A Border Collie sitting

Border Collie

Everything you need to know about Border Collies

Size
Medium
Life Expectancy
typically 12+ years
Shedding
Medium length with moderate shedding

Border Collies are typically intelligent and energetic dogs. They have two coat varieties – medium length or smooth. There are lots of Border Collie colours including black, white and tan.

There’s lots of doggy behaviour that comes naturally to all breeds of dog, including Border Collies, from digging and chasing to searching and retrieving.

Thinking about giving a Border Collie a forever home? Here are some Border Collies facts that might help you decide.

Caring for Border Collies

Every dog is different with their own personality and needs. Here are some areas to think about when taking care of a Border Collie.

Health issues

Before you give any type of Border Collie a home, it’s important to know about possible health issues. Not every dog will suffer them but it’s good to be prepared.

To find out more about potential health issues ...

How much food does a Border Collie need?

The amount of food a Border Collie needs depends on their:

  • age
  • size
  • activity levels
  • fitness
  • weight.

You can use the information on dog food packets as a guide, ta...

An infographic showing the key indicators of healthy body condition for a dog

How much exercise does a Border Collie need?

Border Collies are typically high-energy dogs who need lots of exercise to keep them physically and mentally healthy. They'll need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energy, and play. Li...

How much grooming does a Border Collie need?

Generally, Border Collies will need brushing a couple of times a week. This keeps their coat in good condition and gets rid of dead hairs. Collies are also likely to need professional grooming.

To help your dog ...

What size crate do you need for a Border Collie?

When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to:

  • sit and stand up at their full height
  • turn around without touching the sides
  • lie down fully stretched out
  • comfortabl...

Border Collie training and behaviour

Even if you think you know about Border Collies, it’s important to remember that every dog has their own personality.

What’s the temperament of a Border Collie?

Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own unique personality and prior experiences. So, every Border Collie temperament is different.
 
As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the wor...

Are Border Collies easy to train?

You can teach any breed of dog new tricks! It’s all about positive learning. Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Whether it’s treats, toys or lots of praise, training with ...

Are Border Collies good with children?

While every dog is different, there are some universal ways to behave safely and respectfully around them.

This is an important skill for the whole family – children and adults. Why not

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