Favorite Border Collie Type?

[bckrazy]

As most people know who know the breed or who watch dog shows... Border Collies are a somewhat divided breed. On one side of the spectrum is show Border Collies (often referred to as "Barbie Collies"), and on the other side is working Border Collies. The two breeds tend to be shockingly different in appearance and in temperament.

So, honestly, which is you favorite and why? Ethics aside... if that's possible... which as far as appearance and general personality do you prefer?


Show Border Collies - Typically sporting a much longer, finer coat, a wider muzzle, larger eyes, rose ears or low-set ears, a stockier build, and a more easy-going & friendly (by friendly, I mean more tolerant and agreeable with strangers) personality. USUALLY much less herding drive.


Working Border Collies - All varieties of coat... almost always much lighter & more weather-proof. Longer muzzle, smaller eyes, lighter build, all ear-sets and often prick eared, keener expression, smaller height/weight, more suspicious of strangers, more athletic, & more problem-solving skills. MUCH drivier and more desire for a job.

[cloverfdx]

I love working BCs, i love that they have so much drive Makes training easier), i like the varied look of the worker and i love the more independant nature .

Then there are the performance bred BCs, the ones here are nutters and are bred for speed only. Alot of the performance bred BCs here cannot jump to save themselves and are always having accidents clipping jumps... breaking toes, pulling up lame.

[cali]

working of coarse, I dont even remotly like barbie collies.

[IRescue452]

I like working BCs. I like all working breeds better, they seem more "authentic" than the mindless clones people use for show.

[BC_MoM]

Working Border Collies. They are bred for what they were created to do: herd.

I have yet to see a Barbie Collie with ANY herding instinct.

[bckrazy]

Niiice! I kind of hoped/expected it to go this way... however, I have MANY friends & acquaintences who, when they first meet Gonzo, ask why he isn't as "pretty" as Border Collies they've seen in shows. I was just wondering if, ethics aside, whether you would prefer to have a show or working BC.

IMHO, you shouldn't get a BC, if you want a dog that's pretty, fluffy, and has no or minimal drive.

[lute]

I like the working look. It's what I think the BC should look like. The show look is too poofy.