Why Border Collies Are Unsuitable as Police Dogs

1 Why Border Collies Don’t Make Good Police Dogs

Why Border Collies Are Not Used as Police Dogs

1. Too cunning

Border Collie owners know how sly they are, they are simply too smart and often outwit their owners. Not recommended for beginners; they are hard to control, which is why police forces do not pick them.

2. Timid by nature

Border Collies are actually timid. At home they act brave, but they only bully the weak; faced with a fiercer dog they back down instantly. As a police dog on a mission, they might run at the first sign of danger.

3. Very playful

They are very playful and always looking to burn energy, loving to run and fetch frisbees. This restless nature unfits them for police work, which demands patience and long standing guard; they hate being restrained and love freedom.

4. Low aggression

Their looks are not fierce and their displayed aggression is weak, so targets may not feel threatened or deterred. Such a good-looking dog is better as a family pet.

5. Not loyal enough

By nature they are not very loyal. If spoiled, they grow to dislike the owner, may disobey, and feel smarter than the owner, gradually ignoring commands. So if you keep one, train it well, using treats to help.

6. Hard-to-manage coat

Their coat is not easy to groom, and as a police dog there would be little time for it; they also need a dry environment. Overall, Border Collies are not suited to police work.

These are the reasons Border Collies are unsuited to police work. Picking a police dog is demanding: high intelligence alone is not enough, many other traits matter too.