The UK's SheepDog Resource
Sheepdogs as Pets
A word here about the Border collie as a pet or rather, as a companion - my own collie falls into this category.
They do make good companions provided their handler understands how the collie brain works. It has to be kept stimulated.
The rise in Dog agility classes (and Flyball) could be considered very downmarket for your working collie owner but they provide stimulated activity for what might end up a frustrated and potentially vicious dog.
The brain of a border collie needs as much work as its body – if not more.
Jaanci, my Border collie bitch has a varied life style with me as we spend all our waking hours together.
She has learned how to find a ball with me using the traditional commands.
I have to say that she was considered unable to work sheep when she came to me but that all changed with her new owner and she has successfully worked several flocks with me under the guidance of one or other of our trainers.