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United Kingdom•herding
Border Collie
popularGood with KidsGood with Pets
Affectionate, smart, and energetic. Border Collies are the workaholics of the dog world, excelling in agility and obedience.
Weight13.5-25 kg30-55 lbs
Height45-56 cm18-22"
Lifespan12-15 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
IntelligentEnergeticKeenAlertResponsive
Height
45-56 cm18-22"
Weight
13.5-25 kg30-55 lbs
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Medium - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Athlete - requires intense daily exercise and jobs to do
Trainability
Eager to please - loves learning and responds well to training
Grooming
Regular grooming - weekly brushing
Barking
Barks when necessary
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Balanced companionship
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐕
Border45-56 cm18-22"Compatibility
How well Border Collie matches your lifestyle
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Your Match Score
Take our 2-minute lifestyle quiz to see how well Border Collie matches your lifestyle.
Good Fit
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Things to Consider
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Colors & patterns
Border Collie comes in 6 recognized colors
Black and White
Bicolor
Black·White
Blue Merle
Merle
Blue·White
Red and White
Bicolor
Red·White
Red Merle
Merle
Tricolor
Tricolor
Black·White·Tan
Plus 1 rare color variant not commonly seen.
Exercise
Activity requirements for Border Collie
extreme energy90-180 min/day
The Border Collie was bred for work and needs intensive daily exercise. They thrive with a job to do and can become destructive without adequate physical and mental outlets.
2+ hours daily of intense mental and physical exercise
Recommended Activities
Moderate intensity
Advanced Training
Complex training routines for mental and physical challenge.
30-45 min
High intensity
Extended Exercise Sessions
Long runs, hikes, or bike rides for serious endurance work.
60-90 min
High intensity
Working Tasks
Herding, tracking, or other breed-specific work they were designed for.
Varies
High intensity
Competitive dog Sports
Agility, trials, or other competitive activities.
45-60 min
High intensity
Multiple Daily Sessions
Split exercise into 2-3 sessions throughout the day.
30-45 min each
Keep in Mind
- Inadequate exercise can lead to destructive behavior
- Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise
- This breed is not suited for sedentary lifestyles
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for Border Collie
Moderate Carefur coat
Border Collies need regular grooming attention to maintain a healthy coat and prevent matting. Establish a consistent routine.
Regular Brushing
Brush 2-3 times per week to prevent tangles, remove dead hair, and keep the coat shiny and healthy. Increase to daily during seasonal shedding.
2-3 times per week
Bathing as Needed
Bathe every 1-2 months or as needed. Over-bathing can strip natural protective oils from the coat.
Every 1-2 months
Optional Professional Grooming
Professional grooming is optional for nail trimming, ear cleaning, and deshedding treatments. Many owners handle grooming at home.
As needed
Ear Cleaning
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections, especially in breeds with floppy ears.
Weekly
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Long nails can cause pain and affect gait.
Every 2-3 weeks
Training
Training approach for Border Collie
Eager to Please
The Border Collie is highly trainable and eager to please. They pick up commands quickly and thrive on positive reinforcement.
Best Approach
Use positive reinforcement consistently. These dogs are motivated by praise, treats, and play. Keep sessions engaging and varied to prevent boredom.
Training Tips
Essential
Positive Reinforcement
Reward good behavior immediately with treats, praise, or play. This breed responds exceptionally well to rewards.
Essential
Start Early
Begin training as soon as you bring them home. Their eagerness makes early puppyhood an ideal training window.
Recommended
Teach Varied Commands
Take advantage of their trainability by teaching a wide range of commands and tricks.
Advanced
Consider Advanced Training
This breed excels in obedience, agility, and other dog sports. Challenge them with advanced skills.
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for Border Collie
Medium Breed2 meals$33-82/month
Medium-sized breeds typically do well on twice-daily feeding with a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for their age and activity level.
Feeding Tips
Balanced Nutrition
Choose a complete and balanced food appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adult, senior).
Adjust for Activity
Active dogs need more calories; less active dogs need fewer. Adjust portions accordingly.
Quality Protein Source
Look for foods with named meat sources as the first ingredient for optimal nutrition.
Consistent Schedule
Feed at the same times each day to support digestive health and training routines.
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in Border Collie
0
High Risk
4
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for Border Collie
Monthly costs
Food
$33-82
Insurance
$30-70
Supplies
$15-30
Monthly total
$78-182
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$432-720/yr
Parasite prevention
$360/yr
Annual total
$792-1,080/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Border Collie's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
4 references for Border Collie
American Kennel Club Breed Information
Registry·American Kennel Club
Canine Health Information Center - Border Collie
Health·OFA-CHIC
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Veterinary·Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Seizures in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research