Border Collie: breed overview
Border Collies are medium-sized herding dogs that are highly intelligent and agile. Originating from the borders between England and Scotland, their name is well-suited. Border Collies have a striking appearance, and while black and white coats are common, there are other varieties too. Generally, with 12-15 years as a lifespan, Border Collies are very healthy and can make great family dogs with proper training and early socialisation. In this article, we discuss all that you need to know about Border Collies so you’re well-informed when bringing this lovely and loyal dog home. Here is what we cover:
Thinking about adopting a Border Collie?
What makes Border Collies unique?
Grooming and hygiene needs
Behaviour and training needs
Are Border Collies high maintenance?
Do Border Collies bark a lot?
Mental and physical stimulation
Nutritional requirements
Do Border Collies make good family pets?
Finding a responsible breeder
Similar dog breeds
Thinking about adopting a Border Collie? Check your local shelter first!
If you’re thinking about getting a Border Collie, we recommend that you first consider adopting a dog from your local dog shelter. An astounding 2.7 million animals go through the UK animal shelter each year, and 664,000 of these are dogs. Adopting from a shelter helps reduce the number of stray dogs and lessens the pressure on animal shelters. Dogs in shelters are often already spayed or neutered, vaccinated and trained on basic commands, which can be helpful for first-time owners. While Border Collies make beautiful pets, mixed-breed dogs have a unique appearance due to the varied range of physical traits. Since their temperaments are mixed, mixed-breed dogs are more well-rounded which makes them adaptable pets. And of course, giving a deserving dog a loving home could lead to a beautiful companionship. You can learn more about Dog Adoption.
What makes Border Collies unique?
The Border Collie’s characteristics make them a unique dog breed. Compared to other dog breeds, they rank the highest in canine intelligence tests, exhibiting their remarkable and adaptive intelligence. Since they are herding dogs, hence their herding instincts, Border Collie’s personality includes being eager to learn and therefore easy to train. Since this breed originates from the borders of England and Scotland, their name is aptly given.
Besides being skilled herders, Border Collies' lifespan is between 12-15 years, which makes them great as family dogs. They are typically medium-sized, with males weighing between 14-20 kg and females between 12-19 kg. The main variation between Border Collies are their coats, which in colour can range from black and white, blue and white, red and white, as well as being tri-coloured or blue merle. Also, while all Border Collies have a double coat, there are four coat varieties - which we discuss further below.
Border Collies are similar to some other breeds, including Australian Cattles, Australian Shepherds and Shetland Sheepdogs.
A Border Collie’s grooming and hygiene needs
As mentioned, all Border Collies have a double coat, with texture ranging between smooth and rough, and length ranging between medium and long. Generally, a Border Collie’s outer coat is of medium-length, rough and wiry, while the under coat is shorter and more coarse. If your Border Collie has a rough coat, they will need more frequent brushing and bathing to prevent matted or tangled fur. On the other hand, if they have a smooth coat, this won’t be necessary as often. However, like all dogs, it’s important to practise good hygiene regularly, including nail clipping, ear cleaning and dental care. Since Border Collies love to spend time outdoors, it’s likely they will get messy. It’s important to bathe your dog to remove dirt, dust or debris and keep their coat nice and clean. You can check out our article on how often a dog needs bathing to get a better idea.
A Border Collie’s behaviour and training needs
A Border Collie’s temperament is friendly and social, with the ability to form strong bonds, hence why they make good family dogs. However, given their nature as herding dogs, their instincts may lead to behaviours such as circling or nipping. This may be difficult around children or other pets, but since being adaptable is part of a Border Collie’s personality, this behavioural challenge can be avoided with early socialisation to different environments.
With their high intelligence and activity levels, Border Collies are extremely receptive to dog training - in fact, they need it to thrive. Positive reinforcement training works best with this dog breed, and owners can use praise and adult dog treats to reward and reinforce desired behaviours. Consistency is also important as they need clear commands. It’s important to keep your Border Collie entertained with mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom.
Are Border Collies high maintenance dogs?
(PAA Q) Border Collies’ characteristics include intelligence and energy, which means they require a lot of physical and mental stimulation. Without this, they may become bored and exhibit undesirable behaviours. Their double coats also require special care and maintenance for good coat health.
Do Border Collies bark a lot?
(PAA Q) Like all dogs, Border Collies do bark and some may bark more than others. However, this is usually as a form of communication or expression of excitement. Since Border Collies are easy-to-train, dog owners can manage this behaviour with positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation.
A Border Collie’s mental and physical stimulation
Border Collie’s characteristics include a high level of both intelligence and energy, which is why they need significant mental and physical stimulation. It’s important that pet parents meet these needs to support your Border Collie’s temperament and overall well-being. You can stimulate your dog through regular training and teaching tricks, as well as providing interactive toys and puzzle games to prevent boredom. And for your dog’s physical needs, make sure to take them out for daily walks with games such as fetch to keep them entertained.
If pet parents are unable to provide sufficient mental and physical stimulation for their Border Collie, they may become bored and exhibit undesirable and destructive behaviours. This could include excessive barking for attention, as well as digging and chewing furniture to express their frustration and pent-up energy. In some instances, it can also affect a Border Collie’s temperament and cause anxiety and social issues. This is why it’s crucial to only bring a Border Collie home if you are able to meet their mental and physical needs. You should also read about how long you can leave a dog alone to see if you can manage a pet with your lifestyle.
A Border Collie’s nutritional requirements
Proper nutrition is especially important to support a Border Collie’s lifespan and overall health. All dogs require essential nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, which you can find in a complete and balanced diet of high-quality dog food. In terms of Border Collies and their activity levels, proteins support their muscle development, carbohydrates provide a source of energy and fats are good for their brain health. Beyond this, all dogs can benefit from Pedigree® Multivitamins as vitamins and minerals play crucial roles for overall body function.
Do Border Collies make good family pets?
With their friendly and social personality, Border Collies make great family dogs. However, just like all dogs, it’s important that Border Collies have early socialisation and proper training with children and pets to ensure a positive experience for everyone. Without this, it is possible that a Border Collie’s herding instincts can lead to them trying to herd children or pets, displaying behaviours such as circling or nipping.
Since Border Collie’s have a lot of energy, they are best suited to larger homes and active households so they have plenty of space to exercise. However, Border Collies can adapt to different living environments. You can check out which other breeds are considered to be the best family dogs.
Border Collie breeding and finding a responsible breeder
If you’re looking to bring a Border Collie home, it’s important to choose an ethical breeder that practises responsible breeding. Ethical breeders would have their dogs checked for genetic conditions with a health screening. They would also expose Border Collies to various environments and experiences to ensure proper socialisation. When choosing a Border Collie puppy, be sure to check the health records of both pup and parents to ensure they are up to date on vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and any health screenings. You can see how the puppy behaves in their environment, in which they should feel comfortable, inquisitive and playful. It’s also important to meet the puppy’s mother.
You can find a reputable breeder through recommendations from local breeding communities or veterinarians. You should be able to visit the dog before committing to purchase and visibly see a clean and caring environment. And of course, a responsible breeder will be open to answering any related questions and even share guidance on the breed’s specific needs. Learn more about finding a good dog breeder.
Border Collies are beautiful, smart and loyal dogs that can make a lovely addition to your lives and homes. In case you’re not convinced, you can use our Breed Finder to find a dog that is more suitable to you, your home and your lifestyle. We also recommend that you consider adopting a dog to give a rescue dog the love and companionship that they need and deserve.
