We worked extensively with border collies on our sheep in Scotland but never used them much on the cattle there. Now I like to have a dog to help me with the cattle - more cattle, fewer helpers here. Never had much success buying trained dogs as I find they work great for the trainer but don't transfer so well to someone else. I like a smart border collie of the old type - the kind that could think for themselves and knew what was expected of them automatically. Unfortunately the border collie breed has largely been ruined by the "sheep dog trial" circuit. They have selected them to the point most are "creepers" that can't think for themselves.

I have an old heeler x border collie at the moment and he has just about half the brains of any border collie I've ever owned :roll: Still he has plenty heart and has done OK for a freebie from the pound.