The Lord Spun the Globe and the Border Collie Looked Up

Behind the lord stretches a hazy Renaissance landscape of blue mountains, winding rivers and tiny hilltop villages under soft clouds. In front of it sits a red and white Border Collie with a thick white ruff, wrapped in a spotted ermine collar over a green velvet coat with gold thread. His warm brown eyes look calmly to one side, a globe rests at his elbow, and every hair on his chest has been painted with patient care.

A globe suits a Border Collie, since this breed is famous for working across hills and open pastures. Border Collies were developed along the border of Scotland and England to herd sheep, and they still show a strong urge to move things in a tidy line. They are fast learners and can pick up words, hand signals and tricks with ease, which makes training rewarding. The flip side is that they need plenty to do. Without daily exercise and mental games, many become restless and may try to herd bicycles or ankles. Try fetch, scent work or a simple obstacle course in the yard. As with any breed, ask your vet about the right amount of exercise and food for your own dog.

The lord has surveyed the world and found it a fine place to lie on the grass. He is considering whether the sheep are nearby.