How to Care for a Border Collie Mix
Border collies are energetic, intelligent dogs. In fact, the border collie is ranked No. 1 in intelligence out of 110 breeds by "Intelligence in Dogs" author Stanley Coren, Ph.D. These dogs are bred to herd sheep and other large animals. They take commands well and also have the ability make their own decisions. Breeders have placed the most emphasis on preserving the intense work ethic and intelligence rather than appearance, so most of these dogs retain the high intensity. This is not a breed for a beginner; the border collie inheritance must be understood and addressed to avoid behavior problems.
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Instructions
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Your dog's nutritional and calorie needs will vary depending on the breed mix and activity level. Feed you border collie mix a quality dry dog food. Ask the veterinarian for advice regarding the nutrient balance for your dog's breed mix, size and activity level. Keep fresh, clean water available at all times.
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A Bassett hound heritage may lessen the border collie's intense need for exercise. Provide your dog with a lot of varied exercise. The other breed(s) in your dog's lineage will contribute to the size and energy level of you dog. If your dog is part terrier, it will require a higher level of mental and physical exercise than if your dog is part hound. Keep in mind, however, that border collies are working dogs first and foremost. They need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and out of trouble.
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Border collies are intelligent and use body language and eye contact to control sheep. It will do the same with you if you do not assert yourself properly. Attend obedience classes with your dog as soon as possible after adopting it, and continue with more advanced obedience or specialized classes as your dog matures. Border collies are extremely intelligent dogs, and will have the entire family trained well in no time if you do not immediately take control and lead the way. No rough handling or harsh attitudes should be used in training your border collie mix; training treats, praise and repetition are best.
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Border collies are bred for high energy and intelligence to be able to herd sheep. Don't let your dog be bored. Devise many games to play with your dog. Use puzzle toys that require the dog to manipulate the toy in order to get treats to come out. Teach your dog to fetch, catch soft Frisbees and tug. The more games you play with your dog, the happier and better behaved it will be. Try teaching your dog the names of each toy and the name of each person in the family. Then teach the dog to find toys or people by name.
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Ask your veterinarian about the likely heritage of your particular dog. Teach your border collie mix to visit the veterinarian calmly, and keep up regular appointments. The veterinarian can best advise you on health care needs and heritable diseases to watch for based on the presumed breed mix of your dog.
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Tips & Warnings
Daily exercise should include on-leash walks, off-leash play in a secure area and play with other dogs.
The dog with the highest lifetime points in obedience trials was a border collie: OTCH Heelalong Chimney Sweep, UDX, AX, AXJ, known as "Sweep."
Border collies only need a weekly brushing and nail trim. Depending on the rest of your dog's heritage, your dog could need more specialized grooming.
If your border collie mix is bored or full of pent up energy, all sorts of behavior problems can result, including destructive behavior, running away, aggression and more.
References
- Photo Credit red border collie image by Earl Robbins from Fotolia.com dog image by Kevin McGrath from Fotolia.com basset hound image by Christophe Fouquin from Fotolia.com Border Collie image by Scott Griessel from Fotolia.com working class dog 2 image by Lee O'Dell from Fotolia.com collie standing image by firelover123 from Fotolia.com
