The Border Collie was originally bred to help farmers herd sheep. In fact, that’s the sole reason that they were named “Collie”—the name literally translates to “sheepdog.”
Are Border Collies aggressive in nature? Typically, no, they’re not, but it depends on the particular dog. To better understand what we’re getting at, let’s give this breed a better introduction.
What’s the Border Collie Known For?
The first thing that you’ll be told by anyone who’s ever owned this dog is that they all have an intense stare—popularly known as the “eye.” They’ll sit and just stare at the livestock grazing, waiting for you to give them a command.
For generations, this breed has been considered the premium herding breed due to their stamina and inexhaustible energy. To be a perfect match for a Border Collie, you have to be someone who’s active and ready to deal with a highly intelligent pup. These dogs are very smart and don’t fit the “laidback family pet” mold.
In short, the Border’s workaholic attitude can be an asset or a liability, depending on how you look at it.
The Border Collie’s Disposition
If we had to pick words that best describe this breed’s personality, we’d pick smart, industrious, energetic, and as mentioned, alert. If you’re looking for a pet that’s going to be independent and strong-minded, you’re in the right place.
You must always remember that this dog has a compulsion to herd. So, even if there are no sheep around, they’ll “herd” whatever they can find. Owners have seen them try to herd cars, kids, and even other pets. Of course, this behavior can be tamed, but only if you start training them as a puppy.
How Aggressive Are Border Collies?
First off, it’s important to acknowledge the fact that any dog can exhibit disruptive behavior when left unsupervised or if they aren’t properly trained. So, it’s not fair to assume that all Border Collies are aggressive, just because you met one that was. They may become aggressive if they are grappling with an undiagnosed health condition or if they no longer view you as the leader in their relationship.
Right from a young age, you have to let the dog know that you and all your family members are leaders in their pack. They’ll only be cordial, cooperative, and obedient if they get the sense that you’re relatively stronger, hence making them a follower.
More often than not, dogs usually cause problems due to a lack of understanding. They can show tendencies of aggression toward kids, strangers, or other pets because they weren’t properly socialized as pups. Suffice it to say, the Border Collie is no different.
What Are the Probable Causes of Aggression in Border Collies?
“Dominance” Aggression
Border Collies need owners who are ready to step up to the plate as leaders. If they sense that you’re not taking a position of leadership, they’ll immediately try to offset that balance of power. In other words, the aggressive behavior that they are suddenly developing is their way of asserting leadership over you.
Hostility
Every stimulus that they experience has to be met with an appropriate response. If they see something that makes them feel threatened or scared, they’ll respond with aggression. It’s a fundamental instinct for them.
Pain
Animals often feel pain the same way humans do. Whenever they are in pain, they also experience a lot of stress. If your Border Collie is wounded, be gentle while addressing the issue at hand. A dog in pain is capable of biting, nipping, or growling.
Health complications might also be one of the causes. So, watch out for signs like restlessness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, confusion, etc.
How to Deal With Situations Involving an Aggressive Border Collie
Don’t yell or worst of all, try to hit your dog. This will only make the situation worse when your prime goal should be to de-escalate the tension.
Do not pressure the dog to do something while they’re still growling. The growl alone is enough to tell you that they are disinterested in whatever you want them to do. Respect their wishes, and take it as a sign that they need more room to breathe.
Lastly, you shouldn’t get them involved in any aggressive dominance-based activities while they are still in that state. These include tug of war and any other game that requires the dog to chase a moving target. Instead, focus on games designed to stimulate them mentally.
Conclusion
Generally, the Border Collie is not an aggressive dog. They’ll only be aggressive if they aren’t properly socialized, if they feel threatened, scared, or sick, or if they think that you aren’t fit to be a leader.
A lot of people fear getting them as family pets because their herding instincts are ridiculously strong, and while this can be an issue, this can be mitigated with proper training and socialization.
Featured Image Credit: ForeverNaturalPhotography, Shutterstock
