The Border Collie is a medium-sized breed. Males typically weigh between 18 and 23 kg when fully grown, while females weigh 14 to 18 kg. With an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, the Border Collie is a moderately long-lived breed.
Border Collies are widely regarded as the most intelligent dog breed. They are intense, focused, and driven, with an extraordinary work ethic. They excel in obedience, agility, herding, and virtually any canine sport. However, their intelligence means they need constant mental stimulation — a bored Border Collie will find its own entertainment, often destructively. They are best suited to experienced, active owners.
Border Collies have extremely high exercise needs — at least 2 hours daily, ideally more. They need both physical exercise and mental challenges. Simple walks are not enough; they need running, herding activities, agility, or advanced training. Without adequate stimulation, they can develop obsessive behaviours like shadow-chasing or tail-spinning.
Common health concerns include hip dysplasia, collie eye anomaly (CEA), epilepsy, and trapped neutrophil syndrome (TNS). They can also be susceptible to noise phobias and anxiety. The merle gene in some lines can be associated with deafness and eye defects when two merles are bred together.
Border Collies come in rough and smooth coat varieties. Rough-coated dogs need brushing 2-3 times per week, more during shedding season. Smooth coats need less frequent brushing. They shed moderately year-round with heavier seasonal shedding. Regular nail trimming and ear checking are important.
A fully grown male Border Collie weighs approximately 21 kg on average. Use Dogpanion's free size predictor to estimate your Border Collie puppy's adult weight based on their current age and weight.
Dogpanion offers free tools to help you care for your Border Collie:
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