Dog Breed Guide: Border Collie

Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee

Looking for a laid-back dog that wants to spend most of their time lounging on the sofa? Do not adopt a Border Collie.

Border Collies are energetic working dogs with stamina to spare. It's a breed that requires lots of exercise and makes an ideal companion for active families who want four-legged companions for outdoor adventures. Border Collies love activities that show off their speed, intelligence and tenacity. They will happily tag along for long runs and excel in agility, obedience, rally, dock diving and other dog sports.¹

Origins and History

The breed was developed in Scotland. It became known as the Border Collie because “collie" is the local term for sheepdogs and the breed became popular along the border between Scotland and England.²

Border Collies were bred for herding livestock. Believed to be a cross between old Roman dogs and Viking spitz breeds, these muscular and agile working dogs proved capable of navigating hills and rocky terrain, with the focused energy required to move livestock across long distances.¹

Not only have Border Collies been called the world's greatest herders,¹ but they also hold several impressive titles, including Guinness World Records for the most intelligent breed of dog,³ fastest dog slalom⁴ and fastest crossing of a tightrope by a dog.⁵ These records reveal that Border Collies are fast, agile and smart enough to learn some impressive tricks.

Border Collies were bred to herd.¹ The dogs are smart enough to work alone without commands from their owners, using innate skills such as sweeping outruns, stalking-like movements and their famous intense stare to move sheep and other livestock.⁶

Physical Characteristics

How big do Border Collie dogs get? They are medium-sized athletic dogs that stand 18 to 22 inches tall and weigh 30 to 55 pounds.¹

Their coats can be rough or smooth. Rough-coated Border Collies have short, dense undercoats and top coats that are longer with straight or slightly wavy hair. Smooth-coated Border Collies also have short, dense undercoats, but their top coats are shorter and more coarse.⁶

Border Collies come in multiple colors or combinations of colors and markings, including:¹

• Black
• Blue
• Brindle
• Red
• Sable
• White and black
• Red merle
• Blue merle
• White and blue merle
• Saddleback sable
• White ticked

Personality and Temperament

Border Collies are the workaholics of the dog world, and having a job is essential to their happiness.¹

Although Border Collies can still be found working on ranches and herding sheep, a pasture filled with livestock isn't a requirement. Dog sports like obedience, agility and herding provide Border Collies with outlets for their abundant energy; the fast-paced activities are also mentally challenging and meet their need to work.¹

Border Collies might be serious about their work, but the breed is also affectionate, social, playful and adaptable. After a day of hiking, swimming, biking or dock diving competitions, Border Collies love spending time with their families.¹

Training and Socialization

Border Collies are quick to learn new things—it is the world's most intelligent dog breed³ after all—and can easily master basic commands and learn new tricks.¹ Training is important for mental stimulation; it helps channel their energy in a positive direction and reduces boredom and destructive behaviors.⁷ Positive reinforcement, treats and toys will help motivate Border Collies during training sessions.⁸

Socialization is critical, too. It's important to introduce Border Collies to new people, pets and places as puppies and create positive associations to help them feel comfortable in different situations.¹

Health and Lifespan

Border Collies have life expectancies of 12 to 15 years.¹ They are prone to some common health issues.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is the abnormal development of the hip ball and socket that causes the joint to rub, not glide. Diet, exercise, growth rate and muscle mass are among the factors that can influence the development of the genetic disease. Regardless of the cause, hip dysplasia is painful and can lead to degenerative joint disease, including osteoarthritis.⁹

Idiopathic epilepsy

The cause of this seizure disorder is unknown. Seizures can last a few seconds to several minutes and can cause a range of symptoms, from restlessness, whining, shaking and salivating to a complete loss of consciousness and bodily functions. Medication could be helpful.¹⁰

Collie eye anomaly (CEA)

This inherited disease can cause vision loss and blindness in Border Collies. Although veterinary ophthalmologists can detect CEA when Border Collies are still puppies, the condition often goes undiagnosed until puppies are old enough that vision problems become apparent. There is no cure. The only way to prevent CEA is to avoid breeding dogs that have the abnormal gene that causes the disease.¹¹

Exercise needs

Border Collies need more than a leisurely stroll around the block to meet their exercise needs. These dogs make excellent companions for adventure and love brisk walks or runs, swimming, hiking and other fast-paced activities.¹

Grooming

Regular grooming is important for both rough- and smooth-coated Border Collies. Their waterproof double coats should be brushed at least once per week to remove and prevent mats and tangles. More regular grooming is needed in spring and fall when their shedding levels are above average.¹

Ideal Home Environment

Active homes are essential for Border Collies.¹ It's a working breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation, which can include running, swimming, dog sports or “careers" in herding or search and rescue.²

Although Border Collies can thrive in homes with children, training is needed to tame their herding tendencies and prevent them from nipping at kids' heels.¹² Socialization and training can also teach Border Collies to feel comfortable with different people and pets.¹

Is a Border Collie Right for You?

Border Collies are among the most popular dog breeds for a reason:¹³ The dogs are smart, active and agile companions. When active owners commit to providing exercise, mental stimulation and training, Border Collies are eager to learn new things and love tagging along on adventures.¹ Border Collies that don't get enough exercise or aren't given jobs can become bored and destructive.⁷

If a Border Collie is the best breed for your lifestyle, find a reputable breeder or search for breed-specific rescues that can share information about the temperaments and health needs of the Border Collies available for adoption.

Pets Best Is Here To Help

Pets Best offers dog insurance plans that may help you pay for unexpected health issues that arise with your Border Collie. The Pets Best 24/7 Pet Helpline provides access to veterinary experts, for policyholders, so you can get answers to questions to help ensure your Border Collie receives the best care.

Sources/ Citations

1. “Border Collie," (n.d.), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/border-collie/
2. “Border Collie Facts You May Not Know," Katherine Ripley (2/2024), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/fun-facts-border-collie/
3. “Most intelligent breed of dog," (1/2001), Guinness World Records, https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/91963-most-intelligent-breed-of-dog
4. “Video: The heart-warming story of Neo, the record-breaking 'parkour collie,'" Rachel Swatman (11/2017), Guinness World Records, https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2017/11/video-the-heart-warming-story-of-neo-the-record-breaking-parkour-collie-499687
5. “Fastest crossing of a tightrope by a dog," (2/2013), Guinness World Records, https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/106592-fastest-crossing-of-a-tightrope-by-a-dog
6. “AKC Standard for the Border Collie," (7/2015), Border Collie Society of America, https://bordercolliesocietyofamerica.com/akc-standard
7. “What to Know About Border Collies," Martin Taylor (6/2024), WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/what-to-know-about-border-collies
8. “Collie Training Tips," (n.d.), The Collie Consultant, https://collieconsultant.co.uk/collie-training-tips/
9. “Hip Dysplasia in Dogs," Ryan Llera et al. (n.d.), VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hip-dysplasia-in-dogs
10. “Seizures in Dogs," Malcolm Weir et al. (n.d.), VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/seizures-general-for-dogs
11. “Collie Eye Anomaly," Krista Williams and Robin Downing (n.d.), VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/collie-eye-anomaly
12. “Living With Border Collies," (n.d.), All About Border Collies, https://www.bordercollie.org/basics/living/
13. “The Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2023," Melanie Haid (4/2024), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/most-popular-dog-breeds-2023/