What is a Border Collie?

Border Collies are super smart, hard-working and full of energy. Known widely as the classic sheepdog, they thrive on mental and physical challenge and are happiest with a job to do. Without enough exercise or interaction, they can become bored and destructive – think stimulation first, snuggles second.

A guide to owning a Border Collie

The Border Collie is one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. They’re fast, focused and quick to learn. However, while they make excellent working dogs and devoted companions, owning a Border Collie won’t be for everyone. They need far more than just a daily walk around the block. Without proper mental and physical outlets, they can become a handful.

Here we’ll take you through everything you need to know, from grooming needs and common health concerns to temperament, exercise and training.

Are Border Collies good family dogs?

Border Collies can be great family dogs, but they’re definitely best suited to active families who understand they need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Border Collies are affectionate and loyal, but may try to herd young children or other pets if they’re under-stimulated. Proper training and socialisation are key to their happiness.

Border Collie size and appearance

Border Collies are medium-sized dogs with athletic, agile builds. They have alert expressions, upright ears, and bright, intelligent eyes. It’s not uncommon for their eyes to be two different colours. Their coats can be either smooth or rough, with a dense double layer that helps protect them from the elements.

Your typical Collie stands around 46-56cm tall at the shoulder and weighs between 14-20kg. Females are usually lighter than males.

Border Collies come in a wide variety of colours and patterns, including:

• Black and white
• Red and white
• Blue merle (a marbled or mottled coat)
• Tricolour (black, tan and white)

You’ll also find less common colours such as brindle (tiger-striped), lilac, slate and sable (a base coat with dark tips), depending on an individual dog’s genetics.

What were Border Collies bred for?

Border Collies were originally bred for herding sheep in the borderlands between Scotland and England. This is why they’re so quick, smart and hardworking.

What is the Border Collie’s temperament?

The Border Collie’s personality is:

• Exceedingly intelligent:  Known as one of the smartest dog breeds around, these four-legged brain-boxes love to learn and problem-solve.
• Energetic: They’re tireless when it comes to exercise and need more physical activity than your average dog.
• Focused: Bred to herd and work closely with humans, their concentration is impressive, perhaps even a little obsessive.
• Loyal sidekicks: They form strong bonds with their humans and are often happiest when by your side or given a task.
• Sensitive: Collies can be sensitive souls and pick up on emotions and moods quickly, which can be both a strength and a vulnerability.

Can Border Collies be left alone?

Not for long periods. Border Collies thrive on companionship and can develop separation anxiety if they’re left alone too much. Ideally, they shouldn’t be left alone for more than a few hours at a time.

It’s worth noting that no dog should be left alone for longer than four hours. If you do have to leave them on their own for a spell of time, make sure they have access to fresh water, and comforts such as their favourite toy and blanket.

How much exercise does a Border Collie need?

In a word: loads! Border Collies are one of the most high-energy breeds and ideally need at least two hours of physical activity every single day. A brisk walk isn’t going to cut it. Instead, think off-lead running, fetch, frisbee or agility training. 

They’re also highly intelligent and thrive on mental challenges, such as scent work, obedience drills and – of course – herding sheep. Without proper stimulation, Border Collies can become restless, anxious or destructive – often developing habits like excessive barking, chewing, or even herding children or other pets.

Can Border Collies swim?

Yes, many Border Collies enjoy swimming and are good at it. All dogs are individuals though, so start slow. Introduce them to water gradually, with constant supervision.

Border Collies are beautiful working dogs. However, these intelligent and energetic creatures are prone to a few health issues.

As with many pedigree breeds, developmental joint abnormalities are common. Hip and elbow dysplasia can affect the way these joints form, leading to pain, mobility issues and the early onset of arthritis. I have seen several Border Collies over the years with joint issues. Most dogs end up being managed through a combination of pain relief, physiotherapy, controlled exercise, and sometimes surgery. Symptoms can start as early as 6 months old, but it can depend on how severely your dog is affected.

Choosing your puppy from a reputable breeder that health screens their dogs before mating will help reduce the chances of your puppy having these joint problems. As well as hip and elbow scoring, your breeder should be getting their Border Collies checked for eye abnormalities. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and collie eye anomaly are hereditary in Border collies and can lead to loss of vision.

Border Collies also seem prone to epilepsy. Many of these dogs require daily medication and regular check-ups to control seizure frequency.

Dr Rebecca MacMillan BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS

Meet our pet experts

How long do Border Collies live?

The average lifespan of a Border Collie is around 12-15 years. With good care, many live well into their teens.

What are the common health issues for a Border Collie?

Like many pedigree breeds, Border Collies are prone to a few inherited health conditions. Hip and elbow dysplasia are among the most common joint issues, where malformed joints can lead to pain, lameness and early-onset arthritis if not properly managed.

Eye problems can be an issue too, especially Collie eye anomaly (CEA) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Both are inherited conditions that can affect your dog’s vision, and in some cases, lead to partial or even total blindness.

Border Collies are also more susceptible than some breeds to epilepsy – a neurological condition that can cause seizures and typically requires lifelong medication and monitoring. Choosing a reputable breeder who screens for these issues can help reduce the risks.

Top 3 pet insurance claims for Border Collies

These are the three conditions most commonly claimed for, according to Petgevity data:

• Epilepsy / fits
• Injury or condition affecting their feet / pads
• Ingested foreign body

Based on Petgevity pet insurance claims, 1 Jan to 31 Dec 2024.

Border Collie grooming and hygiene

Border Collies are fairly easy to groom, but the amount of maintenance depends on the coat type. Rough-coated Collies need regular brushing (at least a few times a week) to keep their fur free from mats and tangles. Smooth-coated varieties are lower maintenance, but still benefit from a good weekly brush to keep their coat in good condition and reduce shedding.

All types need regular paw and ear checks as well as dental care.

Note that a well-exercised Collie may not need their nails trimming, as the activity will do the job for them.

Do Border Collies shed?

All dogs shed, but Border Collies do tend to shed quite a bit, especially when they ‘blow’ their coat in spring and autumn. Expect a fair amount of hair around the house unless you keep up with brushing and vacuuming.

Are Border Collies hypoallergenic?

No, Border Collies aren’t a low-allergen breed. They shed and produce dander (dead skin), which can trigger reactions in people with dog allergies. It’s worth noting that no dogs are truly hypoallergenic, but there are definitely some breeds that are better than others if this is a major consideration when choosing which one is right for you.

If you’re up to the task, training a Border Collie can be a really rewarding experience. They’re smart, quick to learn and eager to please. But their intelligence means they get bored easily, so training needs to be varied and consistent.

Here are a few pointers:

• Start early with basic command training as this helps set them on the right path for future learning.
• Use positive reinforcement. Like many breeds, praise, treats, toys or anything they enjoy tends to go down well when they’ve made good progress.
• Keep sessions short and fun when they’re young. A shorter but focused session is better than a long dull one.
• Give them a job to do. Border Collies excel at agility, herding and obedience trials. An occupied Collie is generally a happy Collie.

What insurance do I need for my Border Collie?

The level of dog insurance you choose for your Border Collie will usually come down to your circumstances and budget. So you know exactly what you’re getting for your money, read our guide to whether pet insurance is worth it.

We think that all dogs deserve the most comprehensive level of cover as possible, which is why we only sell different types of lifetime cover. We could also cover your Border Collie for any pre-existing conditions they may have with our Lifetime Plus policy, subject to acceptance*.