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A blue merle Border Collie glances back as four kittens follow in a line along a gravel path beside a fence. 26 / 33

A Blue Merle Collie Led Four Kittens in a Perfect Line

AI imageborder colliekittensgravel path

A blue merle Border Collie in a speckled grey coat walks down the gravel path, and he looks back over his shoulder to check on his followers. Strung out behind him in a neat line are four kittens: an orange one at the back, then a black and white one, a grey one, and a calico right behind his heels. The path winds between a wooden fence and a patch of green grass, with plants and a house in the distance.

Border Collies were bred to herd sheep, so it is funny to see one being the one who is followed. These dogs are among the smartest breeds, and they love to have a job and a routine. In a home with kittens, a collie's instinct to gather and guide can be sweet, but it can also become pushy, so supervision is important. Kittens follow whoever seems confident, and a calm dog sets a good example. A vet can offer help if you have questions about introducing a young litter to a herding breed.

The Collie keeps a steady pace, and each kitten matches it with tiny, quick steps. Every few yards he pauses to let the last one catch up. It is a very small parade with a very serious leader. Nobody knows where they are going, but nobody is in doubt about who is in charge. The path is long, and the day is young.

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