Humans have worked to refine them into the world's top sheep herding dog.

They are highly intelligent and versatile , which makes them suitable for any work : Obedience , Agility ,Flyball, Search and Rescue ,Guide dogs and so on.

They are very faithfull and devoted for humans, when cared for properly.

Their intelligent, active and often strong nature also can give certain owners problems; so our advice is read about the breeder ask the breeder before you consider buying a puppy. Better safe then sorry.

The herding instinct can potentially bring them into problems (like chasing cars/bikes or herding other animals or children. It is not completely possible to predict how much herding instinct a puppy will have.

But mostly they are gentle and loving.

As they are highly intelligent they need to excercise for their minds as well as bodies. Which means either you have to regularly do a sport with them, play different games or give them varying tasks.

The Border Collie needs extensive socialisation as a pup and during the second socialisation phase , not to turn into a dog that flights in wild fear.

As most dogs are quite sensitive most dogs can be trained orally , occasionaaly maybe a slight slap at the back.

Some dogs might destroy a lot when they are young-but you are mostly to blame:don't leave things lying around and as soon as your puppy is a bit older just give it a rubber toy, a rope or a bone.

The Border Collie is a dog that needs a lot of human contact - especially if it is your only dog. They can't be kept just in a bech or kennel if you are out the whole day.

If you decide to get a puppy ask the breeder about the health checks of the parents : compulsary by Dutch Border Collie Club _ X rays hips, eye tests for CEA and PRA. Nowadays more and more breeders do DNA testing for CL,PRA,CEA.

In short a Border Collie is usually only suitable for an active family that can provide for its needs.

Having started as a working sheepdog , there has been a bit of a split between working and show dogs ( like with the German Shepherd Dog ) personally, I believe a combination of both sides is best for the average household.

See Breed Standard.( different for UK , US and, New Zealand,  Australia )