United Kingdom
Herding Group
Medium
18–22 in
30–55 lbs
12–15 years
Meet the Border Collie
Border Collies are energetic, agile, and incredibly smart. Their intense focus and strong work ethic make them excel in herding, obedience, and dog sports. They form deep bonds with their families and are happiest when they have a purpose.
Where It All Began
Border Collies originated along the border between Scotland and England, where they were developed in the 1800s for herding sheep. Their intelligence and instincts quickly made them the top choice for farmers.
Personality
🏃 An Active Lifestyle
This breed needs daily, vigorous exercise — long walks, runs, or active play — to stay happy and well-behaved.
- ✓ 60+ minutes of exercise daily
- ✓ Fenced yard or open space preferred
- ✓ Mental enrichment / training games
✂ Grooming Needs
Weekly brushing and periodic baths keep this breed looking and feeling its best.
- ✓ Brushing 2-3x per week
- ✓ Bathe every 4-6 weeks
- ✓ Routine nail and ear checks
❤ Keeping Healthy
Like all breeds, the Border Collie benefits from routine vet checkups and preventive care; the conditions below are the ones responsible breeders and owners watch most closely.
- • Hip Dysplasia
- • Ear Infections
- • Allergies
$ Cost of Ownership
Estimated costs vary by breeder, location and individual dog; use these as a general planning guide.
Purchase Price: $800 – $2,500
Monthly Cost: $65 – $100
First Year Cost: $1,880 – $4,400
Lifetime Cost: $10,160 – $20,500
👍 Pros
- Great companion for active owners and outdoor adventures
- Patient, gentle temperament around children
- Highly trainable and eager to please
👎 Cons
- Needs substantial daily exercise to stay balanced
- Not ideally suited to small apartments without a yard
- May not be the ideal first dog for a brand-new owner
💡 Did You Know?
The Border Collie originally comes from United Kingdom and belongs to the Herding Group — a fitting background for a breed so often described as intelligent.
Compare Border Collie
See how the Border Collie stacks up against other breeds to find your perfect match.
