paddy, my partner wanted to get me a dog for my birthday, I told him I was glad he hadn't surprised me with one, and that we had to think long and hard. So we did. But then I fell in love with the first dog I saw! I held Jack in my arms (he was huge! See hanhol's post), and he was so furry and lovable, and I just wanted to take him home. I had done some research on Collies, and felt we could give him what he needed. To be honest, we could do better :( He gets a good walk daily, and lots of stimulation, and is fed well and very much loved. And now I am driving we can go further afield and explore new places, which means even more stimulation, and some very sandy paws! So we do our best, at the moment.
I love Collies, and I love Jack, but they need masses of dedication, and if I get another dog I would perhaps think about the breed more carefully.
He was my first, though, and he is a joy. X