Ah, Border Collies—our furry friends that most definitely herald from the lineage of “superior farm dogs.” When we picture these noble creatures, we imagine Herculean pups charging heroically, chasing away villains (a.k.a. coyotes) and defending their flocks as if auditioning for a canine version of Avengers: Farm Edition.
Yet, as we saw on March 4th, one particular Border Collie named Maple decided that her job description was more of a “nap consultant.” Adorable as she is, the irony isn’t lost on us: this dog could be the poster child for naps over herding.
Picture this: Maple, the enchanting nap ninja, is fast asleep while the local wildlife must be scratching their heads, wondering if today’s the day they take back the farm. Check out Maple’s epic nap fail here!
This delightful fluffball may appear to be in a state of hibernation, but don’t be deceived—she’s just saving her energy for when she feels like deciding who to herd next. Lucky for her family, she opted for the snooze button instead of the traditional “ankle biting” greeting. Can we get a round of applause for that?
Although Maple is officially unemployed in the farm defense sector, she finds her joy outdoors—unless it’s a walk, of course, which qualifies as “the bare minimum.” Snow or a swim is ideal for this diva! When she isn’t busy dreaming of sheep or disguising her failures as guarding the house, you can find her ‘patrolling’ in her sleep.
The Art of Herding—or Not
Maple’s human loves to poke fun at her utter lack of guarding skills, and rightfully so! After all, Maple’s mom single-handedly raised this little princess knowing fully well that, by nature, Border Collies were not designed for vigilance. It would be nice if Maple woke up every now and then, though. But what’s that saying? “Why guard when you can nap?”
On a serious note, these dogs are exceptionally skilled at the task they were actually bred for—herding. They can sprint faster than a speeding ticket, hitting speeds of over 30 miles per hour when earning their keep (or racing to their next nap). Just a few Border Collies can manage a flock of a hundred sheep while Maple continues her career as a professional sleeper.
Despite her sleepy shenanigans, it’s worth noting that Border Collies make fantastic companions for the active and adventurous. They are known for being social (unless you’re a stranger, in which case they’re suddenly aloof) and are generally good with children—especially if those children are old enough to not step on the dog’s tail.
Yet, let’s be real: Maple might be the ideal dog for some but the ultimate disaster for others. As one of the sharpest tools in the dog shed, she requires ample exercise, mental enrichment, and consistent training, even if you plan on keeping her off herding duty. A well-rounded revolutionary napping scheme is a must!
Maple may not ace her guardian duties, but let’s be honest: who needs a watchdog when you can have a delightful snoozer instead? We love her just the same—guard skills be darned!
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