About the breed
The border collie is considered the most intelligent dog in the world, according to Stanley Coren, professor and researcher in neuropsychology of the famous book “The intelligence of dogs”, published in 1994. The border collie is a breed of dog which is distinguished by his great ability to learn in different areas: basic obedience, advanced dog, canine skills, grazing or agility among others.
But beyond its intelligence, the border collie stands out from other dog breeds for the strong bond it creates with its owners, its remarkable beauty and its predisposition to physical exercise. Although the border collie dog is not a suitable breed for everyone, it is a dog with many qualities that deserve to be known, especially if we are big dog lovers.
Border Collie
The Border Collie is a highly intelligent and energetic breed that originated on the border between Scotland and England. Renowned for their herding abilities, they excel in a variety of dog sports and activities. Border Collies are known for their intense focus, trainability, and strong work ethic, making them popular choices for obedience, agility, and competitive events. They are loyal and affectionate companions that require plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
Breed at a Glance
- Origin: Scotland and England (border region)
- Size: Medium
- Weight: 33-48 lbs
- Head shape: Square
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Coat Type: Double coat, either rough or smooth; dense and weather-resistant
- Colors: Black and white, blue merle, red, tri-color, and others
- Temperament: Highly intelligent, energetic, work-driven, and loyal
- Grooming Needs: Moderate; regular brushing to maintain coat and reduce shedding
- Exercise Needs: Very high; needs daily intense physical and mental stimulation
- Best For: Active families, working environments (herding), or experienced dog owners who can meet their high energy levels
The standard of the breed
Border Collies are proportionate and medium-sized. They are graceful, but strong and muscular dogs.
The size of these dogs varies depending on gender. The height of the female is 47-52 cm, the males are larger – they reach a height at the withers of 50-53 cm. The weight of an adult border collie does not exceed 15-22 kg.
Exercise requirements
Compassion for the owner
Friendship with strangers
Energy level
Playfulness
With other pets
Characteristics of the breed
Family
Border Collies are great with children. The dog will be a nanny for the little ones, she is not afraid to entrust a child. The dog will be happy to play outdoor games with teenagers.
The border collie gets along well with other animals, the dog makes friends with a cat, birds or rodents. This dog will subdue all the animals in the house and round them up. Problems can arise with other dogs, as not all breeds are ready to submit and accept the leadership of the Border Collie.
Physical qualities
The skull of the Border Collie breed is flat and of medium width. The muzzle and skull are of medium size and approximately the same length. A wide and prominent forehead protrusion and a thin white line on the muzzle are visible. Its black nose tapers towards the tip. Their eyes are set far apart, their distance is proportional. The jaws of the Border Collie are quite strong and crushing. Its teeth, which close in a scissor bite, are very sharp and strong. Its teeth are placed in its square-shaped jaw. The hair on the face and pointed parts of the ears are short. It is possible to see long hair and mane at the neck.
Border Collie ears are medium in size. Their ears are different from many dog breeds. Their ears are usually semi-erect or fully erect. However, Border Collie dogs are rarely found with floppy ears. The ears are spaced apart from each other at the head and their semi-erect position is as follows: The ear tapers slightly from bottom to top, then the tip is seen hanging down. Two ear structures can also be seen in the Border Collie breed. Regardless of the structure of their ears, their ears hear very well.
The almond-shaped oval eyes are of medium size. Their eyes are set medium far apart. In addition to the white stripe from the forehead to the muzzle, it has bright eyes, usually dark brown, hazel and amber, among the dark feathers. As an exception, a Merle-colored Border Collie may have one or both blue eyes. The eye color of the merle breed of the Border Collie dog is different from that of other Border Collie dogs. This dog, very intelligent and smart, reflects this feature in its significant appearance.
Scissor bite. The teeth are strong with straight incisors.
The Border Collie is a medium-sized dog with an athletic and energetic appearance. With its muscular and agile structure and strong body, it acts as a herd guardian like a sheepdog. It has a strong, muscular and slightly curved neck structure. Its body structure is slightly longer than the height of the shoulders. Overall, this dog appears to have a well-proportioned, elegant and strong body. This breed stands out for its intelligence rather than its physical characteristics.
It has a double-layered fur, dense, tight and weather-resistant. The outer layer of the double-layered fur is thick and the bottom layer is made of soft feathers. The Border Collie dog can be seen with two types of fur: 8 cm thick, straight, coarse and long, or 2.5 cm long, short and smooth. Both short-haired and long-haired dogs experience increased hair growth in different areas of their body. The long-haired Border Collie dog has a mane on its neck and long hair on its tail. The other parts of its body have the same characteristics as the short-haired ones. Its face, the tips of its ears and its front legs are short-haired. Border Collie has a noble attitude with its soft, shiny and non-shedding hair.
The Border Collie’s front legs are straight when viewed from the front and slightly curved when viewed from the side. It is a herding dog that can move very quickly due to its durable foot structure and strong steps that fit its agile body.
There are Border Collie dogs of different colors with short and long hair. The most well-known and well-known coat color of this breed is black/white, but other coat colors are also observed. In addition to its black and white color, the Border Collie can also be found in black-gray, red-white, yellow, yellow-white, sable, tricolor or completely black with various patterns. In various areas of the body of the Black Border Collie dog; White and sometimes brown spots are visible on the face, neck, feet, legs and the tip of the tail.
Lifespan
Standards & Classifications
FCI
Group 1: Shepherd and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs).
Section 1: Shepherd Dogs
What to expect when taking care of a Border Collie
Taking care of a dog involves daily exercise, regular diet, grooming and veterinary care. Expect camaraderie, loyalty and joy, as well as responsibilities such as training, cleaning after them and the supply of a safe environment.
In recent years, the Border Collie dog has become increasingly popular and excessive, which has led many individuals and illegal breeders to significantly increase the population of this breed, without having the necessary knowledge to ensure good puppy breeding.
All this has had a very negative impact on the breed, causing an increase in hereditary diseases and the appearance of some behavioral problems, mainly related to aggression and fear.
The health problems that most affect the breed are:
- Collie eye anomaly.
- Trapped neutrophil syndrome.
- Lipofuscinosis or storage disease.
- Collie eye anomaly.
- Multidrug resistance gene.
- Imerlund-Gräsbeck syndrome.
- Hip dysplasia.
- Epilepsy
This dog has a long and thick coat that needs to be brushed 2-3 times a week. Some owners even sew socks from this wool, they are very warm and pleasant to the touch.
Eyes should be cleaned daily from deposits and ears should be kept clean.
Bathe the dog once or twice a month. Keep in mind that the Border Collie breed is sensitive to the sun and heat.
With his high energy and active nature, the Border Collie does not like to sit idle during the day. He must have work to do, a space to work and a specific task.
You should dedicate 90 minutes to your dog’s daily activity or take long, brisk walks of 3.5 to 4 kilometers. At least during these periods, your dog will be able to release his energy in vigorous and rhythmic activities. In the future, he will perceive these activities that you perform daily as homework. They love to play games. Chasing a ball, playing Frisbee and chasing objects are among their favorite activities.
Border Collies are better suited to living in houses than apartments because of their high energy levels and need for plenty of space to exercise and play. They thrive in environments with access to a secure yard where they can run and engage in activities that stimulate their minds and bodies. Apartment living may not provide enough space for Border Collies to meet their exercise needs.
How many miles can a border collie run per day?
A Border Collie is an incredibly energetic and athletic dog breed known for its stamina and endurance. On average, a Border Collie can comfortably run anywhere between 5 to 12 miles (8 to 20 kilometers) in a single outing, depending on factors like fitness, training, terrain, and weather conditions.
However, if properly conditioned and trained for long-distance running, some Border Collies are capable of running even 18 miles (30 kilometers) or more in a day, especially when working or herding animals.
It’s important to gradually build up their endurance to avoid injuries and provide them with breaks, hydration, and rest, particularly in hot weather. Their natural energy levels make them great companions for active people who enjoy long-distance running or outdoor activities.
Character and behavior
Border collies can run around all day, they just follow the owner’s commands. Good instinct and fearlessness make them vigilant watchmen. They can be trusted to guard the house, but this collie won’t become an evil guard dog. Border collies get along well with other pets, even cats or rodents. Become a leader for them, go graze and protect.
By nature, the dog is friendly, affectionate, very loyal. he likes to watch the owner, accompany him everywhere, because he is very curious. But it will never be imposed, not subject to a violent manifestation of emotions.
Sociality
Relationship with the human family
Attitude towards loneliness
Tendency to bark
Friendship with dogs
Adaptability
City life
Suitable as the first dog
Tolerance for hot temperatures
Tolerance for cold temperatures
Did you know?
- This breed occupies the first position in the classification of Stanley Coren on the intelligence of dogs. Although the study analyzes a dog’s obedience after several repetitions of an order, not intelligence as such, it is true that the border collie has a unique ability to understand an order and obey him in less than 5 repetitions, with a 95% success rate in compliance.
- The border collie is one of the best dogs for the practice of Agility, a sport based on obedience from a distance where it can also eliminate a good part of its contained energy.
- The popularity of the border collie has been increased thanks to Queen Victoria’s penchant for this breed, as she had several specimens. This is why border collie records in the UK and Ireland have skyrocketed for a long time.
- The Border Collie is capable of walking up to 70-80 kilometers per day, there have been cases when the dog ran more than 80 kilometers per day.
- According to scientific research, the intelligence of the border collie is at the level of a three-year-old child.
- Borders are unusually hardworking dogs. They are able to work without rest for about 12 hours a day.
- The most intelligent dog among all dogs in the whole world was proclaimed the Border Collie named Rico.
Price and budget
Here’s an overview of the Border Collie prices and estimated annual maintenance costs across various countries:
| Country | Purchase Price (Mini) | Purchase Price (Maxi) | Annual Maintenance (Mini) | Annual Maintenance (Maxi) |
| France | €800 | €1,800 | €800 | €1,500 |
| Canada | CAD 1,000 | CAD 2,500 | CAD 1,200 | CAD 2,000 |
| Belgium | €900 | €2,000 | €900 | €1,600 |
| Switzerland | CHF 1,000 | CHF 2,500 | CHF 1,200 | CHF 2,000 |
| USA | $1,000 | $2,500 | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Germany | €900 | €2,000 | €900 | €1,600 |
Explanation:
- Purchase Price: This is the cost of buying a Border Collie puppy from a breeder. The price varies depending on factors like lineage, breeder reputation, and location.
- Mini: The lower price range for standard or non-show quality Border Collies.
- Maxi: The higher price range, often for Border Collies with champion bloodlines or show-quality traits.
- Annual Maintenance Cost: Includes expenses for food, veterinary care, grooming, training, and general upkeep. Border Collies are active, intelligent dogs requiring a lot of stimulation and care.
- Mini: Standard care, covering basic food and regular vet visits.
- Maxi: Premium care, including high-quality food, training, more frequent vet checkups, and activities for mental and physical stimulation.
The Border Collie is known for its intelligence and energy. Their maintenance costs can be moderate to high due to their active lifestyle, need for mental challenges, and good health care to support their athletic nature. They are ideal for active owners who can provide the necessary exercise and training.
History of the breed
Although the origin of the border collie dog breed is somewhat uncertain, it is known that it has developed and officially recognized in the British Isles. Some archaeological remains found indicate that the direct ancestors of certain breeds of dogs, including the border collie, arrived in the British Isles between the 5th and 1st century BC by the hand of Celtic tribes. In fact, it is suspected that their name could come from the language of these communities, because “collie” means “useful” in Gaelic.
These tribes settled in Ireland, but the border collie that we know today developed between Scotland and England. Celtic dogs were bred with dogs from the United Kingdom, giving way to several types of collie dogs, such as the Bearded collie, one of the direct predecessors of border collie dogs.
In fact, its name literally means “border collie” by establishments located between the borders of Scotland and England. Already at that time stood out as a sheepdog to guide the cattle, work that still plays today for his agility and his intelligence.
It was not until the 20th century that various dog organizations, such as the Fédération Cynologique Internationale or the Kennel Club, began to recognize the border collie dog breed in an official and standardized manner.