My grandfather has a border collie (bred for cattle farming) that he has had since she was just a pup. She's highly intelligent and highly protective of family. For example, when my sister and cousin were babies, she would "herd" them and if any stranger came near them, she would get infront of the children and snarl and snap at the stranger. She is very well-trained, but has never had any official/professional training and doesn't work cattle. Her parenting skills are amazing, she made a great mom with her own pups and with the grandkids . When my dog was a puppy, she would discipline him when she thought he "got out of line" by pinning him down until he behaved and even 1.7 years later, she does the same thing. I agree with most people on here when I say, border collies can make great pets to those who have time for them. They can be high energy, protective, and loyal as anything to the person or people they bond with. I say get one if you are willing to accept him/her for who they are...and willing to put time in with them...they will test the limits. The only thing that worries me about my grandfather's dog, is that she seems to be getting meaner the older she gets.