Border Collie: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training | Petplan

Supremely intelligent and brimming with energy

This highly intelligent, graceful dog is born with an instinct to work and responds extremely well to training, which is why they are often used as a mountain-rescue or sniffer dog. Border Collies make loyal, faithful pets that thrive on company and stimulation.

Vital Stats

Size:	Medium
Coat:	Requires weekly brushing
Exercise:	2+ hours a day
Life span:	12+ years
Breed group:	Pastoral
Temperament:	Intelligent, energetic, alert

Size up to
56cm Coat double
coat Exercise 2+ hrs Life span 12+years

Border Collie Temperament & Personality

This alert, agile breed is incredibly quick, both mentally and physically. Developed to be excellent shepherd dogs, Border Collies relish the chance to learn and let off steam.

Border Collies will thrive in active, outdoorsy households where they can be part of the action.
Generally a sociable breed, Border Collies normally enjoy the company of other dogs and can get along with cats if introduced from an early age.

Border Collie Training & Exercise

Originally bred for herding sheep Border Collies need lots of exercise and mental stimulation to avoid problem behaviour.

Training

Due to their intelligence and working backgrounds, Border Collies are responsive and pick up training quickly.
This breed responds exceptionaly well to positive reinforcement techniques, so make sure you always have training treats on hand!
Their chasing and herding instinct means you should spend plenty of time on recall training before letting them off the lead to keep your Border Collie safe.

More puppy training tips

Exercise

As a working breed, Border Collies need long walks daily and lots of playtime to prevent them from growing bored and mischievous.

Keeping them happy

Border Collies make great running buddies for active owners and will love spending extra time out and about.
This intelligent breed loves a challenge, so keep them guessing with puzzle toys and plenty of mental stimulation.
Border Collies are eager to please and will appreciate as much praise and attention as you can give them.

Game ideas

Flyball is the perfect activity for the energetic Border Collie. Essentially a relay race for dogs, your Border Collie will have hours of fun chasing, jumping hurdles and socialising with other dogs.

Border Collie Grooming

Originally from the border region between Scotland and England, this breed has a thick double coat to protect them in all weathers.

Border Collies commonly have black and white or red merle (tan and white) coats, and have two main coat types – smooth and rough, which some dog lovers refer to as ‘short haired’ and ‘long haired’.
Although their amount of hair can vary, Border Collies are generally agreed to be heavy shedders, especially during moulting seasons.
Regardless of their coat type, your Border Collie will need to be groomed at least once a week, but they rarely require trimming or trips to a professional groomer.

Sonia, pet parent to

Jacob the Border Collie

We found him at the Dog's Trust and he was happy and lively playing with his toys. I called out his name and he turned and ran over to me all excited. I believe that he chose us. He is intelligent and loving. He is always by my side. A wonderful companion. He loves his long walks and loves playing with his toys. He is adorable and very much loved by all the family.

Sonia Bublaitis, April 2021

Petplan customer

Jeanette, pet parent to

Casper the Border Collie

Casper was rescued in one of the biggest rescues the RSPCA have ever done. 137 dogs were rescued from a puppy farm in Bury. Casper is the softest dog ever. He’s gentle, super friendly and so affectionate. He’s scared of rain, kittens, and flies - he even ran to me crying once when a flower poked him in the face. How he has such a beautiful nature when he’s had such sadness in his life I don’t know. He really is a miracle of a rescue.

Jeanette McDonald, April 2021

Petplan customer

Sonia, pet parent to

Jacob the Border Collie

We found him at the Dog's Trust and he was happy and lively playing with his toys. I called out his name and he turned and ran over to me all excited. I believe that he chose us. He is intelligent and loving. He is always by my side. A wonderful companion. He loves his long walks and loves playing with his toys. He is adorable and very much loved by all the family.

Sonia Bublaitis, April 2021

Petplan customer

Jeanette, pet parent to

Casper the Border Collie

Casper was rescued in one of the biggest rescues the RSPCA have ever done. 137 dogs were rescued from a puppy farm in Bury. Casper is the softest dog ever. He’s gentle, super friendly and so affectionate. He’s scared of rain, kittens, and flies - he even ran to me crying once when a flower poked him in the face. How he has such a beautiful nature when he’s had such sadness in his life I don’t know. He really is a miracle of a rescue.

Jeanette McDonald, April 2021

Petplan customer

Border Collie Nutrition

As they were traditionally prized for their working ability, adult Border Collies can reach a range of weights and sizes and so their nutrition requirements vary.

With so many variations in size and weight, it can be a good idea to ask for advice from your vet or breeder on the best food for your Border Collie – many recommend feeding a high-quality pet food twice a day.
Try to stick to the portion size guidelines on the back of the pet food packaging, as with the right diet and exercise these dogs have a long life span.

What to know before you buy or rehome a Border Collie

Considering welcoming a Border Collie into your home? Before you buy or adopt one, here are a few important things to remember.

Border Collies’ energetic nature makes them a popular choice as a fun family pet, but they require plenty of time, exercise and attention to keep their mischievous side in check.
As a rule, Border Collies get on well with other dogs, and can get on with cats as well, provided they are introduced and socialised early on.

Choose a licensed and reputable Border Collie breeder if you’re buying a puppy. ‘Lucy’s Law’ dictates that new puppies or kittens must be bought directly from a breeder or adopted from rescue. Third party sellers are illegal.
Like all dogs, Border Collies can suffer from a range of health conditions so always look carefully at the veterinary cover provided when shopping around for pet insurance as not all policies are the same.

FAQs

Are Border Collies good with kids?

When do Border Collies stop growing?

Are Border Collies hypoallergenic?

When do Border Collies calm down?

Are Border Collies aggressive?

Are Border Collies easy to train?

Help & Support page

FAQs

Are Border Collies good with kids?

When do Border Collies stop growing?

Are Border Collies hypoallergenic?

When do Border Collies calm down?

Are Border Collies aggressive?

Are Border Collies easy to train?

Help & Support page

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Border Collie insurance considerations

One of the top 5 claims that we see for Border Collies is behavioural conditions, and unlike some other insurers our policies are designed to cover behavioural conditions if this is a treatment recommended by your vet. When choosing insurance for your Border Collie make sure you check what breadth of cover is being offered as not all dog insurance is the same.

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