Do all Border collies 'nibble' and if so why?

[joe1]

I have a young border collie dog - when playing he always tries to 'nibble' at clothing, feet ,hands etc.
Not hurtfully - just seems to be playful.
Have been told this is a trait with them - anyone agree and know why this is please?
thanks

[lankeela]

A lot of young dogs do this, its not breed specific. My breed tends to do it, they were bred to nip the heels of cattle whilst 'heeling' or herding them, and I suppose collies herding sheep is similar, as when herding most collies are only a very short step from nipping (or 'gripping') the sheep, held back in most cases only by the desire to obey their shepherd.
Other breeds do it too, and it should be discouraged or else
it can lead to more unpleasant traits.

[carmalee]

Hi Joe and welcome to that strange group of people who live with Collies. They do not herd sheep to please the farmer - they herd them because they want to kill and eat them - however, over the years this trait of actually killing and eating sheep has been bred out of them and harnessed to the 'N' degree to make them the brilliant working dogs they are today - none the less they have a intrinsic predatory nature. What your dog is saying is that you are a member of my pack and I want to groom you - some people say that this is a submissive action - others say it's dominant - I go with the first. In my experience, Collies are not usually dominant - I worked for many years re-homing them and as a rule if they have enough mental/physical exercise (huge amount required) they are brilliant. They just want to be part of the pack - let' play, let's go do things , why are you sitting etc definitely not for the couch potato!!They can be detrimentally manic if not mentally and physically stimulated - believe me - to be happy, that takes a lot of committment if they are not working dogs. They can also become obsessive very easily and are very quick to learn new things (good and bad)!!) They are brilliant companions - I've had one for 17 and a half years and she still surprises me.

[joe1]

Thanks for your replys. He is very smart - and surprises me with his ability to pick things up very quickly.
I didnt mention it before in case I sounded 'daft' - but when he nibbles at me - I nibble him back and he seems to take it as a compliment!!
Guess I'm as crazy as him??!!
But I love him.

[carmalee]

course your not daft - sounds like your collie is a lucky dog to have an owner like you - just one other thing -because they are so bright they pick up bad habits just as quickly as good ones. Enjoy and have fun with him -trouble is they spoil you for other breeds. Mine is deaf, blind and a bit creaky but smack on meal times she goes over to her dish and barks to be served. Go well