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Border Collie

Loved by 78% of pet parents

Exceptionally intelligent and energetic, this breed thrives on mental and physical challenges. Highly trainable and loyal, Border Collies excel as active companions in engaged households.

Breed Characteristics

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Playfulness

Adaptability

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.

HEIGHT

48–56 cm (male)

46–53 cm (female)

WEIGHT

14–20 kg (male)

12–19 kg (female)

LIFE EXPECTANCY

12–15 years

Border Collie: Breed snapshot

Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Mammalia

Order

Carnivora

Family

Canidae

Genus

Canis

Species

Canis lupus familiaris

Diet

Omnivore

"A Border Collie isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."

Temperament & personality

Understanding Border Collie's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.

Personality Overview

Border Collies are typically alert, energetic, and responsive dogs known for their strong work ethic and loyalty. They are usually friendly but can be reserved with strangers.

Key Personality Traits

Friendliness

Generally sociable with people and other dogs

Intelligence

Exceptionally quick learner, excels at problem-solving

Energy Level

Extremely active, needs substantial daily exercise

Playfulness

Enjoys interactive games and mental challenges

Adaptability

Can struggle with change or urban environments

Strengths

Highly intelligent and quick to learn tasks
Exceptional stamina for sustained activity
Strong herding instinct and focus
Loyal and eager to please owners
Excels in canine sports and agility

Challenges

Requires extensive daily mental stimulation
Prone to anxiety if under-stimulated
Tendency to herd children or pets
Can develop destructive behaviors when bored
Needs significant space for exercise

Protect your Border Collie

Border Collie can develop hip dysplasia and collie eye anomaly. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.

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Intelligence & exercise needs

Border Collies are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.

🧠 Intelligence & training

Trainability

Highly trainable

Overall rating

Border Collies are highly intelligent and excel at learning new tasks quickly. Their trainability is exceptional, making them well-suited for obedience, agility, and advanced dog sports.

Trainable Tasks:

Sheep herding commands

Agility course navigation

Scent detection work

Advanced fetch retrieval

Trick training routines

Directional hand signals

🏃 Exercise & energy levels

Daily Exercise

90–120 minutes daily

recommended per day

This breed has very high physical and mental exercise needs, requiring daily vigorous activity and mental stimulation. Without sufficient outlets, they may develop behavioral issues from boredom or frustration.

Recommended Activities:

Agility competitions

Herding trials

Flyball tournaments

Obedience training sessions

Daily long-distance runs

Interactive puzzle games

Is this breed right for you?

Border Collies are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Border Collie would fit well in your home.