Border Collie puppies are known for their intelligence. Since these dogs are bred for intelligent chores such as herding cattle, it is little wonder that they win a lot of prizes in competitions and dog shows. Because they are so obedient, they are very easy to train, saving you the cost of having to take your puppy to obedience training. However, both you and the dog can benefit from obedience classes, because, this way, both of you can learn the commands so that you have a well-behaved dog. This dog breed is known for its stamina, and can run tirelessly for long periods of time. Having one of these dogs means that you will have a constant companion when you are walking or jogging.
There is no one standard when it comes to the appearance of Border Collie puppies. As a rule, a Border Collie puppy is a medium sized dog, weighing anywhere from 25 to 50 pounds. The coat can be smooth or rough, and there is a wide variety of colors, but all of these dogs usually have white markings. The only standard by which this breed of dog is measured is its ability to herd cattle.
It takes a committed owner to want to take on the responsibility of Border Collie puppies. It will take you about two years to properly train the dog, and the normal lifespan of these dogs is about 12 years. During that time, as the puppy grows into an adult dog, it never loses its energy and will always be on the go, ready whenever you are. The temperament of a Border Collie does depend on the owner. A fun loving dog by nature, a bad owner can ruin all of this by being harsh with the dog. Being too kind with this dog breed is not good either, because if you give it the run of the house, you will have problems. Like all dogs, it has to learn its place.
Whether you want Border Collie puppies that will help you work with the farm animals, or you just want one as a family pet, you need to purchase the dog from a reputable dog breeder. One good way to see Border Collies in action is to take in a sanctioned trial. The things that these dogs can do will really amaze you. This will give you a chance to talk to the handlers, and learn what is really involved in owning a Border Collie so you can make an informed decision about whether you really have what it takes to own one. You can also find out the names of reputable breeders and find one located close to you.
You will need to groom these dogs by brushing their coat on a regular basis. They do shed during the molting season, but the hair is easy to pick up because it comes out in long strands. You don't need to wash them a lot either, because this is one dog breed that does not have a strong pet odor. These dogs are good with children, and although you can keep them in the house, Border Collie puppies have a better coat if you keep them outside for most of the year.