Border Collie breed guide

For the Border Collie, the motto “work hard, play hard” is a way of life. Combining brains with enough energy to run for miles, these working dogs are natural powerhouses. But what does it take to become a pet parent to one of these overachievers? Here, we’re talking all things Border Collie, from appearance and personality to the history of this remarkable breed. 

Border Collie dog facts

Origin: Border Collies have been around since the 1700s, and were first bred on the border between England and Scotland (hence the name).

Size: Border Collies typically measure 18-22 inches and weigh 30-50 pounds. It’s also possible to get a mini Border Collie, which is, of course, on the smaller side, at around 14-18 inches tall. 

Character: Hardworking, eager to please, and loyal. 

Grooming: This double-coated collie needs brushing two to three times a week to maintain its sleek, healthy fur. 

Health needs: Despite being a relatively healthy breed, Border Collies can be prone to joint problems and other health conditions associated with working dogs. 

Energy levels: Border Collies have high energy levels and need plenty of daily exercise. 

Intelligence: As they’re able to learn commands in a matter of minutes, the Border Collie is often considered to be the most intelligent breed in the world. 

Lifespan: The Border Collie's life expectancy is 12-15 years. 

Noise levels: While Border Collies are typically quite a vocal breed, some will be more on the quiet side.  

What does a Border Collie look like?

Border Collies are medium-sized pups with floppy ears and almond-shaped eyes. Their double coats can be rough or smooth (known as short-haired or long-haired), both of which provide them with sturdy protection against the elements.  

The black and white Border Collie is the classic color combination, but they can also be brown, blue, lilac, or red, and sport unique patterning such as merle and brindle. Their tails are medium length, and they usually have feathering along the back of the legs and on the chest and belly. 

Border Collie personality traits

Border Collies are intelligent, energetic dogs that need lots of exercise and training to be sufficiently stimulated. They’re also affectionate, loyal, and protective of their loved ones, making them excellent pets for those who have the time to dedicate to their care.

Border Collie health

Border Collies are typically a very healthy breed, but there are a few conditions that pet parents and dog sitters should watch out for. In particular, these energetic pups can be prone to joint problems, so it’s important to monitor their mobility. Given their love for outdoor adventures, special attention should also be paid to those floppy ears, which can pick up grass seeds and debris, leading to infections.

Health conditions to keep an eye out for include:

• Hip dysplasia 
• Arthritis 
• Epilepsy
• Vestibular syndrome 
• Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
• Trapped neutrophil syndrome (TNS)
  

Taking your pooch pal for routine check-ups at the vet is the best way to prevent conditions such as these from developing. 

What’s the ideal home for a Border Collie? 

Border Collies are happiest when they’ve got a job to do, and they’re best suited to households that are full of activity and spend lots of time outdoors. Country bumpkins at heart, they tend to enjoy living in rural areas where they can be at one with nature, but it’s also possible to have a Border Collie in the city so long as they’re able to spend as much time running around outdoors as possible.

Despite being loveable family pets, Border Collies might not be the best choice for households with young children. Their herding instincts mean small children and other pets can find themselves being rounded up with a gentle nip of the heels. That being said, Border Collies don’t usually mind sharing their home with other pet pals, so long as they’re introduced to each other at a young age.

What’s the ideal human for a Border Collie? 

Border Collies are bundles of energy, so they need pet parents who are just as excited about daily exercise as they are! Needs vary from dog to dog, but experts recommend giving Border Collies at least 90 minutes to run around and play each day, and time should also be spent on regular training and enrichment activities. Games like frisbee and fetch are great for their physical and mental well-being, and Border Collies also make excellent running partners.

Border Collie training

Border Collies are extremely intelligent and eager to please, making them one of the easiest breeds to train. They’re able to learn new commands in a matter of minutes, and for this reason, they’re a popular breed for competitive shows and events. They also make excellent service dogs and are often used by police and search and rescue teams.

Positive reinforcement training works best for Border Collies as they love receiving praise from their “masters”. There should be a focus on obedience and recall training so they can learn to channel their skills and be trusted off-leash. 

Early socialization is also super important for a Border Collie puppy so it has the confidence to tackle the world as an adult. This means not only meeting lots of friendly faces (both human and furry) but also getting used to things like busy streets and traffic.

Border Collie grooming 

Whether you’ve got a long-haired Border Collie or one with shorter fur, they need brushing at least two to three times a week (and more often during shedding season). Regular grooming will not only help prevent matting and loose fur, but it will also help remove dirt, debris, and harmful pests such as ticks, which Border Collies are prone to picking up because of their love of the outdoors.

History of the Border Collie breed

Collies of some sort have been around since 500 BC, but it wasn’t until the 1700s that the Border Collie was first intentionally bred. The breed first appeared on the border between England and Scotland (hence the name), and became loved for its ability to herd livestock and handle a life spent mostly outdoors. 

By the 20th century, Border Collies were ruling the roost in competitive sheepdog trials and secured their position as one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. The Border Collie was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995.  

Getting a Border Collie

Thinking about adding a Border Collie puppy to your pack, or perhaps giving an older doggy a second chance at happiness? Brace yourself for a whole load of energy! 

Taking this pup for a stroll around the block won’t be up to their standards – a Border Collie requires around two hours of exercise per day and loves nothing more than a good run and a play off-leash. They’re best suited to countryside living, but that doesn’t mean they can’t live a happy and fulfilled life in the city, too.

They should be fed high-quality dog food, and low-calorie treats should be used for training to maintain a healthy weight. If you’re not sure how much to feed your pooch pal, your vet will be able to give you advice based on the amount of exercise they get each day.