home for literally the rest of that time, and we're both active. Moreover, I specifically want a border collie because I could get outside with it for extended periods of time (when I lived with my family, we only had a heinously obese beagle, and two pugs, which as i'm sure you can imagine couldn't, or wouldn't, catch a frisbee to save their lives). In addition, there is a copious excess of open land to run around on (hey, It's Kansas, what else can be said?). So, I what I'm trying to say is that I want the high energy level of a BC, but that we live in an apartment and will be gone in the mornings for a short period of time. The amount of time the dog gets outside 'working', I believe, won't be an issue. But it's really only fair for someone who's actually kept them before to say...

so I guess given our conditions, my questions are these..

1.) We're gone from 8-1 Monday through Friday, is five hours "too long" for a BC to be alone or possibly kenneled in a modest sized apartment?

2.) Is an Australian Shepard really that much of a better substitute, for lack of a better word, for a Border Collie?


Also, if anything you read threw up a red flag, or if you have any advice regarding BCs, A. shepards (dogs in general), expertise, or suggestions of any kind, please ask and/or share!


Thanks very much for your time,
-Matt
 
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Alice

Arachnoangel
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Sep 29, 2006
Messages
976
i can't tell you about the aussi, but a friend of mine got a border collie and there might be a reason to consider this choice:

border collies tend to bond with one person and one person only. most of them don't mind other people in a household but won't be as friendly/obedient towards them as towards 'their' human. there is also no way to influence their choice, though some tend towards the person who feeds them ;). so if you want a family dog a border collie is not an ideal choice. it will be a very loyal companion, though.

5 hours shouldn't be too big a problem for a well trained dog, but then again, some who are very attached to their owners start destroying things when left alone for too long. and 5 hours a day would be definitely too long for a puppy! they can't be expected not to pee on the carpet for such a long time and they need a lot of contact with human and training when they're young. it's also important for the bonding process with border collies. so maybe you should get an older individual or see that someone can check on the puppy at least once during thos 5 hours.
 

Dom

Arachnolord
Old Timer
Joined
Nov 20, 2005
Messages
665
I'm not sure about Australian shepards but I've been told by more than one owner that they can be a bit nervous.
We had a border collie when I was younger and it was a fantastic animal.
She had a calm and intelligent disposition. She was great with all members of the family and didn't seem to have a favorite.
I think most dogs do better when there are two of them if they have to spend alot of time alone. As mentioned above 5 hrs alone is a long time for a dog especially a puppy.
Our collie liked to spend alot of time outside especially in the winter. She loved curling up in the snow and falling asleep. I'm not sure that they would be an ideal apartment breed.
 

KUJordan

Arachnobaron
Old Timer
Joined
Nov 22, 2005
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344
first of all, i think both of these breeds are as disgusting as watermelon cucumber flavored Dr. Pepper. i have read many a study on the overwhelming stench of border collie feces (which this breed, in particular, tends to deposit on the underside of bed pillows and television remote controls). though this minor discouragement is much overshadowed by the undeniable thirst for the blood and mesentary of young Evanescence fans that Australian shepards have.

this could all be bypassed by getting a boxer, but no one likes them either.

think about it though...Doggles don't look as good on border collies and Aussies...
 
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Crono

Arachnobaron
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Feb 18, 2006
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530
border collies tend to bond with one person and one person only. most of them don't mind other people in a household but won't be as friendly/obedient towards them as towards 'their' human. there is also no way to influence their choice, though some tend towards the person who feeds them ;). so if you want a family dog a border collie is not an ideal choice. it will be a very loyal companion, though.
Border Collies are the only dog that I have ever had. They do tend to develop favourite masters. (Usually not me) That being said, I have not noticed any problem with obedience except when you and the favourite don't see eye to eye.
I also noticed that they each have little personality quirks, nothing bad, but they can make you look twice then laugh. (My favourite is watching the dog do laps around the outside of the house for half an hour with a dish in it's mouth. Barking at the wind, but only if she is facing it when it blows, is second)

They are very high energy, athletic dogs and are very intelligent too. Even as puppies they tend to be very athletic and also escape artists, in my experience. (We usually gave up and just let the puppies run around the kitchen at night.)

My only concern is that the dog gets plenty of exercise. I have a farm, and the house is over a mile from the road, so the dog gets to run free most of the time (She never goes far from her people though). As long as you are willing to spend the time to make sure it gets the exercise it needs, I think you will love a Border Collie.

Australian Shepherds are nice too, but I am biased a little.
You can't go wrong with either one.
 

Mechanical-Mind

Arachnoknight
Old Timer
Joined
Jul 18, 2003
Messages
186
Alice, Dom, and Crono, thanks very much for your replies!! I've found them all pretty reassuring up to this point. I met someone the other day with a BC and spent some time talking to her about it. It's so hard to explain how much different they are from other dogs, though! I won't make an attempt here, but I agree that these dogs are more than just a little intelligent. Anyway, I'll keep you guys posted in the months to come to see how and when this experience will begin to materialize.

As for Jordan, all I can say is that he's a wacky schmoe who will stop at nothing to drink the most foul tasting diet beverages he can get his Fredonian hands on. I do agree that Gus plus doggles yields an irresistable mixture though.

Best,
-Matt
 
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Binky/Carol

Arachnosquire
Old Timer
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Oct 9, 2006
Messages
137
I am more familiar with Aussies, my aunt bred them and had them for years.
They are goof balls, both breeds are great. The Border collie can be a bit more exercise intesive, some aussies can adapt better to apartment living than the collie.
Both are great outdoor/activity dogs. Some have a stronger herding instinct than others, You need to take that into account. It is a pain in the neck to have a dog trying to herd you, children, cats, friends....every where you go...
Both are highly intelligent, and you may find that you may have to find a border collie a "job". Aussies have been trained to be handicap assistant dogs, and sometimes their larger size is beneficial.
The only problem both breeds have is "blowing coat" or shedding.
They both need baths a bit more often, and weekly coat brushings.
Now there are mini Aussies out there, or you might look into getting a corgi, they are another herding breed, are short coated or "rough" coated, and are smaller.
Take a look at the breeders, and try to get a working dog from a family or farm vs one that is a show breeder.
Stay well away from any ad that says, "will meet" or "can deliver"... those are more likely to be puppy mill dogs.
Meet both parents if possible, meet at the breeders home, and see their set up. Ask for health guarantee, if getting from a show breeder.
Also check your local kennel club and line up a good vet before hand. Also schedule a vet check within 48 hours of getting the pup. I also reccommend puppy training classes and having everything you need for the pup before bringing home.

JMHO
Carol
 

Tegenaria

Arachnodemon
Old Timer
Joined
Dec 11, 2005
Messages
749
collies really need lots of attention, human contact and exercise. They dont take well to being cooped up on their own for long periods. If a dog like this gets bored it can turn nasty over time too!
I dont know about Aussies, never had one.
 
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