brookcove
Posted : 6/6/2008 1:14:00 AM
Border Collies can indeed be merle and there's a lot of them in Eastern Canada because sport breeders (those who breed agility or flyball dogs) like what we call "candy colors." But, if the person said the sire was black and white, most likely it was because he was black and white.
They're always 'on' -- they always want to be herding something ... other dogs and humans included.
Actually, that's not true. Well, not Border collies anyway, and the Aussies I've had here have all had an off switch too. The difference is that with a working bred dog, you've got to give them a routine, a schedule of events, or they start making stuff up. My mature dogs, and even my baby dog now that he's taken a role in the working day, have long periods in the day when they do nothing but lay down whereever I happen to be. Now that the temps are close to the hundreds, they work very early and then we have about thirteen hours when they do - nothing!
It is never appropriate for a herding dog to "herd" a human. That's like saying, when your Golden Retriever picks up baby by the neck and brings him to you - "Oh, well, those crazy Goldens, they always want to be retrieving something!" And I don't let them harass other dogs either, that's just rude no matter what the breed.
Good luck in your search. I have an Aussie/BC here now who's looking for a home, too bad you are not closer. Oh, and looking for an adult.