All breeds › Border Collie
Border Collie
A famously quick-learning sheepdog from the Anglo-Scottish border region.
♥ Swipe on the Border CollieQuick facts
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Size
- Medium
- Energy
- High
- Bred for
- Herding sheep
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Temperament
- Intense, brilliant, driven
- Exercise
- 120 min/day
- Grooming
- Medium
- Shedding
- Medium
- Training
- Easy
- With children
- Good
- Apartment
- No
Where the Border Collie comes from
Border Collies come from the border country of England and Scotland, where shepherds bred them for intelligence and herding ability. They are still the standard in sheepdog trials.
Personality and daily life
Intense, clever and driven. Border Collies need work, and they herd children, cars and anything that moves. They can be sensitive and anxious.
Border Collies are the classic working sheepdog and need both exercise and a job. Without them they invent their own, usually unhelpfully.
Exercise, grooming and health
Two hours of exercise and real mental work every day. Their coat needs regular brushing. Hip dysplasia and eye problems occur. Without enough activity they develop obsessive habits.
Is a Border Collie right for you?
Farms, sport and dog-training enthusiasts, and very active owners. Not for relaxed households.
- Needs space, so not ideal for small apartments
- Easy to train, good for beginners
Similar breeds
Profiles are general guides. Individual dogs vary, so always meet the dog and talk to a breeder, shelter or vet.