Dog breed · Herding
Border Collie
Brilliant, driven, sensitive
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 12–20 kg (26–44 lb)
- Height
- 46–56 cm (18–22 in)
- Life span
- 12–15 years
- Origin
- Scotland and England
The coat
Medium · White muzzle and chest
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are Border Collies right for you?
You will love
- Quick to learn
Be ready for
- Happier with space and a garden
- Needs a lot of exercise every day
- Sheds a lot
- Several inherited health problems — choose a breeder who screens
How big, really
Adult Border Collies weigh 12–20 kg (26–44 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the Border Collie
Widely considered the most intelligent dog breed, the Border Collie was bred to work sheep for hours. In a home without enough to do, they may herd children, chase cars or develop obsessive habits.
Health to know about
- Collie eye anomaly
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- MDR1 drug sensitivity (in some lines)
Care in short
- Two hours of physical and mental work daily
- Dog sports such as agility, herding or scent work
- Teach an "off switch" — settling on a mat
- Brush weekly
Kit for a Border Collie
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. It never changes what we recommend.
Best for heavy shedders
Deshedding tool with ejector
4.7Reaches the undercoat that causes most of the hair on the sofa.
- Several blade widths
- Use weekly, gently
Best for short coats
Rubber grooming mitt
4.3Soft rubber nubs pick up loose hair and double as a massage.
- Works wet or dry
- Most pets enjoy it
Best for busy minds
Treat-dispensing puzzle toy
4.5Turns part of a meal into a ten-minute job for clever, energetic dogs.
- Adjustable difficulty
- Easy to wash
Similar breeds
| Trait | Border Collie |  Australian ShepherdCompare |
 German ShepherdCompare |
 RottweilerCompare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 12–20 kg (26–44 lb) | 16–32 kg (35–71 lb) | 22–40 kg (49–88 lb) | 35–60 kg (77–132 lb) |
| Energy | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Good with children | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Shedding | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Grooming needs | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Trainability | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Questions owners ask
How big does a Border Collie get?
Adults usually weigh 12–20 kg (26–44 lb) and stand 46–56 cm (18–22 in) tall.
How long do Border Collies live?
Typically 12–15 years.
Are Border Collies good with children?
Usually fine with supervision (3 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do Border Collies shed?
Quite a lot — expect hair on furniture.
What health problems are Border Collies prone to?
Collie eye anomaly; Hip dysplasia; Epilepsy; MDR1 drug sensitivity (in some lines).
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts