Border Collie
Also known as Border
- Height at the withers
- 46 to 56 cm
- Weight
- 14 to 25 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 120 minutes
- Origin
- Anglo-Scottish border region
- FCI group
- 1 · Sheepdogs and cattle dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a sedentary life: plan on 120 minutes of activity a day
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A medium-sized herding dog, highly intelligent and athletic, with a keen expression and an intense working drive, famous for its instinctive ability to control livestock with its distinctive fixed stare.
History and origins
Developed by shepherds on the border between England and Scotland to herd sheep on the hills, and selected solely for its working ability. Most of today’s Border Collies descend from one famous dog, Old Hemp, born in 1893.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Collie eye anomaly
- Epilepsy
- Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
- Trapped neutrophil syndrome (TNS)
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long double coat. Heavy shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Boundless, 5 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Very poorly, 1 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Very easy, 5 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Border Collie FAQ
How big does the Border Collie get?
The Border Collie stands 46 to 56 cm at the withers and weighs 14 to 25 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Border Collie shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs average care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Border Collie live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard.
How much exercise does the Border Collie need each day?
Allow about 120 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Border Collie good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Border Collie live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and Collie eye anomaly.
