Working Dogs Feature: Border Collies of Ireland

Lifestyle
May 21, 2021

Did you know Border Collies are one of the most intelligent breeds of dog? Here's what an Irish border collie has to say about Monch!

From the heart of County Kerry on the Southwestern Coast of Ireland comes our first installment of Working Dogs: a series of features on active dogs that keep the world moving! 

Fergal Tuohy and Mariko Takahashi are a couple currently living in Ireland that have lived all over the world the last few years. The pandemic put a stop to their jet-setting ways, and after a few month stay in Mariko’s home-country of Canada, they took off to Ireland to stay in Fergal’s homeland of Ireland. 

Fergal Tuohy’s family has long lived in County Kerry and his family owns farmland in the region which becomes the backdrop for our first feature.Our Monch Bar Director, Dennis Mazajlo, is fortunate to be friends with the pair and has been able to keep them updated on all the twists and turns in launching a new product like Monch Bars. As the May launch drew nearer, he equipped the pair with early samples of the products so they could provide feedback on how the dogs of Ireland were enjoying them...here’s what they had to say!


“Monch Bars are the perfect thing for these dogs on the farm” states Fergal. “They’re hard working dogs and they’re out all day. Out in the fields of the far reaches and I need to give them something on the go, The Monch Bar does just the trick” Adds Fergal. Kneeling by two of the goodest boys. Fergal continues, “[The Monch Bars are] Good and healthy, and they love it!”. 

Why are Border Collies the perfect farm dog?

Border Collies have long been known as one of the most energetic and hardest working breeds of dogs. Specifically bred to help on farms across the world, Border Collies are a sought after breed of puppers that require your full attention. While not all Border Collies find themselves gainfully employed, we’re pleased to see the Monch Bars pass the ‘sniff test’ from this energetic breed. 

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) Border Collies are known to be affectionate, smart, and energetic. Males range in height from 19-22 inches, while females are slightly smaller ranging between 18-21 inches. They typically weigh between 30-55 lbs, and live between 12 and 15 years. The AKC states that “The intelligence, athleticism, and trainability of Borders have a perfect outlet in agility training. Having a job to perform, like agility—or herding or obedience work—is key to Border happiness. Amiable among friends, they may be reserved with strangers”. When it comes to care “Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity”.

If you’re on the fence and deciding if a Border Collie is the breed for you, keep this tidbit in mind from the AKC: “They thrive when they have a job to do and space to run. A Border Collie who doesn’t work must be provided with vigorous exercise every day. Clearly, this is a breed for an active owner, and not for someone who prefers to stay indoors or who travels away from home frequently”.

Got any tips for other working dogs (and their owners) that you’d like us to interview/feature? Send an email to vino@monchbar.com or contact us on Instagram (@monchbar) to get in touch. We’d love to hear from you! 

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