Border collies of my acquaintance

By Bill Fosher

The dogs shown here are Border collies, a breed that originated in the sheep farming regions of the United Kingdom. For centuries, they have been bred and selected for their ability to work, and not for their appearance. If you're used to purebred show dogs, you'll be surprised to learn that Border collies come in many sizes, shapes, coat types and colors, and the working registries will even allow dogs of other breeds to be introduced to their stud books, if they can prove themselves in the fields.

We see the proof of the ISDS motto around here every day. Without a Border collie, it's difficult to manage sheep. Sheep don't like to go into pens, and they don't like to be caught for routine care such as foot trimming, shearing, or treatment for parasites. Border collies allow shepherds to care for their sheep in ways that would be very difficult — if not impossible — without them.

The dogs on this page are Border collies that I know. I'll occasionally switch a few photos and add new dogs. When there's some news about one of the dogs here, I'll put it up.

Molly

Molly's my first Border collie. She turned 7 years old in January, 2000. In training her, I've made every mistake in the book, and she has been very forgiving and patient with me.

I was ready to give up on her when I started getting some help in training her in the spring of 1999. With a little bit of private instruction and encouragement, traveling to a few clinics with top trainers such as Cheryl Jagger Williams, Kent Kuykendall, and Jack and Kathy Knox, Molly has proven herself to be a pretty good sheepdog. I wonder what she could have been if I knew what I was doing ...

Molly competed in three trials last season in the Novice/Novice division, and we hope to compete in several more in the coming season. More importantly, she's a useful dog with my small flock of sheep. For me, trials are just a reason to train her better. Everything I learn helps me at home.

Bess

Bess turned a year old in February 2000. She came to me from Nancy Hebb of Fairview Farms in Michigan. She's a shy little girl, but turns into a sheepherding machine when she's with stock.

Bess has a great deal of instinct. I'm trying to be careful bring her along gradually, and not do things that would dampen that natural drive.

NEW! Click here for photos and a little narrative of a training session with Bess. Now that the weather's a little milder, I'm getting back into the round pen with her.

Mist

Mist is a litter mate to Bess. She belongs to Jay and Vicky Johnson of Michigan, who raise and show Suffolk sheep in the midwest. Like Bess, she's a very keen dog with lots of natural ability.

Trim

Trim is a young dog that Nancy Hebb is training. She's a little unsure of herself around sheep, but she'll come along nicely. Trim is a tiny creature — probably no more than 30 pounds — but she can run like the wind.

Lindi

Lindi, short for Lindisfarne, is Molly's mother. She belongs to Amy Dunnington of Rhode Island. She's getting about 12 years old, but still likes to work when she comes for a visit. She's particularly interested in chickens.

Lindi has a beautiful natural outrun and excellent balance. Amy has run her in all the novice classes, and even placed in a small open trial with her.

Scout

Scout is Molly's older half-brother. Amy kept him from the first litter that she had with Lindi. Scout has improved on his mother's balance. He's a little bit pushy and a total control freak. He will not tolerate a sheep breaking out of the group.

I've had the chance to work with Scout a little bit, and he taught me a lot in a very short time about how and when to correct a dog. For all his pushiness and power, he's kind of a baby when it comes to corrections, so in working with him I learned to be as easy as possible, but as harsh as necessary. A very fine line to walk — but Scout will let you know exactly where it is.

All photos and text on this page are ©1999 and 2000 by Bill Fosher unless otherwise indicated. All rights are reserved. Please don't use them without permission.