The workaholic genius of the dog world — needs a job, not just a walk.
Origin
Anglo-Scottish border
Size
Medium
Weight
12–20 kg
Lifespan
12–15 years
Apartment-friendly
Not ideal
Energy
Grooming needs
Trainability
Affection
Border Collies are widely regarded as the most intelligent dog breed, bred to herd sheep across hills for hours at a time. They are intense, focused, and extraordinarily trainable.
Without enough mental and physical work, they can become obsessive, anxious, or destructive — chasing cars, shadows, or light reflections.
With children: Good with older children; may try to herd young kids by nipping at heels.
The full profile
Temperament, exercise, grooming, training, feeding, health watch-list, and the ideal home — unlocks with a short ad.
💛 Temperament
Alert, energetic, and sensitive. Deeply bonded to their people; can be reserved with strangers and sensitive to noise.
🎾 Exercise
Two or more hours of activity daily, including mental challenges. Dog sports like agility, flyball, and herding trials are ideal outlets.
🪮 Grooming
Smooth or rough double coats; brush weekly, more during seasonal sheds.
🎓 Training
Learns astonishingly quickly. Needs consistent, positive training and ongoing challenges to stay settled.
🥣 Feeding
Adjust food to activity level; working dogs need more calories.
Health watch-list
Collie eye anomaly
An inherited eye condition; DNA tests are available.
Epilepsy
Occurs in the breed; usually manageable with medication.
Hip dysplasia
Screen breeding dogs for hip health.
Drug sensitivity (MDR1)
Some herding breeds carry a gene causing sensitivity to certain medicines; a DNA test can check.
The ideal home
Very active owners, rural homes, or anyone committed to daily training and dog sports.
Fun fact
A Border Collie named Chaser learned the names of more than 1,000 toys.
Breed profiles describe general tendencies — every animal is an individual. Health information here is
general and not veterinary advice. Ask your veterinarian about screening, diet, and care for your own pet,
and choose breeders or rescues who health-test and can answer your questions openly.
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