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meet the dogs
 
This is Fly, she is a Red Merle Border Collie. Born on 3rd December 2004. Her favourite game is chasing a ball or stick, dropped at the feet and hopefully thrown by anyone who cares to be passing by. She loves swimming in the water especially to retrieve a stick or ball thrown for her to fetch. She has an excellent temperament, submissive with other dogs, great with children and other animals including livestock so is able to enjoy the freedom of not being leashed when safe to do so.
 

The Border Collie is, like most sheepherding breeds, descended from the Persian Sheepdog. The breed dates back to the 1700's although it was not given its present name until 1915. Collies worked with shepherds in the border area between Scotland and England for hundreds of years, being bred purely for their working ability. Some Border breeders fear emphasis on looks and beauty could lead to the breed's ruination and, therefore, still concentrate primarily on their working qualities.

It would be hard to find a breed that is more receptive to training than the Border Collie. Their intelligence is second to none and their minds are like sponges, absorbing all new tasks with an eagerness and the greatest desire to please. Because of this, these dogs are like a gift from heaven for those wanting to compete in obedience/agility/herding trials. They are born, and it is always in their natures, to herd sheep and if this is not what they are required to do, other activities must be given to keep them content and happy - and to stop them rounding up the children!
 
This is Wishbone, he is a Border Terrier. Born on 23rd February 2003. His favourite pastimes are eating, walking, watching the Gerbils and he also loves swimming, he also is good with livestock and can also enjoy the freedom not being leashed brings. He is everybodys friend and likes to give everyone a good licking. Loves a cuddle and having his tummy tickled.
 

The Border Terrier first appeared in the 18th century and has changed little since. They were used as working terriers in the Scottish Borders hunting foxes which preyed on livestock. Their ancestry is not really known. Their appearance was never of great concern to their owners but their ability to go to ground after a fox was, so they were bred to have strong jaws, to be well boned but not heavy and to have a chest with sufficient capacity but narrow enough to allow them to get back out of any earth they entered. Their extra length of leg enabled them to follow a horse so that they were there when they were needed. During their history they were known as the Reedwater Terriers and the Coquetdale Terriers but nowadays are referred to as Border Terriers. They are still working terriers in the countryside but in urban areas are mainly family companions.

The Border Terrier is very intelligent and trainable. They are independent dogs though so require firmness and patience in their training which should start early.