How old should a border collie be before participating in dog sports?
We are often approached by serious runners who wish to obtain a border collie to be a running companion and go on long runs several times a week. Border collies are also the main breed people consider for doing agility, flyball and frisbee and thus have expectations to be able to begin such activities as soon as the dog reaches full size (7-8 months). We need to clearly emphasize that border collies’ bone and cartilage do not finish growing and maturing until a minimum of 18 months of age. Although the dog looks full size by 8 months and would more than love to throw himself into running, agility, flyball and serious frisbee, we do not recommend that such activities be undertaken until a minimum of 18 months of age. And when such activities are begun, they should be gradual and sensible. Dog sports involve an incredible amount of jumping, landing, impact, twisting, braking, 180 degree turns etc. We will not place a pup into a home where the dog will be expected to do long distance runn
