Originally bred to herd sheep on the border of Scotland and England, the Border Collie breed is better known as a companion dog today.
Having a particularly strong working drive, Border Collies exhibit almost unlimited energy levels that’ll surely keep you on your toes. They make a wonderful addition to those who can keep up with their active personalities.
On the flip side, as this exceptionally intelligent breed needs a lot of mental and physical activity, Border Collies may be too much for those that live and want to continue living a quieter life.
Collies are also known to be remarkably friendly and affectionate dogs that will lovingly fit into most homes.
Read on to find out all you need to know about Border Collies. We’ll cover their history, different hybrid varieties, breed characteristics, and more.
History of Border Collie Dogs
Border Collies have been around as far back as when people in Britain first needed dogs to assist them with herding and guiding sheep.
Over the centuries, Border Collie dogs diversified depending on the area in which they were raised. This made them strongly associated with their respective regions, and often being named after them. For example, these days we have the Highland Collies, Scotch Collies, Welsh Sheepdogs, and Northern Sheepdogs.
The name “Border Collie” comes from their partly Scottish heritage — the word “collie” refers to sheepdog in Scottish Gaelic.
This breed came into the much-deserved limelight when, in the 1860s, Queen Victoria saw a Collie that caught her eyes. Soon, they rose to grow in popularity and demand all over the country, and then eventually across the world.
Hybrid Mixes of Border Collie Mix Dogs
Being such a popular dog breed, it’s no surprise that many Border Collie Mix breeds have been introduced over the years. Here’s a list of some of the most popular mixes:
| Aussie Shollie | A mix of Border Collie and Australian Shepherd |
| Border Lab | A mix of Border Collie and Labrador Retriever |
| Shollie | A mix of Border Collie and German Shepherd |
| Great Collie | A mix of Border Collie and Great Dane |
| Borgi | A mix of Border Collie and Corgi |
| Golden Border Retriever | A mix of Border Collie and Golden Retriever |
| Border Heeler | A mix of Border Collie and Blue Heeler |
| Bordoodle | A mix of Border Collie and Poodle |
| Border Jack | A mix of Border Collie and Jack Russell Terrier |
| Border Pit | A mix of Border Collie and Pitbull |
Personality Traits of Border Collies
Border Collies are able-bodied and active dogs that have an astonishing work ethic. Shades of the influence of their herding history can still be seen in them today, even as companion dogs.
Let’s have a look at some of the attributes of Border Collies.
Physical Appearance
Border Collies capture dog lovers’ hearts worldwide not just with their serviceability but also with their stunning looks.
They are medium to large, with the males standing about 19 to 22 inches tall and weighing anywhere between 35 to 45 pounds. The females of this breed are smaller and stand at about 18 to 21 inches tall and weigh around 35 pounds.
Border Collies have a sturdy and well-proportioned physique, with a body somewhat longer than it is tall.
With their ears standing upright on top of their heads, they normally carry an alert facial expression. Their skull is flat-leveled, and they have a characteristically slightly-tapered muzzle that is as strong as elegant.
Border Collie Coats
Border Collie dogs may have either rough fur or smooth fur. Both of these are double coats, having a coarse-textured outer coat and a softer undercoat.
The rough variant is medium in length with feathering on the legs, chest, and tummy areas, whereas the smooth coat is short all over, with minimal feathering.
A word of caution: Border Collies are not well suited for people with dog allergies, as they can shed a lot, especially during shedding season. To minimize shedding, it’s important to brush your Border Collie regularly.
Coat Colors
The dogs of the Border Collie breed most commonly have a black coat with white strokes on the face, neck, tail tip, legs, and feet. Along with that, their coat may have a tan tint to it.
However, apart from pure white, you might see a purebred Border Collie of any coat coloration — even bicolor, tricolor, merle, and many solid colors.
Life expectancy
Border Collies can have a relatively long lifespan. These dogs, on average, may live anywhere between a good 12 to 15 years.
Border Collie Temperament
Being an active and intelligent breed, Border Collies like being occupied and appreciate mental stimulation.
They generally aren’t the type to curl up next to you, begging for cuddles and pattings — instead, they like being outside. They enjoy being given a task, going on cheerful walks, and engaging in physical exercises.
That said, these brilliant dogs also make a considerate and loving breed that gets along very well with those they’re familiar with.
The high intelligence of Border Collies makes training them a piece of cake, and they also pick up on dog sports and agility training quickly.
These working dogs need to be kept mentally and physically keyed up so that they don’t get bored and exhibit destructive behaviors.
All things considered, Border Collies need a firm and consistent owner from a young age. Without that, they may grow into more stubborn and self-governing dogs.
If you train and socialize them fittingly, they’re likely to grow into sweet-natured and amicable dogs, who are sensitive to your every cue.
How Much Do Border Collies Cost?
The price of any dog of any breed mainly depends on two factors: litter size and the number of breeders.
The puppies of Border Collies are born in litter sizes of 4 to 8, with the average being 6. Reputable Border Collie breeders are relatively easy to find, as the breed is quite popular.
This puts Border Collie puppies at a relatively affordable price range of about $500 to $1200 — although the price may vary depending on the breeder, location, and genealogy.
And, if you’re looking for a show-quality Border Collie pup from a champion lineage, it might cost you around $4,500.
How to Adopt a Border Collie
If you’re looking for a Border Collie, we recommend starting your search at a nearby adoption center or rescue shelter. You’ll be helping reputable shelters do what they do best – giving dogs the love and care they need, along with a chance to find their forever humans and families.
Learn more about your favorite dog breeds at The Dog’s Avenue.
Editor’s Note
This article is intended for educational purposes only. It is not to be used as a replacement for veterinary advice. Factors like a dog’s age, health, and diet can impact the safety of a food, activity, or product for the dog.
You should regularly consult with your dog’s veterinarian to learn how you can provide the best care for your dog. Always ask your dog’s veterinarian before giving your dog a new food or trying out a new activity or product.
