There are many options and things to think about when choosing the right animal friend. In this in-depth post, we will closely examine two very different animals, the Border Collie and the racoon. Even though these two species live in very different areas of the animal kingdom, we will talk about their histories, physical traits, personalities, training skills, upkeep needs, health prospects, and the costs that come with them.
By reading this detailed comparison, you will learn useful things that will help you decide whether a Border Collie or a raccoon is better for your lifestyle and personal tastes.
Characteristics Comparison of Border Collie vs Racoon
The Border Collie is a breed of dog that is very beautiful. They are medium-sized and have a well-proportioned body. Their almond-shaped eyes are expressive, and they look at you with a sharp, knowledgeable gaze. Their moves show grace and athleticism, which comes from their herding heritage. Border Collies are known for being very smart and having a strong work ethic. They are very friendly and loyal, and they love being around people.
It’s clear that racoons are wild animals. They have a short, stocky body with thick, grayish-brown fur that helps them survive in a variety of settings. This wild animal takes advantage of opportunities and eat everything. They are smart and skilled. These dogs are not house pets and are not as social as Border Collies, even though they can be curious and clever.
History of Breeds
Border Collies are a unique breed of dog that comes from the area between England and Scotland, which is where its name comes from. This breed has an interesting history that is strongly connected to the way people lived in the British Isles, which was based on farming. The breed’s history goes back to the 18th century, when herders in border areas needed an alert and quick dog to help them care for their animals, mostly sheep.
Border Collies quickly became famous for how well they could handle animals. They had an uncanny ability to precisely control and guide livestock, which was often called “eye” because of the intense, unwavering look they fixed on the animals.
Racoons, on the other hand, are not a tamed breed. They are wild animals that live in North America. They have a long history of living and adapting in a wide range of places, from cities to the countryside. These animals live in a wide range of places, from dense woods to neighborhoods in cities. Their ability to change comes from the fact that they can find a wide range of foods on their own.
Appearance of Border Collie vs Racoon
People have a soft spot in their hearts for the gorgeous and athletic herding dog known as the Border Collie. Their bodies are well-balanced, and it can be seen in their eyes that they are aware of their surroundings. When compared to other breeds of dog, the Border Collie stands out because to its expressive eyes, which can be black, blue, or a mix of the two colors. The fact that their ears are pricked up and sensitive demonstrates both their eagerness and their intelligence.
On the other hand, the racoon is a wild mammal that is known for its speed and can be found in North America. What distinguishes them from other people is the black mask of marks that conceals their eyes and gives them the appearance of being outlaws. Racoons are able to easily climb and get food because they are powerful animals with keen claws and a tail that allows them to grab onto things. Racoons also have sharp teeth. The fact that their tails are thick and ringed all the way around adds to the unique appearance of these animals.
Size
Border Collies are smart and good at handling, and they are a medium-sized dog. People who are thinking about getting them as pets may care a lot about how big they are. The size of these dogs usually falls in a certain range. In general, a Border Collie is 18 to 22 inches (45 to 55 cm) tall at the shoulder, which is also called the withers. Border Collies, on the other hand, usually weigh between 30 and 45 pounds (13.6 to 20.4 kilograms).
Racoons are wild animals, and their sizes depend on where they live, what they eat, and how old they are. It is true that racoons are smaller than Border Collies on average. With their distinctive bushy tails, adult racoons are generally between 23 and 37 inches (58 to 94 cm) long. For the most part, raccoons weigh between 10 and 30 pounds (4.5 to 13.6 kilograms).
Coats & Colors
The double coat of a Border Coll is well known. One interesting thing about Border Collies is that they can have a lot of different coat colors. The most popular and well-known color is black and white, but they can also be tri-color or merle, among others. Border Collies are a visually attractive breed because they come in a wide range of colors that make them unique and charming.
Racoons have brown fur yet it is mostly grayish-brown and very thick. Their fur is an adaptation that helps keep them warm and helps keep their body temperature steady. Because they are grayish-brown, they can blend in with many natural settings, from woods to cities.
Difference in Personality & Temperament
Border Collies are known for having very interesting characters. There is no doubt that these dogs are loyal, smart, and full of energy. Border Collies are very devoted to the people they live with.
A lot of people say that Border Collies are the smartest dog breed. They always have their heads busy, which helps them learn quickly. They have a lot of energy and love activities that keep them thinking and moving.
Racoons, on the other hand, have unique mental traits because they live in the wild. When they see people, racoons naturally stay away. They would rather watch from a safe distance than get involved. Being wary is a survival trait for them because they live alone in the wild.
It is known that racoons are very clever. Because they are smart, they can adapt to different settings and find food in places you might not expect. This ability can also make them naughty, because they might look through your things.
Family
People love Border Collies because they are always loyal to their homes and their owners. Border Collies do best when they are loved, cared for, and given lots of attention. They need to connect and play with their human family members because they are social animals. A loving home gives them the emotional support and caring setting they need to grow mentally and emotionally.
On the other hand, racoons are wild animals that don’t belong in a family setting like Border Collies do. The fact that they are not tamed and could be dangerous to kids and other pets makes it clear that racoons are not good pets.
Kids
Border Collies have a good image for being friendly, protective, and loving with kids. When there are kids in the house, raccoons are not the best pets because they can act out of the blue and are probably not safe around kids. It is not a good idea to have racoons in homes with kids.
Other People
It is general knowledge that Border Collies are outgoing and friendly with people they have not previously met. These are characteristics that make them ideal companions in public places since they allow them to easily make new friends.
Racoons are generally wary around people, but they are capable of changing their behavior very quickly into one of hostility if they believe they are in imminent danger.
Dogs & Other Animals
Even after being taught to get along with other dogs and animals, Border Collies may still have a herding inclination, despite the fact that they can be taught to get along with other dogs and animals. Racoons have a strong sense of territory, and it’s probable that they won’t tolerate the presence of other animals in their nearby neighborhood if they perceive that these other creatures are invading their space.
Behavior Issues
Indeed, let us look into the specifics of why Border Collies and raccoons might act in certain ways if they are not properly trained and cared for in a home environment.
If these dogs are kept as pets in people’s homes without the right training and stimulation, their herding instincts can be shifted to other behaviors, like barking too much. Border Collies have a strong urge to herd, which makes them chase, bite, or circle things, even people or other animals.
Racoons are wild animals, and living in a home can make it hard to meet their wants and satisfy their instincts. When kept as pets, they often get angry and stressed because they can’t do what they want. Racoons may chew on, scratch, or claw walls, furniture, and other things to get away or feel stimulated.
Training & Exercise of a Border Collie vs a Racoon
Because they are so smart and eager to please, Border Collies are often thought of as one of the easiest dog types to train. As a result, they naturally want to work and follow directions, which makes training them pretty easy. Border Collies are very physically strong. They get a lot of energy from being active and need proper exercise to stay healthy.
Since racoons are wild animals, they have not been selectively bred over many generations to be obedient and easy to train, like dogs have. Their habits and behavior are very different from those of animals that are kept as pets. In other words, they don’t respond as quickly to teaching as dogs do.
Taking Care & Maintenance Difference
Your Border Collie needs regular check-ups with the vet to stay healthy. Genetic problems can make them more likely to get sick, so it’s important to take care of them before they do. Talk to your vet to figure out what kind of food is best for your Border Collie.
Because racoons are wild animals and not pets, taking care of them as pets is hard and often fails. Racoons, on the other hand, are most interesting to watch in their natural environment, where they can do their important jobs in the ecosystem without putting people or other animals in danger.
Grooming Comparison
To maintain the health of their double coat, Border Collies have to be groomed on a regular basis using a brushing and bathing routine. Racoons are perfectly capable of cleaning up after themselves, so there is no reason for people to assist them in this endeavor.
Shedding
It’s possible that giving your Border Collie a good brushing on a regular basis will assist to cut down on the quantity of shedding that it does throughout the year. Because the structure of their fur is distinct from that of canine hair, racoons do not experience the same level of shedding as dogs do. Yet, they shed seasonally.
Health
Border Collies are famous for being very healthy and living a very long time. For them to stay healthy, they need to get regular checkups, eat well, and exercise regularly.
Having racoons as pets, on the other hand, can be very bad for their health. There are moral, social, and health issues with having a racoon as a pet. Raccoons are wild animals and are not meant to be tamed. Trying to do so can be very dangerous for both the racoon and the people who care for it.
Life Span
Border Collies are one of the canine breeds that enjoy the best overall health and, depending on how well they are cared for, can live anywhere from 12 to 15 years. Due to the fact that raccoons are forced to contend with a great lot of competition and peril in the wild, racoons only live for an average of two to three years.
Diet & Nutrition
Border Collies are house dogs, and like all dog types, they need a healthy, well-balanced diet to stay healthy and happy. It’s very important to feed Border Collies high-quality dog food to keep them completely healthy. Proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals are all important nutrients that are found in high-quality dog food in the right amounts.
These nutrients are very important for their general health, energy, and muscle growth. It is very important to pick dog food that doesn’t have fillers like corn or soy that aren’t needed and don’t provide any nutritional value.
Racoons eat a lot of different things in the wild, like fruits, veggies, bugs, small animals, and even food that people have left behind. It is hard and often not possible to meet these food needs when the animals are in captivity. They need both plant and animal-based food because they are omnivores. A racoon that is kept as a pet should eat a range of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as lean proteins like chicken or eggs. But it’s hard to exactly copy what they eat in the wild.
Health Issues
Like many other dog types, Border Collies can be genetically more likely to have certain health problems. Hip dysplasia, eye problems like Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), and epilepsy are the diseases that were named.
Even though racoons are interesting animals, they can spread diseases and parasites that can hurt people and other animals, such as rabies and leptospirosis. Raccoons can have roundworms, fleas, and ticks living on them.
It is important to stress that raccoons are wild animals and should not be kept as pets because they can be dangerous to both the people who care for them and the racoon itself. The best thing to do is to enjoy racoons in their natural environment and make sure that your pets are safe from getting sick.
Cost of Getting Border Collie vs Racoon
The cost of getting a Border Collie can change based on things like the breeder’s reputation, the dog’s bloodline, and where it lives. It is legal and common to have a Border Collie as a pet in most places, as long as you follow the rules and give your dog the care it needs.
Because racoons are wild animals, it is important to know that they cannot be sold as pets in many places. It might not only be illegal to try to get a racoon, but there might also be moral problems with it. Also, raccoons are wild animals with needs that are hard to meet in a home environment. This makes people question whether or not they should be allowed to have them as pets.
Puppies
The price of a Border Collie puppy from a good breeder can range anywhere from $800 to $2,500, depending on the lineage of the dog and where you live in relation to the breeder. Getting a raccoon as a pet is not a good idea for a number of reasons, including legal and ethical considerations. Additionally, racoons have high maintenance requirements in terms of the amount of food and medical care they require.
Breeders & Centers
If you are interested in keeping a Border Collie as a pet, there are reputable breeders as well as rescue organizations that you may get in touch with. Racoons are not produced or sold with the intention of being kept as pets, and in some areas, it is illegal to own one. Keeping a racoon as a pet is not a common practice.
Conclusion: Which Is Better, Border Collie or Racoon?
After this careful look at the two, it’s clear that Border Collies are a better pet than racoons. They are friendly and faithful, and they have a close bond with their owners. A racoon, on the other hand, is a wild animal with special wants and habits that make it impossible to tame.
When choosing a pet, think about what your family wants and how they live. When it comes to being a lover and a loyal friend, the Border Collie hands down beats the racoon. In light of this, the Border Collie is a great pet for a warm friend.
