Puppy

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.

With a star-studded history and loving yet protective personality, it’s easy to understand why German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular breeds around. These pups possess the perfect blend of gentle love and fierce watchfulness. As long as you’re safe and content, they will be too. Full-grown, they typically weigh 50-90 pounds and stand 22-26 inches tall.

German Shepherd Dogs are generally excellent with children of all ages. German Shepherd Dogs are ultra territorial, making them among the least likely of breeds to run away from a fight. German Shepherds get along fine with children and other animals, as long as they’ve been socialized, and they prefer to live in a home with family around. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

German Shepherd Dogs are happiest when they’re doing some type of work, such as agility, obedience, or any activity that taps into their herding instincts. This breed enjoys helping and having a job to do, so they're often used as guide dogs and police dogs. No matter what the activity is, be sure to keep your German Shepherd busy with mental and physical activities to prevent boredom. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

There are three varieties of German Shepherds: coarse and short-haired, coarse and long-haired, and wavy and long-haired. The most common dogs are tan with a black back and mask, but German Shepherds come in a variety of colors, including solid black, grey, brown, and yellow, tricolor, or sable. They also have several kinds of markings, such as “pencilling” (black lines on the toes) and “tar heels” (black on the back of the leg). Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

German Shepherd Dogs are best suited for a home with a yard, though they can adapt to apartment life with enough exercise. German Shepherds get along fine with children and other animals, as long as they’ve been socialized, and they prefer to live in a home with family around. However, they don’t enjoy being with other dogs and would prefer to have the house to themselves. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.