The Border Collie, according to the American Kennel Club, is arguably one of the most intelligent dog breeds. Some animals manage to learn hundreds of commands and act on them reliably. Also known as Scotch Sheep Dogs, their primary function is to herd sheep, or other animals, into a group and then escort them into a corral. I have actually seen Border Collies herd ferocious bulls back into their chutes at rodeos. Not bad for a 35 to 40 pound dog. The dogs usually work in pairs, and, in addition to simply chasing and barking at the targeted animals, they are often able to stare an uncooperative animal into submission. This maneuver is usually referred to as "putting the eye on them." My late wife Lois "put the eye" on the children and myself many a time.
I have a customer who has a home on about three acres of land out in the country. A busy highway boarders the front of the property and a swift flowing stream runs across the back. This busy mom depends on two Border Collies to keep her three youngsters safely within the perimeters of the yard, and, to keep any strangers who might wander by away from the children. One afternoon I was tuning her piano when a number of other moms arrived with their kids in tow for a play date. The kids were left to their own devices in the yard while the moms gathered in the kitchen for pastries and gossip. All of a sudden those of us in the house could hear the children screaming and crying. The moms, and myself, all bolted out into the yard thinking someone had been injured. We found the nine children, ranging in age from toddler to preteen, seated back to back in a tight circle with the collies pacing around them like it was a roundup for a herd of sheep. What caused the dogs to take action is up for speculation. Maybe the kids were playing to rough with each other, or, teasing the dogs, or possibly, were wandering too close to the highway or stream. Whatever happened, the Border Collies had the situation well in hand.
If this story makes you think that a Border Collie might make a great pet I urge you to do a lot or research before choosing this breed. They are smart, energetic, and love to work. Out of boredom they have been known to chew holes right thru walls, or, dig holes outdoors deep enough to install a swimming pool. Due to their intelligence level they sometimes become neurotic if not provided with constant mental stimulation.
