Daisy

Border Collies are one of the smartest and most focused breeds around. These sweet dogs are happiest when they have an activity to do or job to work on, whether it’s playing fetch, digging a hole, or keeping an eye on you. Full-grown, they typically weigh 30-55 pounds and stand 18-22 inches tall.

Border Collies can be wonderful family dogs and often get along very well with kids. Great for children who enjoy playing fetch, running around, and spending time outdoors. They may chase, circle, or nip at children's heels, especially when kids run or squeal. This is instinctive behavior, not necessarily aggression. They can learn household rules and good manners with consistent training.

Border Collies are definitely not natural couch potatoes! They’re one of the most energetic and hardworking dog breeds. They can relax and cuddle on the couch, but they usually need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation first. The best way to keep Border Collies active is to give them work to do, whether it’s an exercise like running or a game like Frisbee. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

Border Collies have thick, shiny undercoats and colorful outer coats that come in several colors, including solid, bicolor, tricolor, merle (lighter coat with speckled patches), or sable (light undercoat with black-tipped hairs). These dogs are average shedders that don’t need much grooming. Brush them once or twice a week to keep their coats clean, and only bathe them when needed. Grooming-wise, this breed is moderate.

Border Collies are best suited for a home with a yard, though they can adapt to apartment life with enough exercise. They’re adaptable to just about any living setting, so as long as they get enough exercise and attention, they will be happy spending time indoors, outdoors, in warm climates, or cooler places. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.

Maremma Sheepdogs are herding dogs who are fierce enough to fend off nearly any predator. They like to make their own decisions and are very protective of their human and animal friends. This breed is not for beginners, and although they are sometimes kept as a pet, they're best suited to a family who will let them fulfill their intended purpose of guarding a flock. Full-grown, they typically weigh 65-100 pounds and stand 23-29 inches tall.

Maremma Sheepdogs are generally good with kids, especially when raised together. Maremma Sheepdogs fit best in rural homes where they are allowed to guard a flock in a rural area where no one will mind their excessive barking. Maremma Sheepdogs are protective of the children in their owner's family, but they do not enjoy being poked and prodded by toddlers, so supervision is suggested. They're relatively quiet and don't bark much.

Maremma sheepdogs thrive when they are tending to their flock, and they need time to run free in open space to be happy. A simple walk once a day will not do; they need lots of stimulation - both mental and physical. You must always make sure your Maremma Sheepdog understands that you are in charge during exercise time, otherwise they will think they’re the boss. Overall, their exercise needs are moderate.

Maremma Sheepdogs have a dense coat that sheds once in the spring and once in the fall. If your Maremma Sheepdog is not exposed to the weather every day, you’ll want to brush them once or twice a week and more often when they’re shedding. Dogs that are used as livestock guardians do not require extensive care for their coats. Grooming-wise, this breed is moderate.

Maremma Sheepdogs are best suited for a house with a good-sized yard. Maremma Sheepdogs fit best in rural homes where they are allowed to guard a flock in a rural area where no one will mind their excessive barking. If you do not keep other animals, this breed requires a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are fairly easy to train.