Do they tend to have high prey drive?
IME no, not particularly. Keegan grew up with cats, but still, he loves cats almost more than he likes dogs, and that says a lot. He's very gentle with them, too. I socialized him with lots of different animals when he was a puppy, but I never felt like he would hurt or eat the animals. I think collies are generally known for being particularly gentle with other animals.
They do definately have a herding drive, though, at least the "good" ones, LOL. Keegan - and his relatives that his breeder owns - LOVES "herding" birds flying in the sky.
I haven't tested him on sheep yet, but she also has several dogs that she herds with.
sillysally said:
How well do they get along with other dogs?
AWESOMELY. I've met several collies from several different lines, and they're all quite good with other dogs. This was one of the most important things I was looking for when I was deciding on a breed.
The thing that attracted me to collies was that they're SO handler-focused. I swear that Keegan worships me.
I've never bothered with teaching a recall, because he's constantly watching me and wanting to stay close. At the same time, though, I can also see his mind working to figure out what I'm doing and how he can help me.
I've spent years working with clients who tell me that they want their dog to work for them "just because the dog wants to," not for treats or any rewards, and I've told them that that's just not reasonable, that dogs don't work that way. But I'm telling you, Keegan DOES work that way, LOL. I swear, most of the time, he purely just wants me happy. Which isn't to say he's not naughty sometimes, of course he is.... And he does have his own agenda sometimes, of course. But for the most part, he wants to do the right thing.