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A red and white Border Collie watches a line of yellow ducklings splash down a narrow muddy stream. 1 / 36

The Border Collie Counted Ducklings in the Stream. All of Them Were Marching.

AI imageborder collieducklingsstream

A red and white Border Collie has stopped at the muddy bank of a narrow stream, his head lowered and his amber eyes locked on a procession of yellow ducklings. They paddle in a tidy line, one behind the other, kicking up little sprays of water as they go. Sunlight flickers on the ripples, and an old clay pot lies tipped on its side in the weeds behind them.

Border Collies are herding dogs, bred to watch, gather and guide animals, so it is no surprise this one is studying the ducklings so closely. They are among the most intelligent breeds and need lots of mental exercise as well as physical activity. Without a job, a Border Collie may invent one, such as trying to herd small creatures. Ducklings are fragile, so any dog meeting them should be calm and supervised. Young ducklings also lack waterproof feathers until they mature, so they can get chilled in water without a mother's care. If you ever look after ducklings, your vet can tell you how to keep them warm and safe.

The collie's whole posture says he is working. His front paw hovers, his gaze never wavers, and he seems to be counting heads with great care. The ducklings, meanwhile, are having the time of their lives, splashing through their private creek in perfect order. Whoever is in charge here, the line stays straight and the water keeps flowing, and the collie plainly considers it his duty to see them to the end.

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A white and tan Jack Russell Terrier sleeps in a woven hammock beside a row of yellow ducklings.The Terrier Never Stops Moving. Then the Ducklings Lined Up Beside Him.A white and tan Jack Russell Terrier walks through a flowery meadow followed by a line of yellow ducklings.The Jack Russell Marched Through the Meadow With a Very Long Tail Behind Him
A red wire-haired Dachshund sleeps on a striped rug beside a row of yellow ducklings.The Dachshund Fell Asleep, and the Ducklings Lined Up Next to His NoseA silver-gray Weimaraner lies on a blue plaid blanket beside a staggered line of yellow ducklings.The Weimaraner Lay Down, and Six Ducklings Settled In Front of HimA white Samoyed sits beside a frosted window as a line of yellow ducklings perches on the sill.Snow Fell Outside, and a Samoyed Had a Row of Tiny Window WatchersA fawn and white Bulldog lies on a gray couch with a pile of yellow ducklings snuggled against his chest.The Bulldog Looked Outvoted. The Ducklings Had Chosen His Couch Spot.