The 'Border Collies in towns' debate.?

[xox I'm NOT okay xox]

Do you know one dog myth that irritates me more than anything else? When people say that Border Collies are incapable of living in built up areas, & simply must be confined to farms. I recently approached a BC rescue in hope that I'd find a dog to adopt, only to be told that It would be unfair to have one in a small seaside town, & that I should perhaps look for a labxcollie mix instead.

Now, I'm not saying that anyone should think of it as a good idea to get a BC, but one of my biggest pet peeves would have to be those who create cliches for dog breeds.

What are your thoughts on this issue?
Of course. What dog isn't better off on a farm, Collie or otherwise? The point is that these dogs are very adaptable, & will thrive in towns, just as long as they have mental & physical stimlation everyday.

 

[Michael C]

Our rescue is the opposite, we rarely adopt to ranches most often due to inadequate fencing and shelter. We place dogs as companion dogs first. We have had many bcs come into rescue from ranches due to the mentality of "a dog needs to earn it's keep", they are a tool and once they cost more than they earn they need to be put down. Most of my guys and girls have been adopted to suburban homes and I have even adopted a little rehabbed feral girl to San Fransisco. We strongly suggest having a yard but certain dogs need large yards to burn off energy and no amount of walks will be able to burn off that dogs energy. Small yards do get approved but dependent on the foster to make the decision if it is appropriate for their dog. I personally live in the inner city, my house is about 1000 square feet with a decent yard, normally I keep 2 bc fosters plus my personal dog. I spend about 4 to 8+ hours with the dogs burning energy a day.

Each rescue is different and that's the nice thing about having your own 501, you can make your own rules and don't need answer to anybody except your dogs, donors and adopters who keep you open. I suggest you adopt from another rescue or shelter, many have pure bred border collies. Just make sure you know the dog you are getting and have the capabilities to care for the mental and physical requirements of this breed.

add: Our rescue normally adopts out 30+ border collies bc/mixes a month and get 200+ rescue placement inquiries a week.

 

[Critter]

I can understand both points of view. Border collies need a lot of space, but I'm sure either a large yard or taking long walks would take care of that. The biggest issue would probably be the herding instinct. I've heard of them herding ducks or kids, even nipping, because they have nothing else to herd. But if you feel that you could take care of a dog and satisfy all of its needs, I'd say you should. Maybe there are some in shelters you could find? Try petfinder.com.

I really like border collies, and I want to get one, but I personally don't think I have the requirements to take care of one until we move to somewhere with more yard. Maybe if I were a jogger, and found some way to handle the herding instinct, I'd still go for it.

I guess it's just a personal decision. Do you think you could give the dog everyting it needs?

 

[Fufufu]

Well the thing is they really are more suitable in farms where they can heard.

I've seen people keep border collies successfully in the city but those dogs participate in herding competitions and they just love agility.

I think if you have the proper means to exercise them and to entertain their mind, they're fine anywhere.