Alvin is a Border Collie. That’s the first thing that someone should think about when he contemplates adding Alvin to the family. Instead of being dazzled by Alvin’s sophisticated black-and-white animated body or enchanted by the sparkle in his eyes, someone falling in love should remember the characteristics that make Border Collies amazing.

The 18-month-old, friendly, neutered pup is charmingly animated because he’s full of energy, energy that Alvin absolutely needs to use. And the sparkle in Alvin’s eyes comes from intelligence and from being alert, bred to find his tasks.

If his person gives Alvin tasks, encouragement, companionship and guidance, Alvin will be that person’s once-in-a-lifetime, brilliant companion. However, without attention, left in an empty house, Alvin will create tasks, maybe not human-approved ones.