A border collie is the smartest dog most people will ever own, and that intelligence is the whole challenge. They need a job, daily exercise and training that keeps their mind busy, or they invent work of their own.
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium (14 to 20 kg fully grown) |
| Coat | Moderately long or smooth double coat |
| Shedding | Moderate to heavy, seasonal |
| Energy | Very high |
| Good with kids | Yes, with herding managed |
| Exercise | At least an hour a day, plus mental work |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
What is a border collie's temperament like?
The breed standard describes a highly intelligent dog with an instinct to work that responds readily to training. Dogs Victoria calls them athletic and faithful, with a desire to please.
Are border collies good for first time owners?
Usually not. They learn faster than you can teach, which sounds like a gift until the dog has taught itself to open the back door and herd the vacuum.
A first time owner who trains daily, exercises properly and enjoys the work can do very well with one. Going in expecting an easygoing pet is where it goes wrong.
How much exercise does a border collie need?
At least an hour a day of real activity, plus training. Running them until they are tired is only half the job, because a fit collie only gets fitter.
Give the brain the harder workout. Teach tricks, hide toys for them to find, and try agility or herding. Fifteen minutes of thinking settles a collie more than an hour of fetch.
Puppies do not arrive knowing any of this. The work starts the week they come home.
How do you train a border collie?
With rewards. RSPCA Australia supports reward-based training as the most humane and effective way to train a dog. Set the dog up to succeed, then reward the behaviour you want with food, a favourite toy or praise.
Do border collies herd children?
Often, yes. Circling, nudging and nipping at heels is the same instinct that moves sheep, and running children set it off.
Manage it early. Interrupt the behaviour, give the dog something else to do, and teach children to stop moving rather than run faster.
Most collies settle around children they live with once they have a clearer job to do.
Can you keep a border collie in Sydney?
Yes, with a plan for the heat and somewhere to run. On hot days RSPCA Australia advises walking dogs early in the morning or late in the evening. If you cannot hold the back of your hand on the pavement for more than a few seconds, it is too hot for their paws.
Check your council's list of off-leash areas for a fenced park nearby.
In NSW, a dog must be registered on the NSW Pet Registry from 12 weeks of age, or when it is first sold if that comes sooner.
Who suits a border collie and who may find it hard?
Who a border collie suits
- People who want to train most days and enjoy it
- Active households with room to run
- Anyone interested in agility, obedience or herding
- Owners who want a dog that works alongside them
Who may find it hard
- Apartment living without a serious daily plan
- People away from home long hours
- Anyone wanting a calm, low input companion
- Households with no time for training
What health issues do border collies get?
Hip dysplasia and inherited eye conditions are the main ones, and responsible breeders screen for both. Ask for the results.
DNA tests exist for several inherited conditions in the breed, including collie eye anomaly, trapped neutrophil syndrome and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis.
Some lines carry a gene affecting how they process common medications. A DNA test answers it early and is worth having on file.
Common questions about border collies
How big do border collies get?
The breed standard sets 48 to 53 cm at the shoulder for males and 46 to 51 cm for females.
How long do border collies live?
Around 12 to 15 years, according to Dogs NSW.
Is a border collie the same as a collie?
No. The border collie, the collie (rough) and the collie (smooth) are three separate breeds, each with its own breed standard.
Meet a border collie at a Doga Sydney class
Spending an hour with one is the fastest way to know if the energy suits your life. Each class is 45 minutes of puppy yoga, then 15 minutes of puppy playtime, and the yoga is optional the whole time. Breeds change week to week, so check what is coming up.
Book a Doga Sydney puppy yoga class
Sources: Dogs Australia, Dogs NSW, Dogs Victoria, Dogs NSW on the collie, RSPCA on training, RSPCA on hot days, NSW Pet Registry.
