Border Collie

Good to know

• Herding on overdrive: bred to herd sheep with an intense stare, they may try to herd kids, other pets or even cars if bored.
• Needs a real job: they need lots of daily exercise plus mental work like training, herding or dog sports, or they may invent their own jobs.
• Quick learners: they pick up both good and bad habits fast, so consistent training is rewarding and important.
• Coat care: both rough and smooth coats shed, more so seasonally, and regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.

Getting out with a Border Collie

Bred to keep going: they need plenty of exercise every day, like long trail walks, hikes and off-leash play where it's allowed.

Common health considerations

Inherited conditions to ask your vet about

• Hip dysplasia
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Epilepsy
• Collie eye anomaly

Common issues

• MDR1 gene
• Dental issues

Can carry the MDR1 gene, which makes some common medicines unsafe at normal doses. A simple test tells you; let your vet know either way.

Not every Border Collie will have these. Good breeders screen for inherited conditions, and your vet can advise on testing and check-ups.

Explore more breeds in the Herding group