The guide to owning a Border Collie.

Let's start by looking at the history of this fascinating dog breed. Many believe these champion herding dogs can trace their lineage back to a single ancestor named Old Hemp.

Over a century ago, he became a popular stud dog due to his calm, reliable herding style. With a blend of Celtic and Viking stock, the breed of dog that became the Border Collie flourished in the border regions between Scotland and England.

The pairing of sharp intelligence and tireless stamina made them prized by local shepherd communities.

Later, people took notice of their brilliance in both the show ring and international sheep dog society events, admiring how they respond closely to the slightest handler signals.

If you’re curious about more unique or lesser-known breeds, pop over to our “Discovering The Top Ten Rarest Dog Breeds” article for a fun read.

When it comes to variety, Border Collie dogs are real show-stoppers. Common colours include the classic black and white, tricolour, blue merle, and red merle.

Some are predominantly white, though careful breeding guidelines prevent excessively white pups from developing health issues.

They have a double coat, which can be either rough (longer hairs) or smooth (shorter hairs). Both coat types are weather-resistant, reflecting their history as working dog companions in the often wet and windy farmland.

The intelligence of the Border Collie is famous. The American Border Collie Association (ABCA) calls them an intelligent breed built to think independently during herding.

That’s fantastic when you’re on the farm, but it also means a Border Collie might decide on their own activities if left bored.

They can become fixated on moving objects (like children, bikes, or other pets) because they’re still keen to fulfil that sheepdog instinct.

They can be amazing pets if you have time and energy. Border Collies are one of the best marathon training partners—whether it’s mental puzzle sessions or actual jogging.

They do well in active households that love playing games or trying dog sports like flyball or agility training. If you need a calmer dog for a less busy home, a collie may not be the top fit.

Yes, though always supervise. Because they’re herding dogs, some collies might “herd” toddlers or older children. Gentle training helps them see kids as part of the family, not stray sheep.

Also, teach children proper dog-handling skills by making sure they are soft and gentle when they are pups, yet still remaining fun and active with their new best friend.

Some Border Collies may also do just fine with cats, particularly if they’re introduced young. Others might be intense or chase-oriented, so it depends on the individual dog.

A calm environment and controlled introductions can help, but you’ll want to watch for signs of aggression or stress in both animals.

Border Collies thrive when given structure. Without guidance, they might bark, chew, or chase. If you’re worried about separation anxiety, check out our separation anxiety guide.

They form strong bonds with the household, so plan for exercise and mental enrichment to reduce negative behaviours.

Let’s just say… they aren’t known for being quiet housemates. Border Collies are clever, alert, and full of energy—traits that often come with a voice.
Whether they’re excited, frustrated, or trying to let you know someone’s walked past the window (again), they aren’t shy about speaking up.

Of course, not every Collie is a chatterbox, but without enough mental and physical stimulation, barking can quickly become their go-to activity.

The good news? With proper training and keeping their brain busy, you can usually teach them when enough is enough.

In short—only if you’re fully prepared to meet their needs. Border Collies might fit in size-wise, but their energy and brainpower are another story.

These dogs live for activity, whether that’s running, learning tricks, or working on a job. In a small apartment with nothing to do? Trouble.

They’re likely to develop unwanted habits like barking, chewing, or pacing. But if you’re an active person who can commit to daily exercise, brain games, and training, it’s possible—though they’ll always prefer life with a bit more space to roam.

Because they have a double coat, regular brushing is key. Aim for a minimum of two sessions a week to eliminate loose fur and tangles.

During moulting seasons, which can occur a couple of times a year, daily brushing helps control the fur explosion.

Merle or solid colours, the process is fairly similar—use a slicker brush or comb to reach down to the undercoat.

Occasional baths are fine, but don’t overdo it. If you need more grooming tips, especially for dogs with sensitive skin, we’ve got you covered in our dog shampoos for itchy skin post.

A Border Collie is a working dog at heart, so they often need a nutrient-rich diet. Most adult collies eat about 1.5–2.5 cups of quality dog food daily, split into two meals. Each individual dog might differ depending on exercise level and age. Keep portion sizes in check to avoid obesity.

If you’re unsure where to start, consider a chat with your veterinary professional or see our grain-free dog food guide for more balanced feeding insights.

Given their energetic lifestyle and the possibility of inherited conditions, comprehensive coverage can be a huge relief. Treating hip dysplasia or advanced eye procedures can become pricey. At Waggel, we offer lifetime policies tailored to breed-specific needs, along with 24/7 vet triage via Joii.

You can get your free quote and join our community of protected pets. After all, dogs are wonderful, especially when they’re bounding around worry-free.