CanlıDostum⚡ At a glance
- Adult weight: 14–20 kg (30–45 lb)
- Life expectancy: 12–15 years
- Activity: Very high · 2 hours a day + mental work
- Best suited to: Very active owners, dog-sport fans, homes with gardens
Key facts
| Origin | England / Scotland border |
|---|---|
| Height | Male 48–56 cm (19–22 in) · Female 46–53 cm (18–21 in) |
| Adult weight | 14–20 kg (30–45 lb) |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years |
| Activity needs | Very high · 2 hours a day + mental work |
| Coat | Medium-long or short double coat; seasonal shedding |
| Best suited to | Very active owners, dog-sport fans, homes with gardens |
Approximate ranges based on breed standards; individuals vary.
Temperament
Border Collies are brilliant, hard-working and focused. Under-stimulated, they may try to herd children, cars or other animals. They excel at agility and obedience.
Daily exercise
At least 2 hours of running, play and training a day. Puzzle games and new commands matter as much as exercise.
Feeding
Calorie needs vary hugely with activity; a working Border Collie may need much more than the example.
Example: a neutered adult Border Collie at an ideal weight of 17 kg (37 lb) needs roughly 940 kcal a day (RER × 1.6). Work out your own pet's needs with the calorie calculator and check ideal weight with the ideal weight calculator.
Common health problems
- Hip dysplasia
- Collie eye anomaly (CEA): inherited eye disease; genetic test available
- Epilepsy
- Drug sensitivity (MDR1 mutation): some antiparasitic drugs can be dangerous; testing available
- Trapped neutrophil syndrome (TNS)
Care tips
- Brush 2–3 times a week
- Daily mental work: new tricks, scent and puzzle games
- Ask your vet about MDR1 before medications
- Socialise from puppyhood
Frequently asked questions
Can a Border Collie live in an apartment?
It is very hard. Without 2 hours of intense activity and mental work every day, problem behaviours develop.
Is the Border Collie really the smartest dog?
It usually ranks first in canine intelligence studies — which also means it needs constant stimulation.
What is MDR1?
A gene change that affects how some drugs reach the brain. Affected dogs can react badly to certain antiparasitic drugs; a genetic test is available.