A few photos of my Border Collie Archie

We rehomed Archie when he was 7 months old. Pretty typical situation of someone not doing their research and getting a breed not suited to their lifestyle.

He was a challenge at first as he would not chase a ball, was not properly socialised, was very noise sensitive (still is a little) and had separation anxiety.

He's actually the reason I became a dog walker as I simply could not do a regular job and leave him for long periods.

 

Yes even though they are my favourite breed when anyone asks me about them I try and put them off. They make lovely companions but only if you really have the time and energy to meet their needs.

I'll be the first to admit that there were times in the first year that I wondered if we had done the right thing as his noise sensitivity got worse. The improvement though since has been amazing.

 

Thanks!

 

Yes he's a good looking chap, hard to believe someone gave him up.

 

Yes he does have that Collie eye when he sees something he wants to herd. He's got lots of friends locally, most are collies and I try and time his walks so he gets to meet them. He knows their names and gets excited of I say them and he recognises their barks and will sprint to meet them if he hears them, expecting me to follow.

 

Thanks to be honest the top 3 photos I worked on the eyes to boost the catchlight and make the eyes pop more. Last photo is natural edit. I also whiten teeth if a dog needs it as I always want them to look their best. We feed Archie raw food and some bones which help keep his teeth in food condition as he hates me trying to brush them.

 

True better to admit it early and give the dog chance of better life. Still feel too many people are buying dogs based on looks and not what's suited to their lifestyle.

 

I'm seeing it a lot with Cockapoos where they are bought for cute looks but spend the day in a cage, have no recall or training. They are high energy breed not ideally suited to busy family with little or no time.

 

Yes exactly. Sighthounds can be ideal for people with less time, especially retired greyhounds who have short bursts of energy on a walk but can be pretty lazy at home.

Border Collies need a 'job' and not all of them are ball focused. Archie will now chase a ball but he much prefers to herd other ball focused dogs. He loves hikes in the mountains and visits to the beach. We will try him with agility and maybe scent work too.