Fred Courtesy Listing

Available

3-7 years|Border Collie|Male|Medium|Richmond, VA

🐾 Friendly☺️ Gentle🧠 Smart🚽 House Trained🐕 Dog Friendly

Fred Courtesy Listing

Available

3-7 years|Border Collie|Male|Medium|Richmond, VA

🐾 Friendly☺️ Gentle🧠 Smart🚽 House Trained🐕 Dog Friendly

This tricolor Border Collie mix is a medium-sized, adult male with a beautiful black and white medium-length coat. He is fully house trained, neutered, and current on vaccinations. Fred thrives in calm and stable environments and is currently located in the care of Atlantic Region Central Border Collie Rescue (ARCBCR).

About Fred Courtesy Listing

What are you waiting for? Apply today! Fred is a tricolor Border Collie mix, approximately 3 to 4 years old and about 50 pounds, who is neutered and fully house trained. With a medium-length coat of black and cream, Fred has a gentle, sensitive personality typical of herding breeds. Outdoors, he enjoys playtime and activity; indoors, he is mellow and loves to relax near his person, finding comfort in companionship without being demanding or clingy. This emotionally intuitive dog forms deep, meaningful bonds once he feels safe, becoming affectionate, quirky, and eager to connect. Fred thrives in a calm, stable home with gentle voices, consistent routines, and patient handling, as he can be easily overwhelmed by chaotic environments, unfamiliar people, or sudden movements. He appreciates slow introductions and a peaceful atmosphere that help him build trust and gain confidence at his own pace. Fred’s fear-based reactivity is not true aggression. When stressed, he may growl, snap, or air-bite if he feels threatened or cornered. With correct handling and respectful introductions, these behaviors decrease or disappear. He does well with calm, predictable environments and routines. Notably, Fred has significant separation and isolation anxiety—while he may bark, whine, or pace when alone, he is not destructive and does not soil indoors. He’ll benefit from gradual alone-time training, a low-stress lifestyle, and possibly a calm dog companion. Fred is excellent with other dogs, especially calm canine friends, and often builds confidence from their company. On leash, he is a terrific walking companion, calmly observing wildlife and responding well to cues, with only mild reactivity when unfamiliar dogs are very close. Off leash, he is sociable and appropriate with other dogs, and he’s always an easy, gentle house companion. Key strengths include being affectionate once bonded, gentle with treats, excellent with calm dogs, very responsive, sensitive, and with strong impulse control. He loves car rides and transitions easily from playtime outdoors to mellow relaxation inside. However, Fred’s ideal adopter will be experienced, patient, and able to provide consistency—as he needs support for alone-time training and ongoing stable routines. With herding breed instincts and sensitivity, a home without toddlers is best to prevent overwhelm. Fred is devoted and loving once settled and seeks a supportive, understanding household ready to cherish his big heart and loyal companionship. Lets make it official, apply to adopt!

Questions about Fred Courtesy Listing

What type of living environment is this breed usually best suited for?
Border Collies generally do best in homes with ample space and access to outdoor areas where they can exercise and play. They thrive in environments that offer mental stimulation and tasks to keep them engaged.
How much outdoor space does this breed typically need?
This breed typically needs a large, secure yard or regular trips to open spaces where they can run and burn off energy. Daily outdoor exercise is essential for their physical and mental health.
Is this breed typically suitable for homes with children?
Border Collies can be suitable for homes with older children who understand and respect dogs, especially due to their herding instincts and sensitivity. Supervision is recommended with very young children.
Is this breed usually better for first-time or experienced owners?
This breed is generally best for experienced owners who are familiar with active, intelligent dogs. Their need for mental stimulation and consistency can be challenging for first-time dog owners.
Does this breed typically get along with dogs?
Border Collies often do well with other dogs, especially when properly socialized from a young age. They appreciate the company of calm canine companions.
Does this breed typically get along with cats?
With proper introductions and socialization, Border Collies can get along with cats. Their herding instincts may lead them to chase, so supervision and patience are important.
Does this breed typically get along with small animals?
Due to their herding instincts, Border Collies may be prone to chasing small animals. Careful introductions and supervision are advised if they will share a home with smaller pets.
How does this breed typically behave with strangers?
Border Collies can be reserved or wary around strangers, especially if not well-socialized. With proper introductions and positive experiences, they usually become friendlier over time.
How long can this breed typically be left alone?
This breed does not do well being left alone for long periods. They thrive on companionship and may become anxious, bored, or develop behavioral issues if left alone too much.
What level of training does this breed usually require?
Border Collies require consistent, positive training and plenty of mental stimulation. They are very intelligent and excel with training, but need continued challenges to remain happy.
What size range does this breed generally fall into?
Border Collies are typically medium-sized dogs, often weighing between 30 and 55 pounds.
What is the typical lifespan of this breed?
The typical lifespan of a Border Collie is around 12 to 15 years when given proper care, nutrition, and veterinary attention.
How much does this breed typically shed?
Border Collies are moderate shedders. They have a double coat that sheds year-round and may require regular brushing to keep their fur healthy and reduce loose hair.