Border Collies

I lost my beloved border collie just over a year ago. She was 16, I took her on as a "part trained" working dog when she was 14 months old and brought her on to work our flock of sheep that we had at that time. She was an amazing dog - sometimes defying my instructions with the sheep because she was one step ahead of both me and the sheep and the inbuilt instinct seemed to kick in and she knew which way the sheep were planning to go. She retired from working when we sold the last of the flock and then became "just a pet". Deaf in her last years and a bit doddery in the last few months - she was greatly loved and respected.
I now have the complete opposite - a cross bred collie/lab who seems to have no brain at all! But, as a rescue dog, he's only been with us a short time so I'm hopeful that something will emerge from the scattiness!

I've always wanted a border collie but know my limitations when it comes to walking dogs and I've known collies suffer mentally when they have owners like me so I guess I'll never know what it's like to have a dog with such intelligence [I've always wanted a German Shepherd as well].

The love of my life was Sammy, a border collie I had when I was 14. He lived with me when I got married and was around long enough to meet my first baby when I was 27. He was the most loving, faithful dog. Over the years we have had cocker and clumber spaniels, a long-haired german shepherd who was like Nana in Peter Pan, and now I have a 3 year old basset hound, who was my retirement present to me. She travels her own path!! Need I say more?

During a traumatic time 5 years ago I had the most wonderful Border Collie, Jess. I think she saved my sanity.She always knew when I was upset and the comfort of her warm head next to mine is unforgettable. I can hardly bear to look at her photo now.It seems ridiculous to say, but she really was my best friend.

Thank you for your lovely comments..the thing I love about Borders is their intelligence..no wonder they are top of the dog Mensa tree..Our Tink has lots of toys & knows & can fetch the correct one every time..even hubbie can't do that!

In Otago, New Zealand, there is a lovely statue of a border collie in tribute to its contribution to the economy of the area.

I used to drive around the farm DH managed in an old austin pick-up truck with Judy, our collie, sitting in the back. She would bark with excitement when I picked up the keys and could easily jump in without me lowering the tailgate until she developed joint problems. I sold it when she had to be put to sleep.

Aren't they just the most fantastic dogs you could wish to have,intelligent and loving my brother has had his bobby for 6 yrs and he is never away from my brothers side when he is home,so so right dorset about the exercise they can walk for miles and miles and still look as fresh as a daisy when they get home.Expect a dog in good health to live until 14/15 yrs but my brother knows one that lived until she was 17.

I think it depends on the health of the dog - but it appears that the average lifespan is approx 14 years. They are wonderful dogs but I'm sure you will agree that they need a lot of exercise [ a working collie can do up to 100 miles a day] and stimulation, otherwise they can be problematic.

If you look on the Kennel Club site it tells you all the average ages of the different breeds