border collies and cats

[Guest Anonymous]

I am thinking about adding a border collie to our family. We have two young children and a CAT. I have heard they are good with kids but I was wondering if anyone could tell me about how they get along with cats. Thanks

[Angelboddy]

Any dog or pup will get along with cats as long as they are properly socalized at a very young age with cats and kittens.
Now if you are planning on adopting a collie, you need to make sure that they will be alright around cats. They should do a temperment test with cats to let you know.

GOOD LUCK. :D

[abker17]

I agree with Angel. :D Have u done your research on this breed? They are very high energy, and need at least two 1 hr walks everyday, and need something to put there mind to. To may border collies end up in rescue each year because people can handle their energy level, or how smart they are. They need something to put their mind to other wise they become destructive. Please know what u are getting yourself into, and good luck! :)

[Guest Anonymous]

Thanks for your suggestions about research. I am in the middle of it now. I have two active children and an offleash park accross the street from my house. But I will not adopt any dog until my whole family is ready for the commitment. I don't believe in rushing into anything.

[abker17]

:D That's great! Sounds like u are just the person for a border collie! :D Goodluck in your search! :D :D :D

[Sanvean]

I agree with the others...if the dog is raised with kitties, he/she should be fine. You might look for a breeder who has cats of her own.

It sounds like you would be a good family for a border collie! Other activities you might think about doing with your dog include running, biking, flyball and agility. The last two are things your kids might also enjoy doing.

[DogPaddle]

Please see:
http://www.bcrescue.org/book/index.html
http://www.bcrescue.org/book/bordercollie.html

My personal take on BCs:

They are alright with kids but cannot be rough housed or wrestled with as they are a small-midsized breed 30-45 lbs, mine is only 28lbs. They have the energy to run and play with kids but tend to nip at running kids, cats, dogs, people and sometimes cars. It is certainly possible to work with this but is usually better to train the kids not to overstimulate the dog and to let them know that this may happen. Herding behaviour is instinctual and with lots of training can sometimes be repressed but often this is not accomplished - BCs just herd :niewiem: As for your cat, when the BC herds it, the dog will be "playing/working" and if properly socialized will have no actual aggression towards the cat but the cat may not see it that way. It is unlikely that the dog will hurt/injure the cat while herding it because a BC herds mostly by intimidation and a bit of heel nipping for effect.

If you get a BC socialize it alot amongst other dogs, strange people, kids etc. Obedience classes are very important - not because BCs are hard to train but because the need stimulation, a job to do and socialization.

Excercise - "I tired dog is a good dog." Kavik goes for a 15 - 20min Kong/fetch session both before and after work - he runs hard that entire time. If I sit at the PC or watch tv I constantly am tossing something for him to fetch. We go on an outing usually once a week - to the beach, hiking etc - usually this involves a couple hours of moderate to hard excercise (Kavik getting way more than me of course :lol: ) We also go for a walk around the block (15min to 45min) in the evening which is good excercise and socialization. Kavik also spends 45min to 3 hours a day sparring and/or stalking with Zaphod (my other dog) or tearing around after the cats and this has been a great relief to me because I have to excercise him less, Zaphod loves it, the cats are ambivilent and give him a good swat (clawed) when they are not in the mood.

Mental stimulation - We spend 15 min/day either training or reviewing past commands/tricks. Often if Kavik is distressed this will calm him down. We have treat/puzzle balls and kongs for him to play with. 1-2 times a week set him a problem to solve like putting his tennis ball in an overturned, heavy laundry basket and letting him work out how to get it out. Some of the games we play are mentally stimulating - simple things like "Where is Kipp?"

Border Collie Mental Welfare:
BCs are soft dogs in that harsh discipline is not only not nec. but often detrimental.
Kavik may be more sensitive than your average BC but my experience is that he is very sensitive to my moods and if I am angry or anxiouse or depressed it causes him anxiety.
BC can become easily obsessed. BC have tendency to be a little high strung.

Grooming and Care - Depending on coat type will need brushing 1-3 times a week. Will need a high quality dog food with good fat and protien levels because they tend to be very active but sometimes tend not to eat that much. BCs are generally healthy although you can check BC Rescue for standerd/breed specific ailments.

What made you decide you wanted a BC?
Are you close enough to BC Rescue to be able to adopt from them?

[slim86]

I read a book written by John Katz called "A Dog Year". He adopted a border collie and he talks about all the trials he went through with this dog and how it stretched his patients to the limit. It's a wonderful book and I'd suggest it to you, not only because you'll find out what a Border Collie is capable of but also because it's a really good read. There's quite a bit to consider before getting a dog with such an independent, strong working instinct.

Slim

[DogPaddle]

Slim - I certainly agree with your post but I was wondering about that independent thing - Kavik must be the suckiest velco dog I've ever lived with, maybe he's just an abnormal BC. They can try your patience though can't they.

[Guest Anonymous]

I had a border collie who was best friend wtih my cat. They were both introduced when pretty young, hazel was only about a year and a half and Dak was just a kitten.

[courtnek]

first - dogs and cats are NOT natural enemies, as some people think. HOWEVER, a dog will chase anything that runs, and a BC will herd anything that moves. Including YOU! lol

they are great dogs, very intelligent and lively, but as was mentioned they
need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. The cats are grown up already I assume - you need to introduce them to your BC in a protected environment - I always use baby gates to seperate them, but let them see
and sniff each other. This way they get used to each other without either one being injured in the process.

There also needs to be a place the cats can escape to until they get used to (which means dominate - lol) the dog. A room with a baby gate in the doorway raised just enough for the cats to get underneath should do it. BC's jump tho, so be careful there.

Good luck with your new dog!!

:D

[Aonir]

courtnek napisał(a):

first - dogs and cats are NOT natural enemies, as some people think. HOWEVER, a dog will chase anything that runs, and a BC will herd anything that moves. Including YOU! lol

I found that rather funny, lol. But it is just SOOO true!