Dog Breed
Border Collie

- Full Name
- Border Collie
- Your PupScore
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- Life Span
- 12 - 1 years
- Weight
- 30 - 45 pounds
- Description
The first thing that people think of when they hear "Border Collie" is about how smart they are, and there's good reason for that. They are incredibly fast learners, which can be fun and interesting to a dog owner, but all that intelligence comes with certain responsibilities for a dog owner.
Exercise is important to all dogs (some more than others), but equally as important for border collies is that they are challenged mentally. This can be achieved through training that gradually increases with difficulty.
The Border Collie's name gives a hint at the the geographical origin of this dog. The English word "border" in this case refers to the border area between England and Scotland. For centuries, the local farmers there used these incredible dogs to guard and herd their sheep while coping to the harsh climate of the area.Because Border Collie's were historically bred as working farm dogs on rural properties, they are not automatically friendly with other dogs or strangers. Any owner of a border collie in a city environment, or who will frequently be seeing other people and dogs, needs to take the early socialization period very seriously.
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Bred For
- Sheep herder
- Family Considerations
- Child Friendly
- Stranger Friendly
- Dog Friendly
- Likes to Cuddle
- Playfulness
- Service Dog Ability
- Overall Ease of Breed
- Ease for Novice
- Training Potential
- Amount of Shedding
- Ease of Grooming
- Exercise Need
- Personality
- Intelligence
- Amount of Barking
- Guard Dog Ability
- Tolerates Being Alone
- Home and Environment Considerations
- Good for Apartment Living
- Size
- Tolerates Heat
- Tolerates Cold
- Potential to Run Away
- Physical Characteristics
- General Health
- Energy Level
- Amount of Drooling
- Prey Drive
- Athleticism
Is the Border Collie good with children? Nearly all dogs enjoy playing with small children, but some can play too rough, or be a bit careless. In some cases dogs can get jealous of small children, or try and "herd" them due to their natural instincts.
Is the Border Collie friendly with strangers? Getting a dog that is friendly with people really depends on what your lifestyle is. Dogs who are more cautious with strangers oftentimes make good guard dogs, which can be a great fit for some owners. If you are social, live in the city, or frequently have guests over, you may want to consider getting a stranger friendly dog.
Is the Border Collie friendly with other dogs? Of course this is particularly important if you already have another dog at home. However, it's an important factor to consider as well if you plan on frequently going to the dog park. Otherwise, even a dog who is not automatically friendly with other dogs can be an excellent fit, as they can still be affectionate with their human family.
Does the Border Collie like to cuddle? All dogs want love, but they have different boundaries when it comes to physical affection. If you plan on frequently having a dog on your lap or pushed up against you, then you should consider whether this breed enjoys that.
Does the Border Collie like to play? All puppies are playful, but as adults certain dogs are more playful. If you have children, or otherwise want to keep your dog active with plenty of play, there are plenty of options of breeds who will be happy to play all day.
Does the Border Collie make a good service dog? When looking to train a service dog it's important to consider how they were historically bred, and if their personality makes a good fit. A service dog must be smart, patient, and obsessed with pleasing their owner. Working dogs are a good fits since service dog 'work' gives them a feeling of accomplishment from doing a job.
Is the Border Collie good for first time owners? Dogs that are good for first time owners are ones who are easy to train, and are eager to please their owner. Very large dogs, or dogs with very high energy may also not be the best for first time owners since it adds a layer of complexity.
How well can the Border Collie be trained? This rating is about the training potential of the Border Collie. Dogs with high training potential oftentimes are good service dogs, police dogs, and dog show competition dogs. This does not necessarily mean they are the easiest to train, since many will be very intelligent and demanding.
Does the Border Collie shed a lot?
Is the Border Collie easy to groom?
Does the Border Collie need a lot of exercise?
How smart is the Border Collie?
How much does the Border Collie bark? Does the Border Collie bark too much? It depends on your lifestyle, and where you live. Dogs use barking to communicate, keep guard, and alert. A strong bark can be a good characteristic for guard dogs, or flock guardian dogs who need to be vocal.In apartment living you should consider getting a dog who is less vocal.
Is the Border Collie a good guard dog?
Is the Border Collie good at staying alone? Is the Border Collie independent?
Is the Border Collie a good apartment dog? Can the Border Collie live in an apartment without becoming frustrated or destructive? Typically people immediately consider the size of the dog, but energy level and historical habitat are also factors.
How big is the Border Collie?
How much does the Border Collie tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Border Collie?
How much does the Border Collie tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Border Collie?
Does the Border Collie try to run away? Some dogs have natural wanderlust and are escape artists... they will do everything to get out and explore.
Is the Border Collie a healthy dog? The general health of a Border Collie should be measured not just by how many years they live, but how often they have health issues during their lives. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.
How energetic is the Border Collie? Is the Border Collie too energetic for your lifestyle?
How much does the Border Collie drool?
Does the Border Collie have a large prey drive? Does the Border Collie like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals? Prey drive can be bothersome at the park, but really an issue at home if you have small animals, since this comes as a natural instinct for dogs with high prey drive, to chase cats, birds, etc.
Is the Border Collie atheltic? Is the Border Collie fast and strong?
- Herding
- Shepherd / Sheepdog
- Border Collie
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