I've had just four dogs in my life. Hamlet (a scruffy terrier mut), Monty (yellow lab), Bok (black lab/border collie mix), and currently Billy (border collie). See side-bar.
When walking with Billy, I've noticed that he makes people smile! My other dogs had always been generally admired (mostly by fellow dog owners), but lots of people now stop and chat to me about Billy, and ask if they can stroke him. I'm sure most of them are not 'dog-people'. He seems to have a universal appeal.
I was talking about this to a fellow BC owner, and she said that people just love to see a black and white dog coming towards them.
Personally I think that it makes people dream of Welsh mountains, or even of that old TV programme 'One Man and his Dog' (a sheep trial competition).
There certainly is something about a black and white 'sheepdog' that people instantly warm-to; in the same way that people love Black Labs and Golden Retrievers.
If you don't believe me; buy one!
From my acquaintance with Billy here from your blog, I think it's his personal charm that he radiates that makes people stop by him.
ReplyDeleteI'm just back from our morning walk, and a nice lady stopped to stroke him. It happens all the time.
DeleteA dog walking friend of mine has a bigger than normal Border Collie and when he sees me across the field he runs over for a treat ( I gave him one once and he doesn't forget!) He hurtles up to me and luckily always stops and sits in front of me, otherwise it could be rather unnerving!
ReplyDeleteI always ask people not to give Billy any treats. They end-up doing as your friend's dog does. They don't forget!
DeleteI'm not a doggy person. Big black dogs scare me though I have met a few gentle giants. Billy has another air. Even I might be moved, not to pat, but to gurgle a few pleasantries.
ReplyDeleteWe have a malinois opposite us. I always greet him with a gentle voice. But that is only as a precaution in case he escapes. They're supposed to be rather aggressive
Our unpleasant new neighbour in France has recently bought himself a Malinois. Nasty man; nasty dog!
DeleteWho wouldn't love that face.
ReplyDeleteHe's a sweetie (most of the time).
DeleteBorder collies make me think of the Scottish borders - not the Welsh borders... also Allan Border the Australian cricketer.
ReplyDeleteIn the Welsh hills you have a job NOT to trip over them. They are thick on the ground. I don't know about Scotland, other than it's where their common ancestor (Auld Hemp) came from.
DeleteHe's such a handsome lad and looks a gentle soul. I would certainly stop to visit with Billy and give him a bit of fuss and attention. The only breed of dog I shy away from are Chihuahuas. Past experiences have been rather negative. However, just yesterday I met a lovely one named Charles, so perhaps I may have to revise my former prejudice.
ReplyDeleteNo don't. Chihuahuas are the Devils' Dogs. They are noisy and angry. I really don't know why anyone would have one (and I'm being nice about them).
DeleteQuiet well behaved dogs make me smile.
ReplyDeleteSo they should. It's the ill-behaved ones with sharp teeth that you need to avoid!
DeleteCro, my brother was a judge at dog shows and he always owned Golden Retrievers (lovable) and Border Collies (smart). My favorite breeds have always been Irish Setters, Golden Retrievers, and Yellow Labs. But my granddaughter has a Bernise Mountain Dog and he's gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteWell, you've quoted all the most desirable dogs possible. I might add Red Setters too. I think I'd leave the Bernese to others, but they are lovely.
DeleteSweet Billy has a very friendly charm about himself. It is no surprise that everybody loves Billy.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree. He's a lovely boy.
DeleteWe had a black and white collie, when I was a child.It was a pup from my Uncles dog.There were 7 altogether. He was a lovely natured dog. Your Billy is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteWe've had Billy from a tiny Pup. He was a bit strange looking when small, but has grown into a handsome boy.
DeleteBilly has the loveliest cute face - beautiful eyes - He's absolutely Gorgeous - flis x
ReplyDeleteThe "eyebrows" giving him an enquiring look. Paws neatly crossed waiting for is daily walk. What's not to like?
ReplyDelete