The Border Collie is one of the most popular and well-known sheepdogs worldwide.  Highly intelligent, Border Collies also excel at obedience and agility trials.



Border Collies are medium sized dogs that stand between 18-22 inches and weigh in at 30-49 pounds.  They have a dense coat that can be either coarse or sleek that varies in length from one to three inches.  Their coat can be a wide range of colors, with black and white being the most common.  Other colors include red and white, merle, tricolor, brown, and black.  Border Collies tend to carry their long tail low, but it swirls upward at the tip.


The Border Collie was developed Northumberland, located in the border region between England and Scotland.  The word “Collie" is a Scottish word used to describe sheepdogs.  The breed possibly derived from old herding and spaniel stock, and almost certainly including the now extinct Cumberland Sheepdog.  They have existed since the 1700s, but did not take their present name until 1915.  Always a working dog first and foremost the Border Collie was not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) until 1995.


Although the Border Collie excels at working tasks it is becoming increasingly common as a companion breed.  Extremely intelligent they can be easy to train, but are simply not happy in a household where they do not have a job to do.  A short walk daily is not enough to keep them stimulated and content.  They thrive working with humans and do an excellent job at any dog sport, such as flyball and agility.  Most dogs get along with other pets, although some can be same-sex aggressive with other canines.  Border Collies do well with children, especially if they have grown up around them.


A fairly hardy breed, Border Collies tend to live anywhere from 12-14 years.  They are prone to hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and Collie eye anomaly.  Border Collies with the merle gene can have eye or hearing problems.

Border Collies generally cannot adapt to apartment life.  They are active dogs and need a yard where they have room to run.  This breed needs more than physical exercise, they need a long daily walk and be mentally challenged frequently.  Border Collies work hard and play hard, they need an owner that can keep up with them.

The coat of a Border Collie requires regular combing to prevent mats.  They are average shedders.