Also called Border, Working Collie, Sheepdog (UK farm usage)
Recognised breedFCI group 1Deep profile
From Great Britain, specifically the Anglo-Scottish border country (with the Welsh hills also named as part of its home range), where it was developed as a sheep-herding dog.1234
The FCI and AKC standards set no weight. Sex-specific ranges are from Wikipedia; a breed overview of the AKC standard gives 30-55 lb (about 14-25 kg) overall, and Hill's gives 30-45 lb for males and 30-42 lb for females.
double coat in two varieties: moderately long (rough) or smooth
A graceful, well-balanced medium herder, built with enough muscle for endurance and slightly longer in the body than it is tall. The coat comes either moderately long, with a mane, feathered hindquarters and a bushy tail, or short and smooth all over. Both have a medium-textured outer layer over a soft, dense undercoat that keeps out the weather. Eye colour ranges from brown to green, and odd-coloured eyes turn up now and then, most often in merles.183
Coloursblack and whitetricolour (black, tan and white)blueblue merleredred merlesablewhite and blackwhite and blue merlewhite and red153
Personality what they are like
Keen, alert and wonderfully attentive, the Border Collie loves having a job and picks up new tasks at remarkable speed. It is steady rather than nervous, bonds closely with its family and usually gets on well with children and pets it grows up with. With strangers it can be a little reserved until it gets to know them, and once the day's work is done it is happy to settle down beside its people.16810
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Very high. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day, ideally a long run or exercise session plus shorter play breaks. Mental work matters just as much: herding, agility, obedience, flyball and disc games all suit the breed well.286
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush once or twice a week, more often for the longer-coated variety; the breed sheds a moderate amount. Reward-based training and regular brain games keep it content.286
Home where they are happiest
Happiest with space and an active household, and often thrives best in the countryside. It needs company and plenty to do rather than long hours left alone in a small space.62
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, balanced adult dog food fed to suit its activity level. Border Collies usually keep a good, often lean, body condition, and portions can be trimmed if a dog starts to carry extra weight.8
Company who they like around
A people-focused breed that wants close involvement with its family and a regular 'job'. Early socialisation helps it stay relaxed with new people, and it usually lives well with other pets it is raised alongside.68
The story where it all began
Herding dogs have worked the hills along the English-Scottish border for centuries, and Britannica traces the type back roughly 300 years to crosses between old Roman-era and Viking-era herding dogs. The modern breed crystallised around one dog: Old Hemp, a tricolour born in Northumberland in 1893 and bred by Adam Telfer. Hemp worked sheep quietly and with great authority, became hugely influential as a sire (reportedly around 200 puppies) and today's purebred Border Collies can all trace back to him. Sheepdog trials, the first recorded one held at Bala in Wales in 1873, shaped the breed around working ability rather than looks. The International Sheep Dog Society began registering working dogs, and in 1915 its secretary James Reid first used the name 'Border Collie' to set them apart from Kennel Club show collies. A later ISDS stud dog, Wiston Cap (born 1963), was so influential that he appears on the society's badge and in most modern pedigrees. Outside Britain the breed spread widely; the AKC gave full recognition in 1995 after more than five decades in its Miscellaneous Class, and today Border Collies work in search and rescue and detection as well as dominating obedience and agility.438112
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Guinness World Records lists the Border Collie as the most intelligent dog breed, based on Stanley Coren's survey of obedience judges, ahead of the Poodle and German Shepherd.9
2
A Border Collie called Chaser learned the names of 1,022 toys and could fetch each one on request; her owner, psychologist John Pilley, published the study in 2011.12
3
In February 2021 a 12-month-old red-and-white Border Collie named Kim sold at an online auction in Wales for £28,455, setting the Guinness record for the most expensive sheepdog.13
4
Border Collies herd with a crouching, stalking style and an intense stare known as 'giving eye'.8
5
The breed is so strong in agility that events in England often run 'ABC' classes, meaning Anything But Collies.3
6
A Border Collie called Neo set a Guinness record for the fastest 10-hoop slalom by a dog, finishing in 8.58 seconds.14
7
The earliest recorded sheepdog trial was held at Bala, Wales, in 1873.11
8
A Border Collie named Messi starred in the film Anatomy of a Fall and won the 2023 Palm Dog award at the Cannes Film Festival.3
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed name comes from the border region between Scotland and England, where the dogs were developed for herding sheep.4
Famous ones stars of the breed
Chaser Known as the world's smartest dog, she learned the names of over 1,000 toys.4
Shep A famous Border Collie who waited for his deceased owner at a train station for years, inspiring books and films.4
Morning sun warms the hills as I race across the field. My human whistles and I weave left, then right, guiding the sheep into the pen. After a good game of fetch, we head home. I rest my head on her knee while she reads, my tail thumping softly. Later, we practice a new trick, it only takes me twice to get it. As the stars come out, I curl up by the fire, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Standard no. 297, Group 1 Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs, Section 1 Sheepdogs, with working trial; standard dated 24.06.1987, country of origin Great Britain.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Pastoral group, medium size; not a vulnerable native breed.2
AKC
Herding Group; fully recognised in 1995 after more than 50 years in the Miscellaneous Class.3
International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS)
Working registry for sheepdogs; its secretary James Reid is credited with first using the name 'Border Collie' formally in 1915.3
American Border Collie Association (ABCA)
US working-dog registry that records roughly 20,000 Border Collies a year.3
Popularity AKC registration rank no. 26 in 2025 (up from no. 30 in 2024).15
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Border Collie. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Deshedding spring and autumnExtra brushing while the coat blowsevery day
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseAbout 120 minutes a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Simple Carrot Crunchies
Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.
You need
1 large carrot, washed and peeled
How
Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.
How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.
These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.
You need
100g oats
1 banana (mashed)
40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
Splash of water (as needed)
How
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
Leave to cool completely before serving.
How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Border Collie, and at what times?
Feed your Border Collie a complete, balanced adult dog food in at least two meals a day, adjusting portions to keep a lean body condition. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.816
What should a Border Collie eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete, balanced dog food suited to its activity level is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, as these are especially risky for dogs.817
How often should I bathe a Border Collie?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath about every 10 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues. Always use a dog-safe shampoo.18Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Border Collie need brushing?
Brush your Border Collie once or twice a week, and daily during heavy shedding seasons. This helps manage the moderate shedding and keeps the double coat healthy.28Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Border Collie's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and use a proper dog nail trimmer.18Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Border Collie need?
This breed needs over two hours of exercise daily, including a long run or session of herding, agility, or disc games. Mental work is just as important as physical activity.28Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Border Collie's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily with dog toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks without pushing anything into the ear canal. For dental care, aim for at least two to three times a week if daily isn't possible.18Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Border Collie live?
A Border Collie typically lives between 10 and 14 years, with proper care and regular vet check-ups.8623
Is a Border Collie good with children and other pets?
Yes, they usually get on well with children and other pets they grow up with, though they can be reserved with strangers. Early socialisation helps them stay relaxed.16810
Can a Border Collie be left alone?
This breed needs company and a job to do, so it does not do well left alone for long hours. It thrives best with an active household and plenty of mental stimulation.62
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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