Border Collie Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Border Collie is the world's best-known sheepdog, famous for its intelligence, athleticism and intense gaze. It is bred for work, and a bored Border Collie can be a challenging pet.

Origins and appearance

The breed developed along the border between England and Scotland, selected for working ability rather than looks. Border Collies are medium-sized and lean, with an athletic build, a medium-length double coat, often black and white but found in many colors and patterns, and an alert, intense expression. Rough and smooth coats exist.

Temperament

They are intelligent, driven and sensitive. They bond closely with their people and often have a strong work ethic. They may chase cars, bikes and children, using the herding instinct. They can be reserved with strangers. They need a job, and can become anxious, destructive or obsessive if under-stimulated.

Exercise

They need two hours or more of daily activity, including running, play and training. They excel at agility, herding, flyball, obedience and disc. Mental work is as important as physical. A plain walk is rarely enough.

Training

They learn extremely fast, including unwanted habits. Use positive, consistent methods and short sessions. Teach a settle and an off switch, since they may not rest on their own. Early socialization is important. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The double coat needs brushing a couple of times a week and daily during seasonal shedding. Trim nails, clean ears and brush teeth. Check for burrs.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Collie eye anomaly and progressive retinal atrophy
• Epilepsy. See seizures and epilepsy in dogs
• MDR1 gene mutation. See MDR1 gene mutation in dogs
• Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, with a DNA test
• Trapped neutrophil syndrome
• Deafness in some lines

Living with a Border Collie

They suit active, experienced owners with space, time and a plan. They are poorly suited to apartment life without huge effort.

A typical day

A Border Collie wants a long morning outing, training, rest and a second outing or game. Evenings may include more play. Without both physical and mental work, they invent their own.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are bright and fast. Begin socialization, handling and training. Teach calmness early. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food, training, activities and vet care. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They tolerate cold well, but need shade and water in heat. They travel well when exercised.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include underexercising, skipping mental work, encouraging obsessive play and ignoring herding behavior around children.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about eye, hip and DNA tests, and the parents' working ability and temperament. Consider an adult from a rescue.

Working lines and companion lines

Working lines are bred for herding and can be intense. Show or sport lines may be somewhat calmer. Choose according to your lifestyle and be honest about the time you have.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Border Collie suits experienced, active owners who want a brilliant, driven partner. It may not suit casual owners, small spaces or households that cannot give a job. For a smaller herder, see the Shetland Sheepdog.

The eye and the chase

Border Collies use a fixed stare, called the eye, to control sheep, and at home that look can be pointed at cats, joggers or passing cars. Teach a strong look-at-me cue and a solid leave-it, reward the dog for noticing a trigger and then turning to you, and avoid places with fast-moving traffic until your dog can stay calm. A sturdy fence and a long line are good safety tools while this training takes shape.

Giving the brain a job

Hide-and-seek with toys, puzzle feeders, learning the names of objects, scent work and trick training all use the brain in ways walks cannot. Many owners find that fifteen minutes of focused training tires a Border Collie more than an hour of unfocused running.

The takeaway

Border Collies are brilliant and intense, and they need exercise, mental work and a purpose.