Border Collie Dogs

A very healthy and active young adult Border Collie

A very intelligent brown and white young adult Border Collie

A close up of a Border Collie's characteristic sharp ears

A young adult Border Collie lying neatly

A close up of a Border Collie's beautiful long nose and soft, brown coat

A close up of a black and white Border Collie's beutiful long nose and attentive ears

A trained Border Collie in the perfect environment for herding

An adult Border Collie showing off it's nimble physique

An adult Border Collie teaching a puppy how to play

An intelligent Border Collie lying neatly, waiting for some commands

Four Border Collies, each with different coloured coats

Breed Rating (2 Reviews)

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History

Dogs have been used for hundreds of years to herd animals, but the Border Collie is a master of it. The breed was standardised by 1906, but on it's working ability not on it's appearance. It was simply classed as a Sheep dog. The name Border Collie was adopted by 1915, based on it's origin around the Scottish/English borders.

Behaviour

Seen as the most intelligent of all dogs breeds, the Border Collie needs constant mental stimulation. They are bred to herd and that is what they do; whether it is sheep, other dogs or children! They tend not to do too well with other animals within the home, as their herding instincts tend to take over. They have an excess of energy and a high desire to work. As such they need lots of walks. Many owners take part in agility competitions, frisbee catching or Fly ball. The dogs love anything to do with exercise and thrive when working. It is not possible to just allow a Border Collie access to your garden and expect it to be happy. It needs to work. A lack of physical and mental stimulation will result in destructive behaviour. They have an overactive brain that never switches off and will often just stand and stare at you. They do make a loyal, dependable companion and will do anything for you, but need an owner that has lots of time to dedicate to long walks. Border Collies do shed a fair amount of their smooth and rough hair and need regular grooming.

Temperament

Border Collies have very intelligent and energetic temperaments. This is not a dog for the lazy and will only be happy when they are given sufficient mental and physical stimulation.

They tend to form a tight bond with their handler and can be reserved towards other dogs and people. Outside of working they do well in obedience and agility being eager to please and very quick learners.

Health Problems

Health problems that may affect Border Collies include canine hip dysplasia (CHD), elbow dysplasia, epilepsy and Collie eye anomaly (inherited condition which in severe cases can cause blindness).

Breed Details

Status: Common
Life Expectancy: 10 - 17 years
Weight: 12 - 20 kg
Height: Males 20 - 23" Females 18 - 21"
Rare: No
Coat: Medium
Grooming Requirements: More than once per week
Town or Country: Country
Minimum Home Size: Small House
Minimum Garden Size: Large Garden
Breed Type: Herding
Size: Medium
Energy Level: High
Exercise Required: Over 2 hours

Border Collie Pictures

A border collie dog - throw me the frizby.

a small white border collie puppy with brown spots

Ienkö border collie hip displasia 5 years old my man

2 black and whites and a red and white border collie

Star the border collie waiting for his toy

Latest Reviews For Border Collie (2 of 2)

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Based on 2 Verified Reviews

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- Melissa, ON, 14 August 2024

border collie - Cheryl, 6 June 2024

I have a lovely 2 year old border collue girl. My lovely daughter trained her too perfection!! shes very esay to train and does lots of tricks, they are verycuddly dogs and love humans alot. Extremely obedient, but need lots of exercise so if you cannot provide that maybe this dog is not for you. All together border collies are amazing dogs.