What is a Border Collie anyway?

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"Take-off"

Photo by Sue Worley

Thank you for visiting Newt's Page. I'm glad you are interested in learning more about Border Collies. They are the world's most intelligent breed of dog. Found in almost every canine activity devised by mankind. The Border Collie is the premier herding dog with a working style unique to the breed. No other herding breed uses the low crouch plus precise movements combined with the famous "eye" or stare to move a flock of sheep.

For owners unable to engage their Border Collies in herding; other activities are available such as:

Obedience	Trials in which a dog is scored on how well he performs a prescribed series of exercises ranging from heeling to jumping and retrieving. Levels start out with Novice classes advancing to Open and culminating with Utility work. Titles may be earned in each level once all requirements have been met accordingly.

Agility	A competitive sport in which the dog must negotiate a series of obstacles such as jumps and tunnels, in a designated time.

Flyball	Flyball is a relay race in which two teams of four dogs (with two alternates or spares) race side by side against each other. One dog from each team must race down a lane of four jumps spaced ten feet apart, step on a flyball box which ejects a tennis ball, catch the ball, and return back over the jumps to the finish line. As the first dog crosses the the finish line, the next dog is released to run. They run in sequence until all four dogs on each team complete the course. The team with the fastest time wins.

Freestyle	Dogs and handlers heel to music of their choice in choreographed programs that they design.

Search & Rescue	Search and Rescue, often designated as SAR, usually means being part of an established rescue squad that always ready to respond to variety of calls.

Narcotics Dog & Bomb Detection	Border Collies are now being trained as narcotics and bomb detection dogs both in the UK and here in the US. In the UK, the armed forces uses Border Collies as well as Police, Customs and Excise and the Prison Services. They find that this breed will work independently more so than other breeds and uses initiative to get the job done.

Schutzhund	Originally developed as a temperament and breed suitability test for German Shepherds. It has evolved into an international sport of which Border Collies have excelled. Janet Larson has trained and owned Sch III titled Border Collies. Originally developed as a temperament and breed suitability test for German Shepherds. It has evolved into an international sport of which Border Collies have excelled. Janet Larson has trained and owned Sch III titled Border Collies.

Gundog Sports	Border Collies who have been trained to find and retrieve game such as birds.

Sleddog Racing	Sled dog racing began as a formal sport with the first All-Alaska Sweepstakes race in 1908. Prior to this, Alaska's mushers had little opportunity for recreation and they used their teams primarily for work and transportation.

Tracking	Tracking is an activity during which the dog is truly the leader and the designation marker. When a dog tracks, he is following the ground scent left by a person who traveled through an area.

...or watch running water.

Those activities are useful for providing a challenging outlet for this breed's limitless energy, (except for watching running water or TV). Border Collies can also make loving and sympathetic, emotional therapy dogs for visiting nursing homes, hospital and treatment centers. Newt is very sensitive to "who" he is visiting. He was always very gentle with the elderly and disabled children. No one would guess that he is also personal protection trained.

Possibly, because of all the wonderful qualities inherent in the Border Collie you might be inclined to think this is the breed for you. Please take the time to evaluate your lifestyle and all your interior valuables! Why? The answer is simple. A Border Collie left to it's own devises can drive you insane and become a one dog demolition crew. This is one reason many Border Collies find their way into breed rescue groups who must find appropriate foster parents before rehoming them. You can help reduce this ever growing situation by educating yourself regarding whether the Border Collie is the best breed for you.

Through the images and stories about my Border Collie Newt, I hope you will gain an idea of what living with this breed is all about. U-AG1 U-CDX Newt CDX, CGC, HT, STDs, HRD-1, has proven himself a very versatile dog. He is the fist dog I ever trained to any obedience, herding and soon agility titles. Newt means more to me than any other dog I have ever owned, he is my " once in a lifetime dog".