Dog breed · Herding / Pastoral
Border Collie
Widely regarded as the most trainable of all breeds, and correspondingly demanding. A Border Collie without a job will invent one.
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Herding / Pastoral
- Origin
- Anglo-Scottish border
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 14–20 kg (30–45 lb)
- Height
- 46–56 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Rough or smooth double coat
- Temperament
- IntenseQuick-thinkingSensitiveDriven
History
Refined in the hill country between England and Scotland for silent, eye-driven sheep herding; most working lines trace to the dog Old Hemp (1893).
Appearance
Athletic and agile with an intense gaze, in black and white, merle, tricolour and many other patterns.
Exercise and activity
Two or more hours of combined physical and cognitive work: herding, agility, scent work, trick training or flyball.
Care and grooming
Brush twice weekly, more during coat blow. Teach a reliable off switch and settle routine from puppyhood.
Health considerations
- Hip dysplasia
- Collie eye anomaly
- Epilepsy
- MDR1 drug-sensitivity mutation
- Noise sensitivity
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Border Collie
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: Two or more hours of combined physical and cognitive work: herding, agility, scent work, trick training or flyball. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Hip dysplasia, Collie eye anomaly, Epilepsy, MDR1 drug-sensitivity mutation, Noise sensitivity), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- Dogs Trust — dog care, behaviour and welfare advice