They do need exercise, but they are not as "high octane" as the border collie. Once they stop running, he loses interest. No issues to mention. BCs, Gideon and Micah and a token JRT just to keep me humble. However, I would rather choose the lesser evil than have my dog maim another family member or risk him being put down or rehomed. However, due to their herding instincts and nature may attempt to herd them like they would livestock. Grab, bite, kill, dissect, and consume are already included in the program . Fun Games and Activities for German Shepherds. In fact, my male BC Jes entertains himself daily for hours just trotting circles around my black and white cat Ben, and staring at him. How big do Border Collies get? They blended so well together, you couldn't tell where cat ended and dog started. We created Pet Educate to ensure that any owner can get access to the information they need to take the best care of their pet. There are many ways to stop your Border collie dog from chasing cats. We are seasoned pet owners and enthusiasts who love to share everything that we learn about them! A border collie herding a cat might be well-intentioned, but it can lead to injuries for the cat if nipping is involved. Some border collies do present a danger to cats -- either because they havent been socialized or because their herding and prey drives are so strong -- so you have to choose one carefully. Generally speaking, cats prefer to be left alone and may not enjoy the company of other pets, particularly one that is bossing them around. Do border collies and cats get along well with one another and can they peacefully co-exist in your home? They happily cuddle and co-exist, but in play, I believe the participants should be evenly matched - dogs with dogs and well, my cats seem to prefer to sleep. Does anyone else have both cats and BCs, and do you have any tips or experiences to share? Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog when they do not chase a cat or when they come back to you when they see a cat. For instance, terriers are tenacious, feisty, and full of energy. Baby gates and using long leashes can work particularly well here. The dogs are taught that they mustn't chase the cats, but I do allow play if the cat intiates it. This helps prevent competition and conflicts. How that is possible, I don't know, but there you go. Although collies are prone to herding and chasing cats they don't recognize, once a collie accepts your cat as part of their family, collies get on very well with cats. When these dogs herd sheep, they use a very intense stare and make eye contact with the sheep. If you do not find a way to scratch your collies itch to work, he will see your cat and other smaller pets as creatures under his care. Curious to know as well, I conducted some research and asked pet parents around. The powerful Alaskan Malamute generally roams in a group with its fellow canine friends. Remember, as a responsible dog owner, it is important to keep an eye on your dogs behavior. 2 border collies, 2 cats. Dog ownership is not all about rainbows and sunshine, especially if you have a whip-smart Border collie. . This isnt to suggest that you cant introduce a cat to your border collie; you can, but the optimal time is when theyre three months old. Many pet owners are quick to judge that Border collies are the problem, but it can also be the cat. Are you constantly searching, Does your cat behave differently after a grooming appointment? If you already have a border collie and you're thinking about adding a cat to the nest, test your dog first to find out if she'll be a predator or a playmate. #1: Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are one of the best dogs for cats, and "golden" is a fitting word to describe this classic breed. The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is part of the American Kennel ClubToy Group. Ladybug had obviously been taught to not chase cats before we got her. But what about cats? My cat is a bit of an A'hole and doesn't like being touched at all so I foresee issues in the future. As a reward for his quiet, let your border colliesniff the cat and get licked by it. Adopt your border collie while he is still a puppy younger than 12 weeks old. And the cats might not appreciate being herded by an enthusiastic dog. Now, how would you feel if someone was following you and watching your every move? Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. We have 2 BCs (soon to be 3!) But then again, maybe they also know I won't let it go but so far. Collies are athletic; they do best with a lot of exercise and companionship . Keep cool and continue walking your new cat around the home with your border collie on a leash or in a kennel if your border collie starts to bark. Only positive training techniques should be used. Border Collies love chasing or herding things and can start chasing or herding this may be difficult for you and your cat. High, as the more time you can give for training, playing and exercising the . You are advised to consult with the vet or a professional if you are experiencing any issues with your pets getting along. In fact, toy poodles are roughly the size of many cats and often will become close companions and playmates with their feline friends. Be consistent and make it clear that you will not tolerate such bad behavior. For no apparent reason, the border collie continues to snap at your cat. It can take more work to introduce a cat to a herding dog than breeds such as working or nanny dogs. This cat usually likes dogs. This is down to the individual personality of the border collie, and the respective relationship with the other animal. Are border collies good with other animals? Kind and empathetic, Golden Retrievers accept cats readily as part of the family. 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Meg loves it. Here are the qualities you can expect from raising a Border Collie dog, on a scale of 1 paw (low) to 5 paws (high). How many hours should a border collie sleep, Do Border Collies calm down after getting neutered or spayed. (and 2 small dogs) No problems between the dogs and the cats. Brodie has been pretty tolerant as well. Clear editor. The management and training will allow both animals to feel safe in one another's presence. If you see your pup nipping your cat, you must separate the two straight away. I think the boys would have left Tiger Lily completely alone if she had not taunted them into chasing her when they were pups. At three months old, the border collie is still developing and obeying obedience training guidelines, as well as growing more affectionate towards any family members. I have a big, male cat who's very calm and confident. If taught from a young age, a Border Collie can get along with other cats or dogs. If you recall Lassie (a rough collie), you know that collies are lovers, not fighters. However, if you already have a border collie and want to add a cat to the mix, its fine as long as you are ready to put in the work. As previously mentioned, border collies are natural herders with a range of specific skills and behaviors. Beyond this, aside from many brisk walks or runs, get your border collie to play games like tug and frisbee, believe it or not, these lively games get your dog to calm down. Contrary to popular belief, an e-collar is a safe and efficient tool. Despite the fact that the cat does not bother the dog in any manner, the dog always growls with bared teeth at your cat. Most of the dogs now ignore the cats, except Meg, the eight month old. If you have a border collie and a cat, there will be extra dirt to clean up. Of course, it is not a good idea to have both of these breeds if you do not have the time to dedicate to your pets as both breeds are highly intelligent, active dogs that need daily physical and mental stimulation. In general, if you have cats, avoid dog breeds that have a high instinct to chase. Please consult a licensed veterinarian for any medical condition or query regarding the health of your pet. So, it is advised to keep your dog on a leash or in a fenced area when you know that there are cats around. Newfoundlands are the gentle giants of the dog world. Border Collies With Cats. Nope, they are mortal enemies, don't get along at all. Some border collies may have a lower herding impulse than others, but if your border collie is a herder, they may decide that herding your cat is their appointed duty. Collies are intelligent and bred to work with people, so they have a strong desire to please. Outside if they run he will chase, but not with the intent to harm. Calvin, who is going on 3, used to play with Kes and then also started playing with Birdie. This breed excels at so many canine sports that signing up your border collie to one of these classes is an excellent way to burn off some energy. Most pugs lack the inclination to chase or otherwise bother a cat, so they generally can live successfully with felines. They are essentially a herding dog, bred for intelligence, stamina and energy. This breed can get along with almost every person and animal imaginable, including cats. Owning a border collie comes along with a range of considerations and challenges. It is advised to use positive training methods to teach the dog appropriate alternative behavior. To own a border collie is a bit of an undertaking as its a lot of work keeping these dogs occupied, but you will enjoy teaching your border collie new tricks. That is why it is crucial to divert your collies attention to other things other than herding. Breeds like Shiba Inus, terriers, greyhounds, and border collies often come up in discussions about dog breeds that don't get on well with kitties . These two dogs will complement each other in their learning and obedience. Just remember that dogs are individuals, and not all dogs, even of the same breed, will fit the mold. Tip #3: Brush Up on Recall Skills and Basic Commands. Worst case scenario, your Border collie will bite your cat in an attempt to stop him from fleeing. Make sure that you have a good supply of doggie treats; you can break these up into small pieces and offer them to your dog as a reward for good behavior. My baby lives with a four-year-old male cat and they get along surprisingly well. I couldn't tell that he was doing it on purpose until I was close enough to hear that he was purring while running away from her (and he's not normally the kind of cat to purr when stressed). They were bred to be loving, loyal lap dogs and all-around friendly companions. You'll want to set aside significant time to keep your border collie occupied. Your border collie may end up herding or chasing away the cat. In fact, pet parents have reported that this behavior has driven their cats into hiding and refuse to eat their meals. So, dont force the two to become buddies if you have a hostile feline. Border collies will not generally attempt to attack a cat. Border collies have abundant physical and mental energy, so they need challenges and jobs. One of the most intelligent of all breeds, the Border Collie is also one of the most challenging to live with. I walk him twice daily with the morning walk being the longest (1.5 miles) and have tried calming treats. This behavior is inherited from their ancestors, who were used to herd sheep and other livestock. I should have saidgiven the opportunity to stare..he will. These dogs are medium to large, ensuring better compatibility. These dogs traditionally hunted in large packs with hunters accompanying the packs on foot or horseback, so it was imperative that they got along with other animals. Use positive reinforcement: Reward your Border Collie when they do not chase or try to herd a cat. But in order to properly assess this question, we need to look into the specifics of the breed. While all three are highly intelligent and can be trained to behave around cats, the smaller miniature and toy varieties are generally less intimidating to a cat. Every time I would get them separated, Kato would immediately initiate another match. German Shepherd. You can post now and register later. Border Collies are medium-sized dogs. Spread a blanket that your cat typically sleeps on your collies bed to get them acclimated to the fragrance. 5: Border Collie. It is possible to have both a dog and a cat as pets in the same household. A Maltese is usually fine lying on the couch, ignoring much of anything else going on, including the activities of a cat. If your puppy is raised with cats, there is less of a chance that he will see cats as animals that need herding. At best, the Border Collie and rabbit will adore each other and spend lots of time together, while at worst, they will be indifferent to each other, and will ignore each other. They can prevent any chasing and any herding behavior from being attempted. Some dogs have more herding instinct than others. They befriend cats, squirrels, and most importantly other dogs quite fast. When Border Collies do hate cats, of the most common reason is quite straightforward. These dogs require a lot of exercises and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. A male Border Collie will grow to be about 19 to 22 inches (48 to 56 cm) tall, while females will grow slightly smaller at 18 to 21 inches (46 to 53 cm). When that happens, you cannot expect your pooch just to stick his tongue out. Our little ex-street kitty Lucky learned very quickly that as long as he doesn't run he's pretty safe. Perhaps the most intelligent dog breed, she's outsmarted . CERTIFIED GENTLE AND SAFE Chlorine free and color safe. In my case, 2 dogs and 2 cats. Shih Tzu. When I see that going on, the dog will get an "Ah, Ah" if he decides to chase. He is 12 now and has not slowed down noticeably. Tip #2: Introduce Your Border Collie by Sound and Scent. Repeat this process for a week until both parties feel more settled. Dexter plays great with the cats but we have to keep him away from the litter boxes or he will go digging for snacks (Ewwww). The deterrence method involves actively trying to isolate your border collie and cat from one another, and usually follows a period of unsuccessful socialization. But thankfully, it can be done with the right mindset and approach. We do not tolerate any interaction with the 2 that are intimidated, we let the ones that like to play set the pace, but call a halt if it gets out of hand, the ones that ignore them are, quite frankly, ignored right back. Border collies do not necessarily have to be employed in farms, but you should always give this work-driven canine a job to keep him pumped up. Border collies that have been brought up with cats as puppies are less likely to behave aggressively. Border Collies. This can change day by day, context by context, etc. Also, it helps to provide your cat with a high place to run to. Like the Bearded Collie, the Border Collie is a high-energy herding dog. Dogs raised with cats when they are puppies are substantially less likely to display aggressive behavior, and if your puppy grows up with cats, he is less likely to see them as prey animals in need of herding. Border Collies are not always good with cats, especially new or unfamiliar ones. Imagine my Robin's surprise when she tried curling up in his tail while he was sleeping! These are: The idea here is to keep your border collie distracted and to refrain from the need of herding/chasing a cat. It gives Jes tons more exercise and mental stimulation than he would otherwise have, and I am convinced it will help him to live longer in good health. You can encourage your puppy to engage in play with your cats, just make sure that all interactions are gentle. Pupper will see the cats as pack members to protect, instead of livestock to herd. With the help of your kids, he can channel his energy into something more productive. Encourage your little collie to interact with the feline member of the household, but be sure to supervise playtime. Massage your hands on your border collies back while drawing the cat closer with one hand to praise him for being calm. A natural part of herding is nipping which will not likely be received very well by your cat. In my experience, border collies can get along with other breeds that they live with better than they do with some other breeds when they're out and about. Once the dog starts to take the treat, say leave it and close your hand. The Pomeranian is a spirited and engaging toy dog. You'll increase the chances for everyone's happiness if you make sure the pup receives the stimulation she needs. Well, their bloodlines tell it so. Most adult dogs are 18 - 22 inches tall and reach a weight of 30 - 55 pounds. Our current cat, Anni, likes to walk under the dogs and rub on their belly. Border collies can get along well with cats and dogs of any breed, so long as they're introduced at a relatively young age in a calm, secure environment. A playful kitten may enjoy being chased and might be an excellent companion to a border collie. Let us now take a closer look at how these two animals typically do alongside one another before we move onto some introduction, socialization and training tips. On the other hand, female Border Collies can get along with their male counterparts. Feeding schedules must not be changed; they must be adhered to. Put your new cat on a leash next to your border collie after youve walked him around the house and praise him if hes calm. I'm not sure, but wow, does he love cats. Although not all herding dogs live well with cats, collies are a bit mellower than some other herding breeds and generally can resist the instinct to herd when the behavior wouldn't be appropriate (such as chasing the family cat). How big do Border Collies get? In this article, we will explore the reasons why some Border Collies become obsessed with cats. Mostly though, the dogs have learned to give Anni her spaceshe'll swat at them as she see's fit, usually for no reason at all. The dogs, surprised, took off around the back of the house being chased by this little cat. Developed to be excellent shepherd dogs, Border Collies relish the chance to learn and let off steam. The barrier is durable and secure, and it allows small pets to pass through. Occasionally, even a well-trained border collie might attempt to herd and chase cats once in a while, so your cat must have a means of escape. Plus, collies tend to be gentle dogs, including with kids and other family pets. Despite having a pet gate, you should not allow Border collies and cats to meet for at least three days, if not a full week. But make sure that they are properly introduced and trained to get along. When border collies are young, they do I've got a cat tree out of my BC's reach that my kitty can retreat to when he's had enough play time, and he treats it as his safe zone. A professional trainer or behaviorist can offer tips to make the introduction go more smoothly. They get along great for the most part. Cats love heights, and they feel secure when they are up above. If you already have a cat, consider adopting an adult border collie from a rescue or shelter that does cat-testing. Can A Border Collie Get Along With A Cat?