Its awful. Vets have had a lot to do with it and TV aswell. Welfare is suffering because of it too. People breed a dog with very high working instincts and sell to people who cannot cope.

Sorry, I see temperament and health as one and the same. So I meant that.

Yup it is great that you have a breed that can still do that
but it isnt true for many breeds
and that is sad and something I am very against happening in 'my' breed



exactly, well put. You need to know the strenghts and weaknesses and working style to get an idea of the best dog to put to your dog
- based on working ability and what you need in a dog


hmm yes and know. Its nice to show off your tool, let people see how well it can do the job
and many farmers are proud of their dogs
also they want to be able to breed the best workers they can - because a good working collie does the job of many men


Yes Im afraid a vet friend of mine when I was looking for a dog said borders were the healthiest breed she had seen
- she didnt say anything about a 1st time owner taking on a working terrier breed

been doing this with springers for years, sad to see it happening in other breeds, as it happens i'd love a border, but if this is happening with borders there will be more turning up in rescue

I had a Vet contact me the other day wanting a puppy from Livvy, I pointed out she is just 16mths, he replied well thats old enough isnt it?

One of our Vets has one as well.....but she is certainly not one that you would want!! I think she was a rescue...and she has a couple of issues....well...just one really...and they all have 2 legs!

They are not easy dogs Hannah, not at all, not unlike a Collie really, full of energy and instinct. Great in the right hands, a nightmare in the wrong hands.

been doing this with springers for years, sad to see it happening in other breeds, as it happens i'd love a border, but if this is happening with borders there will be more turning up in rescue

Trust me - I know!