Border Collies are the workaholics of the dog world. They are every bit as intelligent as their deep, almond eyes make them look. Historically, the Border Collie’s bright mind, paired with their athleticism has given them an advantage in livestock herding and sports. They are extremely focused and good at harnessing their energy and stealth when they do their jobs.
Just because they’re active doesn’t mean they don’t slow down for cuddles. Collies are affectionate pets, and they love to cuddle when the hard work has been done. Their lush coat can be smooth (short) or rough (long) and comes in a lot of colors.
Early socializing is important for any breed, but especially for an alert and curious breed like the Collie. Try to expose your dog from a young age to as many different situations and people as you can. Border Collies are extremely trainable, and they love jobs. Their herding instincts can even make them try to herd people, which makes them better suited for families with older children.
This dog breed is sensitive, but is also relatively adaptable. Although they are high energy, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get plenty of exercise. They are not fans of cold or hot climates, so will be happiest in a moderate climate and in a space where they get to run. They are okay with being alone, but can start to exhibit destructive behavior if they do not get enough exercise or mental stimulation.
With a lifespan of 12-15 years, Border Collies are relatively healthy. The conditions they are most susceptible to include hip dysplasia, progressive renal atrophy, deafness, epilepsy, collie eye anomaly, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, and trapped neutrophil syndrome. Regular activity, along with a proper diet contributes greatly to the health of your Collie.
These dogs are always quick and eager to learn new commands. However, they tend to be very difficult for the average person to train, so may not be a good fit for novice dog owners. Even an experienced dog owner may benefit from some training classes.
Border Collies have two coat types: smooth (short and coarse), and rough (medium-length and feathery). Both types have similar grooming needs and require thorough brushing once or twice per week. This should increase to daily brushing during shedding season. In addition to their coats, Collies’ ears should be kept clean, their teeth brushed a few times per week, and their nails trimmed monthly.
Borders are high in energy and need more than a daily walk to thrive. They do best when they have vigorous exercise every day. An outdoor space to run and a job like herding or sports are the best activities for collies. They’re great adventure partners and they do excellent at sports like agility, obedience, herding, tracking, and flying disc.
Border Collies generally reach a height of 18-22 inches at the shoulder and can weigh anywhere from 30-55 pounds.
This dog breed generally lives 12 to 15 years.
The Border Collie was originally called a “Scotch Sheep Dog”. This dog breed also held a feature role in the movie Babe.
