The border collie is one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs worldwide, and they make excellent companions. These dogs are known for their ability to herd sheep and other livestock, but they can also be used as guard dogs or service animals.
They have a long lifespan when adequately cared for and generally make good pets if trained correctly.
Border Collie Dog Breed Overview
| Group | Herding |
| Height | 18 to 22 inches at the shoulder |
| Weight | 28 to 48 pounds |
| Coat | Rough or smooth medium-length double coat with a coarse outer coat and soft undercoat |
| Coat Color | Solid color, bicolor, tricolor, merle, or sable, usually seen in black, blue, blue merle, brindle, gold, lilac, red, or red merle (with or without patches of white) |
| Life Span | 10 to 17 years |
| Temperament | Intelligent, energetic, responsive, keen, athletic, loyal, alert |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Origin | Scotland |
Characteristics of the Border Collie
Border Collies are very intelligent, energetic dogs that love to work. They have a strong desire to herd and are used as working dogs on farms and ranches.
Border Collies have medium-length coat that requires regular brushing and grooming. They have a medium-sized body, with a long tail and pointed muzzle.
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid-Friendly | High |
| Pet-Friendly | Medium |
| Exercise Needs | High |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | High |
| Trainability | High |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to Bark | High |
| Amount of Shedding | Medium |
History of the Border Collie
The Border Collie was developed in the border regions of Scotland and England, where shepherds needed a herding dog that could efficiently round up sheep without injuring them.
The breed has existed for centuries, but it wasn’t until the early 1900s that breeders began to focus on developing specific types within this already-established breed.
Since then, Border Collies have been used as working dogs across various industries and tasks—from herding sheep and cattle to being trained as guide dogs or search-and-rescue workers.
Border Collie Care
If you’re considering adding a Border Collie to your family, it helps to be prepared for some of the specific care requirements of having this breed as a pet.
Border Collies are energetic, intelligent dogs that need plenty of exercises and mental stimulation—they don’t just want to hang out on the couch all day!
Exercise
Some people may find a Border Collie more high maintenance than other dog breeds due to their high energy levels, but this doesn’t mean they’re difficult to care for. As long as you keep your Border Collie busy with daily exercise and activities, you’ll find that he’s a great companion who is happy to go wherever life takes you.
The most important thing when exercising your Border Collie is ensuring he gets the exercise he needs each day. You can do this by taking him on walks or runs in the park, playing fetch in your backyard or at a local park–the possibilities are endless! The best way for you will be whatever works best for you on any given day.
Grooming
One of the best things about having a Border Collie is that they don’t need a lot of grooming. They shed very little, and their coat is short and easy to care for. However, there are still some grooming tasks you can perform to keep your dog looking its best:
- Bathing: You’ll probably want to bathe your Border Collie at least once or twice per year, depending on how dirty they get during those months. Be sure to choose a shampoo designed specifically for dogs; human shampoos can irritate their sensitive skin!
- Brushing: Brush their coat once or twice per week with a soft bristle brush designed specifically for dogs’ coats (which tend not to be as thick or dense as humans). Make sure you go over all areas of their body where hair grows so that you don’t miss any tangles!
Training
If you’ve ever seen a Border Collie in action, you probably noticed that they’re brilliant and can learn new things quickly. Because of this, training a Border Collie isn’t too hard. They’re also very eager to please their owners, which makes them great at learning tricks.
If you’re considering getting a Border Collie puppy, keep in mind that it’s best not to start training them until they are at least 6 months old or when their vaccinations have fully developed (which often occurs around 8 weeks).
You should also take some time before starting training sessions with your puppy so they can get used to being around people and other animals—this will help them feel more comfortable during their first lesson!
Common Health Problems
Many health problems can affect the Border Collie, including:
- Hip dysplasia – a genetic condition that causes inflammation of the hip joint.
- Eye problems – such as cataracts or entropion (a condition in which an eyelid curls inward).
- Cancer – including lymphoma and mast cell tumors.
- Skin problems include hot spots, lick granulomas, and seborrhea dermatitis (which causes dry, flaky skin).
Other common conditions include allergies, corneal ulcers, asthma, and heart disease. If your Border Collie is showing signs of any of these conditions, it’s essential to take him to the vet immediately so he can receive treatment.
Diet and Nutrition
Border Collies are active dogs and need a lot of energy to keep up with their owners. Therefore, they must receive the proper nutrition from their food to remain healthy. A good diet should consist of the following:
- High-quality dog food that contains all the nutrients your Border Collie needs daily
- A meal frequency that fits your schedule and lifestyle (such as three square meals per day)
- Supplements, if needed (for example, vitamins or minerals), which can help keep your Border Collie’s health even better than usual
- Plenty of fresh water throughout the day, so they don’t become dehydrated
Where to Adopt or Buy a Border Collie
If you’re interested in buying or adopting a Border Collie, there are several ways to find one. You can search breed-specific rescue organizations and shelters, which often have information about dogs that need homes. You can also look on websites like Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet to see if any Border Collies are available in your area.
If you buy from a breeder, make sure they’re reputable by checking references and researching them online. If no reputable breeders can be found in your area (or if none of the dogs at local shelters seem like good candidates), it may be necessary to travel out of state or overseas for breeding stock, which can be expensive depending on how far away you need to go!
Border Collie Dog Breed Pros & Cons
Pros
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Energetic and active
- Loyal and affectionate
- Great work ethic
- Excels in dog sports and activities
Cons
- Requires high physical and mental stimulation
- Not ideal for apartment living
- Strong herding instincts
More Dog Breeds and Further Research
If you’re in the market for a new dog or just curious about the behavior and personality of your current pet, check out these other dog breeds that are similar to the Border Collie:
The Border Collie Dog Breed FAQs
1. Would a Border Collie Be a Good Apartment Dog
Yes! Border collies are excellent apartment dogs. They’re brilliant and have high energy, so they can easily be trained to walk on a leash and enjoy the outdoors. Make sure you have a safe place for them when you’re out of the house—they can get bored quickly if they don’t have enough stimulation.
2. Are Border Collies Good with Kids?
YES! Border collies are excellent with kids. They are intelligent, energetic, and intuitive dogs who will love you and your family for life. They’re also great at keeping the kids entertained—they love to play and run, so they’ll keep your little ones active and engaged.
3. Is a Border Collie a Good Choice for A First-Time Dog Owner?
Yes! Border collies are excellent dogs for first-time owners because they’re smart, loyal, and easy to train. They’re also very energetic, so if you want a dog that keeps you on your toes, this is the breed for you.
Conclusion
The Border Collie is an incredibly energetic dog that needs a lot of exercises and mental stimulation. The breed has a history of being used as a farm workers, so they can work for long periods without getting tired.
However, they can also be very stubborn and hard to train if you don’t know what you’re doing. That being said, it’s important not to underestimate their intelligence because they’ll figure out how to get what they want if you give them enough time!
