The Border Collie breed is known for its bold personality. This is why they find it hard to get along with other canines. Still, it doesn’t mean that your dog is a lost cause. Many Border Collies can thrive with a companion dog, but you have to be very careful with the breed. Also, proper socialization, training, and introduction to other dogs are important to help a Border Collie adjust to a multi-canine household.
Understanding the Border Collie Personality
You have to understand that Border Collies are far from lap dogs. The following characteristics of this breed make it hard for them to thrive with another canine at home:
?Excessive energy
A Border Collie’s intense energy level is a force to be reckoned with, especially if you’re planning to introduce another canine. They love romping outdoors, which can be annoying to other dogs. This is why you have to be picky when pairing another dog with a Border Collie.
This breed is a workaholic, and they always need something to get busy at. If not, your Border Collie will do its own tricks, which will become problematic, especially when there’s another dog involved.
To keep a Border Collie happy, you need to give them 1 to 2 hours of exercise per day. Mental stimulation is also very crucial for this intelligent canine. With that, it’s best to get another dog that can keep up with that lifestyle.
?Herding tendencies
Border Collies were bred to herd livestock on large farms. They did great on the job, but the problem is that their herding instincts are hard-wired in their genes. With that, a Border Collie may try to herd the new dog by nipping, barking, and biting.
Never, ever, get a small dog to pair with a Border Collie. Although friendly and affectionate canines, Border Collies have an aggressive side. Their herding tendency may become a full-on attack on a small dog. This is something you wouldn’t want to happen.
Take note that you can’t train your Border Collie out of herding completely. It’s like trying to stop a Golden Retriever from retrieving things. What you need is a second dog with a matching personality and temperament.
?Rough play
Border Collies are smart, but they’re not the gentlest dog breed you can find. They have an affinity for nipping and roughhousing. With this, the other dog you’re going to get might become their next target. This can lead to dog fights and injuries for both dogs.
Moreover, Border Collies use nipping for play, which is a big problem when introducing them to another dog. They also prefer doing things on their own so that they might see the other dog as a hindrance. With that, the second dog should be just as rough and tough as your Border Collie.
?Very sensitive
Border Collies are very sensitive canines and can’t handle a very noisy household. If you get a barky dog, your Border Collie dog may become agitated and aggressive.
Still, a Border Collie’s high sensitivity is advantageous for training. They are responsive and tend to know what their owner wants even before being instructed to do so.
What dogs get along with Border Collies?
If you’re keen to get another dog for your Border Collie, you have to be very careful with the breed. Small and laidback breeds are out of the window here. The concept of yin and yang doesn’t always work with Border Collies since they need an equally active companion.
If you’re scouting for possible breeds, the following dogs are good candidates:
?Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers will be great partners with Border Collies. Goldies are intelligent, active, and very playful, which is almost similar to a Border Collie. The best part is that Golden Retrievers are gentle and easy to live with.
Aside from that, Golden Retrievers almost has the same size as Border Collies, a few being a tad larger. Also, Goldies love the outdoors, so they can easily keep up with the lively personality of Border Collies. Both of them love water, which will become their bonding time.
In terms of temperament, Golden Retrievers are very tolerant. They can put up with a Border Collie’s hyperactivity and nippy behavior. Goldies are also excellent training buddies because of their brilliance.
Moreover, both Golden Retrievers and Border Collies can’t tolerate being left alone. Each other’s company would be very beneficial, especially if they are left with interactive toys and a secure yard.
The only downside to owning a Golden Retriever is the heavy shedding. Like Border Collies, this breed has a double-coat that sheds all year round.
?German Shepherd
Athletic, intelligent, and workaholic – these three words describe German Shepherd dogs (GSDs). GSD is the quintessential working dog, so they will surely complement the personality of a Border Collie. They also have a large size that matches well with our active breed.
Moreover, the German Shepherd dog is very active and athletic. They need a large yard and at least an hour of exercise per day to stay happy. With that, they will enjoy the company of the equally energetic Border Collie.
However, proper training and introduction are necessary when pairing a German Shepherd with a Border Collie. I suggest raising both these breeds together from puppyhood so that they won’t get into each other’s nerves as adults.
Also, you should know that GSDs are heavy shedders. Nevertheless, they are fairly easy to groom with regular brushing. Just make sure that you get the pup from a reputable breeder to avoid getting a German Shepherd with orthopedic problems.
?Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is smaller than a GSD but almost the same size as a Border Collie. Like the latte,r this breed is a ball of energy. Australian Shepherds are happy when they are given a job to do.
Like Border Collies, this dog was produced to herd livestock. As cousin breeds, both these canines will surely get along with a proper introduction.
The Australian Shepherd has a big similarity with a Border Collie’s personality. The difference is that the former is more accepting of other canines. Aussie Shepherds are affectionate, but they keep a close watch of strangers.
In terms of shedding, you’ll be glad to know that Aussie Shepherds aren’t the heaviest coat blowers. They are an intelligent bunch, too, which makes them worthwhile to train. You can even pair these two breeds during training.
However, you should watch out over an Aussie Shepherd’s diet since it’s prone to obesity. Ample exercise is also necessary to keep this dog happy.
?Belgian Tervuren
The Belgian Tervuren isn’t a popular breed, but if you’re looking for a companion for your Border Collie, this breed might be perfect. This dog is very athletic and brilliant, not to mention that they are elegant Belgian Sheepdogs.
Moreover, the Belgian Tervuren is a smart and sensitive breed, which matches a Border Collie’s personality. They will also benefit from the companionship with another dog since Belgian Tervurens don’t like being left alone.
Aside from that, this dog is very tolerant of cold weather, but they don’t like a very scorching summer day since they descended from sheepdogs. Nevertheless, the Belgian Tervuren will still enjoy a sunny day as long as you groom and trim their coat properly.
Take note that this dog is a heavy shedder, so more attention is needed in terms of grooming. They are friendly but will take some time to warm-up with strangers and other canines.
Lastly, the Belgian Tervuren was bred as a herding dog, which is something they have in common with a Border Collie.
?Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog was bred as a herding canine, so they are guaranteed to become excellent companions for Border Collies.
Australian Cattle Dogs are relentless canines who need a job to do to stay happy. They can be more energetic than a Border Collie, but proper training will surely help the two get along.
While the Aussie Cattle Dog is easy to train, they tend to be nippy and active hunters. This is a complementary personality with Border Collies, which will become their hunting buddies.
In terms of grooming, Australian Cattle Dogs are easy to maintain. They shed moderately, and they are pretty hardy dogs.
How to help a Border Collie get along with other dogs
If you want your Border Collie to get along with another canine, you should keep the following points in mind:
- Training is necessary. You can tame your Border Collie’s nippy behavior with intensive training. This will allow the dog to welcome another canine in the pack.
- Socialization is crucial. Aside from training, you should expose your Border Collie to various stimuli. This will help the pooch grow as a well-rounded canine. It will also help your dog become more welcoming of other people and pets.
- Start early. If you’re planning to raise two dogs, I suggest getting both of them as puppies. This way, the Border Collie and the other dog will get used to each other right away. It will also allow both dogs to become comfortable with each other’s personalities.
- Take it easy. If you’re introducing a new dog to an adult Border Collie, you have to take the process slowly. Let the two dogs get used to the scent of each one before arranging an actual meeting. Never force your ‘home team’ to accept its new member right away.
- Use positive reinforcement. Dogs thrive with rewards. For example, you can give treats to your Border Collie while the other dog is present. This will make your resident dog associate the newcomer with something positive.
Keep their resources separated. Border Collies will resource-guard if you share their food bowl and toys with the new dog. It’s important to give each canine its own ‘headquarters’ to prevent dog fights and negative associations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Border Collies jealous dogs?
A: Border Collies can get jealous if not given enough attention. This can also happen if you brought home another pet. It’s important to train your dog properly to prevent this from happening and to protect the new pet from the nipping habit of Border Collies.
Q: Is it better to have two Border Collies?
A: Most of the time, two Border Collies can get along very well. They complement each other’s energy and personality. However, you should be prepared to deal with their intense energy and temperament. Owning a Border Collie requires a lot of patience and knowledge, what more two of them.
Q: Are male or female Border Collies better?
A: Male Border Collies tend to be more affectionate, but they also retain their puppy ways longer than their female counterparts. Also, male Border Collie dogs will try to be dominant by testing the boundaries and being demanding. On the other hand, female Border Collies become more reserved as it grows older.
Q: Do Border Collies do well in hot weather?
A: The Border Collie breed is very tolerant of both hot and cold weather. They love running around in nice weather while soaking in a lake or pond. Also, sunny weather allows the dog to spend more time outdoors, which is innate to every Border Collie.
Q: At what age do Border Collies calm down?
A: Border Collies take longer to calm down than other breeds. Most of them take up to five years to tone down the active and perky personality. Intensive training is necessary to make sure that your Border Collie will channel its energy into productive activities.
Final words
Do Border Collies get along with other dogs? Yes, they can. However, you have more work to do than with other breeds. Patience, consistency, and proper training are crucial to ensure that your Border Collie will accept the new member of the household. Most of all, you should get the right breed that complements your resident doggo’s personality and temperament.
Are you raising your Border Collie in a multi-canine household? How’s it going so far? Share it with us below!
