Border Collie?

[Krypton]

My ex partner bought a puppy for my 11 year old son as he has long wanted a dog. I don't know anything about these, but I guess a Border Collie possibly or some cross breed similar? It came from a farming background. If it is one, I think they have made a big mistake as they need a lot or attention. I want to help, but I am not living there. It is 8 weeks old. They reckon they researched it, but I can't see it as they look like hard work. Any ideas on breed or cross?

 

[JoanneF]

It does look like a border collie. They are often sensitive dogs who respond well to praise and reward, but can get very anxious if hardline discipline is used. They ike having a job to do - agility or flyball are fabulous activities for them.

 

[Biker John]

Totaly agree with JoanneF, in fact I would say it stronger, Border Collies can make wonderful dogs, but they NEED something to use their brain. So as well as giving it sufficient physical exercise, (and with an adult thats quite a lot), they need to work so must have mental exercise. Without this they can easily turn into the worse kind of pet dog you will ever come across.

 

[Mad Murphy]

Does look like a B.C .. Yes the pup like any other pup will need lots of attention and training. But these dogs are brilliant. They are smart loyal and very very faithful and they deserve owners willing to put in the work to raise them properly.

 

[Krypton]

If it's a cross breed is it likely to be easier to manage? I don't know how to tell. They told me it was a pure breed through. I hear you can get mongrels that look like a real breed and act nothing like the real breed.

 

[Josie]

I wouldn't say being a cross breed would make it easier to mange. In fact it could be worse depending on what it has been crossed with!

I agree with all the other comments above

 

[Flobo]

That's just what I was going to say, agree with all above comments, and it looks like a Border Collie. A working breed that definitely needs the extra stimulus!

 

[Krypton]

Thanks for all the comments. Here is a small video of the dog. Someone said it may be a 'Sprollie'. I had to look that one up as I never heard of it, but I don't think it looks like the ones I have seen pics of. I suppose it's hard to guess a breed accurately when they are puppies.

Amazon Drive

 

[leashedForLife]

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crossbreeds or unregistered purebreds from random sources [shelters, street, direct adoptions] can be IMPOSSIBLE to analyze, & DNA-profiles aren't 100% accurate, but they're better than wild guesses.

By 'wild guesses', i'm not speaking of folks with a wide experience of various breeds offering considered opinions, but the sort of folks who adopt a cute pup from their local shelter, & announce that s/he is a purebred [__ fill-in __ current __popular-Facebook-photo__ // ___EXTREMELY-rare___breed].

for instance, Shih-Tzu & Chis are pretty common in most U-S cities, so a Shih-Tzu mix or Chi-cross are certainly possible in most urban shelters, but it's very unlikely that a purebred Toller pup will be abandoned in a rural 4-corners shelter - U don't see them roaming the 'rez or strolling thru the badlands with their owners!

So they might want to send off a cheek-swab sample & get a DNA profile, both to satisfy their curiosity & to have some inside info on this pup's skill-set & potential flaws.


I must say, i'm puzzled that U say the pup is PUREBRED. If so, doesn't the paperwork *say* which breed?
Didn't the registration info & pedigree come along with the pup? - It's spozed to.

In any case, yes, i'd also say the puppy currently looks to be at least half-BC, maybe more - but U'll see many changes as they mature: coat length & texture, ear shape & set, the tail might become a plume or a saber, their skull lengthens, & so on.
their markings won't change in size or shape, but may change color or texture; body proportions & leg length will deffo change.

-- terry

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[Krypton]

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crossbreeds or unregistered purebreds from random sources [shelters, street, direct adoptions] can be IMPOSSIBLE to analyze, & DNA-profiles aren't 100% accurate, but they're better than wild guesses.

By 'wild guesses', i'm not speaking of folks with a wide experience of various breeds offering considered opinions, but the sort of folks who adopt a cute pup from their local shelter, & announce that s/he is a purebred [__ fill-in __ current __popular-Facebook-photo__ // ___EXTREMELY-rare___breed].

for instance, Shih-Tzu & Chis are pretty common in most U-S cities, so a Shih-Tzu mix or Chi-cross are certainly possible in most urban shelters, but it's very unlikely that a purebred Toller pup will be abandoned in a rural 4-corners shelter - U don't see them roaming the 'rez or strolling thru the badlands with their owners!

So they might want to send off a cheek-swab sample & get a DNA profile, both to satisfy their curiosity & to have some inside info on this pup's skill-set & potential flaws.


I must say, i'm puzzled that U say the pup is PUREBRED. If so, doesn't the paperwork *say* which breed?
Didn't the registration info & pedigree come along with the pup? - It's spozed to.

In any case, yes, i'd also say the puppy currently looks to be at least half-BC, maybe more - but U'll see many changes as they mature: coat length & texture, ear shape & set, the tail might become a plume or a saber, their skull lengthens, & so on.
their markings won't change in size or shape, but may change color or texture; body proportions & leg length will deffo change.

-- terry

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I don't live with them and I don't know about any paperwork. I am pretty sure they took it as word from the seller and there more than likely is no paperwork as it was a spur of the moment decision. That's why I was unsure of the breed and thought it maybe a cross. I know they did see the parents and saw the litter from working farm dogs. Pure breed can mean anything spoken without paperwork I suppose. I was more concerned about identifying and researching the breed as best as possible to try and pass on some advice on how best to look after it.

 

[leashedForLife]

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Ah! - that's a bit different.
OK; the sellers / breeders stated the pup is purebred, & her parents are "working farm dogs". // Then i'd presume she's either an unregistered pup of registered parents, *or* an unregistered pup of unregistered / 'grade' working collies.
In either case, i'd say they've got a BC or a piebald farm-collie on their hands, & temps can vary - activity & athleticism are pretty consistent across the breed, a few are more laid-back, but most are wannabe workers who REALLY enjoy running, fetching, brain-work, & being of use - in any way they can.

Some BCs are snappier than others, a few are same-sex reactive or even same-sex aggro. Most are super-mouthy as pups, but with good positive training, they learn mouth-manners & develop well-controlled, inhibited bites.
That doesn't mean they might not snap when startled, or especially if wound-up / teased / overexcited, BUT - even then, they should not do damage beyond a bruise or a few shallow punctures.

to help the buyers, i'd pass on this web-page link:
Free downloads

I would urge them to download BOTH free books, & read them cover to cover. They are excellent, contain safe humane advice, & especially focus on teaching a soft mouth - very needed, with pups.

- terry

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