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Border Collie
Herding breed from Anglo-Scottish border region
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Border Collie
The Border Collie is a medium-sized herding breed originating from the Anglo-Scottish border region. It is known for its intelligence, energy, and intense work focus. The breed typically stands 48–56 cm tall and weighs 14–25 kg, with a lifespan of 12–15 years (all estimates). Coat types include short or long, and smooth or rough. Temperament traits commonly include being intelligent, energetic, alert, work-focused, loyal, and eager to please, though individual dogs vary. The breed is not universally recognized by all registries; recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
Border Collie at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupHerding
OriginAnglo-Scottish border region
Lifespan12–15 years
Male weight14–25 kilogram
Female weight14–25 kilogram
Male height48–56 centimetre
Female height48–56 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Border Collie was developed by shepherds in the Anglo-Scottish border region for herding sheep in hilly terrain. Its development focused on working ability through selective breeding. The breed's lineage can be traced back to a single dog named Old Hemp, born in 1893, according to one source. The breed's history is closely tied to its herding purpose, and it is classified in the Herding group. Recognition status varies by registry, so not all kennel clubs may recognize it uniformly.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
14–25 kilogramAdult weight48–56 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShort, Long, Smooth, RoughCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Intelligentenergeticalertwork-focusedloyaleager to please
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Border Collie-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 5
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 5
Similar breeds
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Growth chart
Border Collie puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight14–25 kilogramAdult female weight14–25 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Border Collie?
Border Collies are medium-sized dogs. Estimated adult height is 48–56 cm, and weight is 14–25 kg for both males and females. Estimated lifespan is 12–15 years. These are modelled estimates, not exact measurements.
What is the Border Collie's temperament like?
Commonly described temperaments include intelligent, energetic, alert, work-focused, loyal, and eager to please. However, individual dogs may vary, and not every Border Collie will display all these traits.
How much exercise does a Border Collie need?
Border Collies have a high energy level (scored 5 out of 5). They typically require substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation, but specific needs can vary by individual.
What are the grooming requirements?
Grooming need is moderate (scored 3 out of 5). Shedding is also moderate (scored 3 out of 5). Coat types include short or long, and smooth or rough. Regular brushing is generally recommended.
Is a Border Collie suitable for families with children?
Child suitability is rated 4 out of 5, suggesting they can be good with children, but individual temperament and training matter. Supervision and proper introduction are always advised.
Can a Border Collie live in an apartment?
Apartment suitability is low (scored 2 out of 5). They typically do best with access to space and regular exercise. Apartment living may be challenging without sufficient activity.
Where does the Border Collie originate from?
The Border Collie originates from the Anglo-Scottish border region. It was developed by shepherds for herding sheep in hilly terrain, with selective breeding for working ability.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.