Brittany V Border Collie

jsmurdoc

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#1
Hey Guys. I need a little advice. I have done a lot of research on these two dog breeds and I know they are very energetic, and require a lot of training.

My question is which one would you suggest I buy. I am 24 years old, work 8 hours a day in Southern California. I want a dog that can run with me in the mornings and the evenings. I run an average of 13 - 15 miles a day, an hour in the morning, 30 minutes in the night. Which dog do you believe can handle that? or handle it better? I want a running buddy!

Secondly, I work during the day 10am - 6pm. I live a fairly large apartment, but no back yard. With either dog, do you think it would be okay to leave him alone in the house given that he will be given that much exercise a day with training, and play when I am home? Which would be better?

Thanks!
 

ihartgonzo

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#2
What traits do you value in a dog? What do you want in a dog, besides a jogging partner? That's only a fraction of your life... you want a dog that you love 24/7! :)

Both breeds could do very well living in a large apartment and chilling while you're at work, if given hours of running per day. Keep in mind that a puppy will NOT be able to run with you until they've stopped growing. They can start running short distances on a soft surface when they are adolescents, but puppies need natural, playing off-leash exercise. The can develop serious joint problems if you run them hard too young. If you'd rather having a jogging partner now, I recommend looking into breed rescues... there are always high energy Border Collies in any Border Collie rescue around the country, who are an ideal fit for a jogging partner. You'll be able to meet the dogs as adults and really find the dog who meshes with you the best, and they'll be house-trained and temperament evaluated. I don't know too much about Brittany rescue, but I feel that they'e a lot less common so it'd be harder to find a rescue Brittany.

My Border Collie makes an amazing jogging partner. He can run 10 miles easily, but he was slowly built up to that. You want to feed your dog a super premium diet and salmon oil/joint support when they run that much. A BC would love to run all day, though! It's essential to give a Border Collie obedience training and plenty of ways to exercise their mind, not just their body. These dogs are always thinking, they're one of the smartest breeds in the world. Practicing commands daily and teaching new tricks, giving him treat-dispensing toys and kongs stuffed with soft food & frozen while they are home alone, and giving him off leash play time to fetch or play with other dogs is also important to having a happy, well-adjusted companion.

I do not know as much about Brittanys. The experiences I've had with a few is that they were very hyper, and LOUD. Definitely not as into working with their owner and training as a BC... but they tend to be friendly, funny dogs. Try to meet examples of each breed and figure out which dog fits you!
 

RD

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#3
The breeds are apples and oranges, other than being similarly sized, energetic, athletic, medium-coated dogs.

I would suggest meeting some Brittanys and some Border collies to see which breed has the attitude that you prefer.

I wouldn't really recommend a puppy, but like Ihartgonzo suggested, maybe try a breed rescue for either breed! An adult dog can jump right into your life (running included) without as much training, growing and poop/pee as a puppy.
 

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