Medium breed
Border Collie Puppies
Smart, energetic, and loving family companions
We do not have Border Collie puppies on the floor today. Tell us what you are looking for and we will let you know the moment one arrives, or help you find a breed that suits your home just as well.
- Adult weight 30–45 lbs
- Height 18–22 in
- Lifespan 12–15 years
- Exercise 120 min a day
About the Border Collie
The Border Collie, renowned for its boundless energy and remarkable intelligence, originates from the rugged hills of Scotland and has been a companion to shepherds for generations. These medium-sized dogs were bred to herd sheep, and their keen instincts and agility are a testament to their heritage. If you are looking for a loyal and hardworking friend, the Border Collie fits the bill. Their affectionate nature often leads to strong bonds with their families, making them a wonderful addition to homes where they can flourish emotionally and physically.
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With a trainability rating that is second to none, Border Collies thrive on mental and physical challenges. Their high intelligence makes training a rewarding experience, whether you are teaching them basic commands or complex tricks. They are excellent companions for families, particularly those with young kids, as they are often gentle and playful. However, their herding tendencies can sometimes result in them nipping at heels or being overly excited, so early socialization and guidance are essential. They generally get along well with other dogs, although they may not be the best fit for homes with smaller animals like cats.
As a breed that enjoys activity, daily exercise is a must for a Border Collie. They possess a remarkable energy level that needs to be channeled into productive outlets, such as fetch, agility training, or long walks. Their ideal living situation is not an apartment, as they prefer space to run and play. Grooming these magnificent dogs is relatively straightforward, requiring weekly brushing to manage the shedding that comes with their dense coat. Their loyal and affectionate nature, paired with their energetic spirit, makes them absolutely delightful companions for those ready to embrace the commitment they entail.
If you are part of a family that values activity, training, and companionship, the Border Collie could be a perfect addition to your life. They have a lot to offer in terms of loyalty and affection, and they are sure to keep you on your toes with their playful antics. So, if you’re searching for a Border Collie in Furrylicious®, come visit us and discover the joy this breed can bring to your home.
Border Collie breed profile
Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse.
Temperament
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Affection Very affectionate
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Playfulness Very playful
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With strangers Warms up
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Territorial Relaxed
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Prey drive High
Family & other pets
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Young children Good
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Older children Excellent
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Other dogs Sociable
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Cats Needs care
Energy & exercise
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Energy Very high
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Mental stimulation Needs a job to do
Training
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Trainability Eager to please
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Intelligence Exceptional
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Stubbornness A stubborn streak
Care & upkeep
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Shedding Moderate
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Drooling None to speak of
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Barking Vocal
Home life
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Apartment living Needs real space
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Time alone Short periods
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Cold weather Comfortable
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Warm weather Average
A good match for
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First-time owners Some experience helps
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Senior owners Suitable
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Running partner Excellent
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Hiking Excellent
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Therapy work Good
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Guarding Low
Living with a Border Collie
Temperament & Family Fit
Border Collies are known for their vibrant personalities and strong work ethic, making them fantastic family pets. They tend to be very affectionate and are particularly good with young kids, creating a playful and loving environment. However, their herding instincts can sometimes lead them to be a bit nippy, so proper socialization is key to ensuring they fit well in households with small children.
Energy & Exercise
This breed is highly energetic and requires plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks, along with stimulating activities like agility training or herding games, are great ways to keep them engaged. If you live somewhere like Furrylicious®, where outdoor space may be limited, be prepared to dedicate time to interactive playtime to meet their high energy needs.
Care & Grooming
Border Collies have a moderate level of shedding and require weekly grooming to keep their coats in good shape. Regular brushing will help manage shedding and keep their fur looking smooth. Additionally, paying attention to ears and teeth is important to ensure they remain healthy.
Training Notes
This breed is remarkably trainable, which only adds to their appeal as family dogs. They are eager to please and thrive on learning new commands or tricks, making training sessions fun and rewarding. Their intelligence means that consistent, positive reinforcement methods work best, allowing them to flourish in a structured environment.
Caring for a Border Collie
- Grooming
- Weekly brushing
- Grooming cost
- Low
- Monthly food
- Average
- Outdoor space
- A yard is recommended
- Allergy friendly
- Not considered hypoallergenic
Border Collie Video
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the energy level of a Border Collie?
Border Collies are known for their high energy levels, typically rated around five on a scale of one to five. They thrive on physical activity and mental stimulation, so they need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks, playtime, and engaging activities are essential to keep them from getting bored.
Are Border Collies good pets for families with young children?
Yes, Border Collies generally get along well with young kids, with a rating of four out of five. Their playful and affectionate nature makes them excellent companions for children. However, supervision during playtime is always a good idea, as their energy can sometimes be overwhelming for little ones.
How trainable are Border Collies?
Border Collies are one of the most trainable dog breeds, scoring a perfect five in trainability. They are intelligent and eager to please, making training sessions enjoyable for both the dog and the owner. Consistent, positive reinforcement techniques work wonders with this breed.
Is a Border Collie suitable for apartment living?
Border Collies are not the best fit for apartment living, scoring a one when it comes to being apartment-friendly. They need space to run and play, so a home with a yard would be more ideal. If you live in an apartment, ensuring daily exercise and mental stimulation is crucial.
How much grooming do Border Collies require?
Border Collies require regular grooming, with a frequency of about once a week. Their medium-length coat sheds moderately, so brushing them helps to manage shedding and keep their coat healthy. This loving breed will appreciate the attention during grooming sessions.
