Border Collie
Brilliant and agile quick study
BCs 101
Herding groupHard-working, agile and oh-so-smart, the Border Collie is a dog who needs a job, of one sort or another. The breed is renowned not only for herding work but also for canine agility where precision and speed put these dogs atop the awards podium more often than not. They’ve worked chasing geese at airports, assisting people with disabilities, finding lost people … the list goes on.
What we love about BCs
Arguably the smartest, hardest working of all breeds.
Their success as companions is wholly dependent on their family’s ability and commitment to keeping the Border Collie’s brain and body active. They are devoted to their families, politely tolerant of friends and generally disinterested in strangers. The Border Collie is good with kids, other dogs, and smaller family pets, but may on occasion attempt to herd them.
Energy level
Energy level: 100% (Very high)
Bark level
- Very vocal
- Talkative
- As needed
Bark level: Talkative. This breed vocalizes regularly but not excessively
Size
Size: 18 to 33 inches tall. This is a Medium sized Dog.
- Energy level
- Very high (100%)
- Bark level
- Talkative
- Height
- 18 to 33 inches
- Lifespan
- 12 to 15 years
- Weight
- 30 to 55 lbs
The Border Collie stands 18 to 33 inches tall and weighs 30 to 55 lbs. Border Collies have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. They are known for a very high (100%) energy level and a talkative bark.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How big do Border Collies get?
- Border Collies stand 18 to 33 inches tall and typically weigh between 30 and 55 pounds.
- How long do Border Collies live?
- The average lifespan of a Border Collie is 12 to 15 years.
- Are Border Collies good for first-time dog owners?
- Border Collies are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
- Do Border Collies bark a lot?
- Border Collies are considered talkative — they bark more than average but are not excessively vocal.
My pet’s health plannerSM
This Border Collie health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.
Mature adult BC
Risk level for common BC conditions
Mid-life Border Collies should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health.
- Trauma
- Above Average Risk
- Seizures
- Above Average Risk
- Dental disease
- Average Risk
40% on risk scaleSenior BC
Risk level for common BC conditions
Senior Border Collies face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Vestibular syndrome and Arthritis pose very high risk.
- Vestibular syndrome
- Very High Risk
- Arthritis
- Very High Risk
- Kidney failure
- Moderate Risk
BC puppy
Risk level for common BC conditions
Border Collie puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Foreign body ingestion poses very high risk. Gastritis is at high risk.
- Foreign body ingestion
- Very High Risk
- Gastritis
- High Risk
- Trauma
- Moderate Risk
Young adult BC
Risk level for common BC conditions
As Border Collies grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant.
- Foreign body ingestion
- Above Average Risk
- Trauma
- Above Average Risk
- Urinary tract infection
- Below Average Risk
Mature adult BC
Risk level for common BC conditions
Mid-life Border Collies should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health.
- Trauma
- Above Average Risk
- Seizures
- Above Average Risk
- Dental disease
- Average Risk
Senior BC
Risk level for common BC conditions
Senior Border Collies face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Vestibular syndrome and Arthritis pose very high risk.
- Vestibular syndrome
- Very High Risk
- Arthritis
- Very High Risk
- Kidney failure
- Moderate Risk
BC puppy
Risk level for common BC conditions
Border Collie puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Foreign body ingestion poses very high risk. Gastritis is at high risk.
- Foreign body ingestion
- Very High Risk
- Gastritis
- High Risk
- Trauma
- Moderate Risk
Young adult BC
Risk level for common BC conditions
As Border Collies grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant.
- Foreign body ingestion
- Above Average Risk
- Trauma
- Above Average Risk
- Urinary tract infection
- Below Average Risk
Nationwide can help you save on your Border Collie's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.
- Puppy (0 to 6 months)
- Foreign body ingestion: Very High Risk, Gastritis: High Risk, Trauma: Moderate Risk
- Young Adult (7 months to 4 years)
- Foreign body ingestion: Above Average Risk, Trauma: Above Average Risk, Urinary tract infection: Below Average Risk
- Mature Adult (5 years to 8 years)
- Trauma: Above Average Risk, Seizures: Above Average Risk, Dental disease: Average Risk
- Senior (9+ years)
- Vestibular syndrome: Very High Risk, Arthritis: Very High Risk, Kidney failure: Moderate Risk
Border Collies were essential to the plot of “Babe,” a movie about a pig who learned to herd sheep by asking them nicely. While one of the BCs, Fly (a common Border Collie name) was kind to Babe as were her puppies, her mate Rex was dismissive of the pig’s technique, although he came around in time to save the day. The 1995 movie grossed nearly a quarter of billion dollars worldwide.
Border Collie coat care and colors
The Border Collie comes in short- and longer-haired varieties, with working line dogs generally having shorter fur and less of it. The coats are dense with downy undercoats; combing down to the skin and then brushing reduces shedding. Working dogs come in any colors or markings, while show-line dogs come in 17 options, although variations of black and white are most common.
Avoid wrestling matches with adult dogs at nail trim time by acclimating puppies to having their feet handled and nails attended to. Some dogs better tolerate nail grinding rather than trimming.
How often should I groom my Border Collie?
How often should I groom my Border Collie?
Should I trim my Border Collie’s hair?
Should I trim my Border Collie’s hair?
How do I keep my Collie’s coat shiny?
How do I keep my Collie’s coat shiny?
BC exercise & training
BC fun facts
Top girl names for BCs
of BCs are female
of BCs are male
Top boy names for BCs
Nationwide loves Border Collies of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
| Gender | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Male | 0% |
| Female | 100% |
Among Border Collies insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.
Border Collie statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.
Other breeds like BCs
In North America, the Collie was made popular more than a century ago by the author Albert Payson Terhune, whose Sunnybank Collies can still be found among the ancestors of today’s dogs. Terhune’s books – Lad: A Dog” is perhaps best known – are avidly traded among Collie fans, who flock with their dogs to a park in New Jersey for an annual celebration where the Terhune home once stood.
Best. Border Collie insurance. Ever.SM
- Pet insurance premiums starting at $25/mo.
- Visit any licensed veterinarian, anywhere
- Cancel at any time, risk-free