Border Collies and Children.

[K9 Obedience]

Due to the Border Collies popularity in films and on television, many people are attracted to this breed, for a family pet. I am often asked whether the B.C. is good with children. For the most part the answer has to be NO. The herding instinct in Border Collies is a behavioural trait that has been bred into them for over two hundred years. Herding instinct is simply a modified version of the killing instinct of wolves. Of course the instinct has been toned down, by breeding the killing instinct "OUT" of the dog. They still retain the circling and gathering instincts, that were used in the wolf pack when hunting prey.
This instinct is different in the Border Collie, as opposed to other herding breeds in as much as the B.C. circles livestock far away from the handler/shepherd, and fetches them back to him, whereas other herding breeds drive the livestock away from the handler. (This is known as gathering or fetching) Border Collies do not use force in the first instant to herd stock but have what is known as the, "eye" a threatening, hypnotic stare that intimidates the stock into moving in the right direction. If they do not move then the B.C. will start nipping, barking, and gripping, to get their stock moving.
A small child running in the garden is, to the Border Collie, a sheep that has broken loose from the fold. Its natural instincts cause the B.C. to chase the child to get in front of it. The Border Collie will then stare at the child in its attempt to turn the child back. If the child keeps moving the dog will resort to nipping and barking, to try and get this uncooperative, "sheep" to do as it is told.
This is very traumatic for a small child, especially if not used to dogs. Yes of course, children can be taught how to react around the dog, but what if visiting children are out playing in the yard? Parents have to constantly supervise the situation or lock the dog away. Hundreds upon hundreds of Border Collies end up in rescue homes because they have nipped or bitten a child. The sad thing is that these dogs are only following their natural instincts and are often perfectly obedient most of the time. They are, "high energy" dogs which is why they are so superb at canine sports, such as Agility.This is one of the reasons why so many people choose to own a B.C. They never will be fully comfortable in the average home situation. They prefer to be outside working, rather than sleeping by the fire. Of course you can train the dog not to nip, or chase children but the instinct is so very strong within them that they will never be 100% reliable. A great many Border Collie owners have problems with their dog chasing cars, bikes, or anything that moves.
Potential B.C. owners would do well to have a good look at their lifestyles and consider the children. Border Collies do not settle well into rescue shelters so unless you can give the dog a life suited to his amazing character and ability, you are best choosing a different breed.