Border Collie

Exercise by Age

1. Puppy (under 1 year)

   5 min per month of age, twice a day

   Limit exercise to 5 minutes per month of age, twice daily. Avoid high-impact activities to protect growing joints.

2. Adult (1-10 years)

   14,000 steps

   Full daily goal applies. Mix walks with play, training and mental stimulation.

3. Senior (10+ years)

   9,800–11,200 steps

   Reduce intensity by 20-30%. Shorter, more frequent walks. Watch for signs of fatigue or joint stiffness.

Exercise Needs

A very high-energy breed that needs 90+ minutes of intense daily activity.

About the Border Collie

The Border Collie is a medium-sized breed of herding dog from the borders of England and Scotland. These dogs are medium in size, with a thick double coat of fur to protect them from the cold. They have an energetic and intelligent demeanor, with an instinct for herding and working. They are highly trainable and obedient, but require firm and consistent training to be obedient. They are loyal and devoted to their family, with an independent nature that makes them well suited for herding and guard work.

Facts about the Border Collie

• Exercise

  Herding breeds need 2+ hours daily including mental challenges — puzzle toys or obedience training are non-negotiable.

  AKC

• Behavior

  Many herding breeds nip at heels as instinct — gently socialize around small children to redirect the drive.

  VCA

• Health

  Many herding breeds carry the MDR1 gene — ask your vet about drug sensitivities before any surgery or dewormer.

  VCA

• Training

  Herding breeds learn commands remarkably fast — advanced tricks, agility, and obedience courses let them thrive.

  AKC

• Did You Know

  Border Collies can learn over 200 human words with consistent training — the record-holder knows over 1,000.

  AKC

• Exercise

  Border Collies need 2+ hours daily INCLUDING mental tasks. Bored BCs out-think owners and find their own "jobs."

  AKC

• Health

  Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), hip dysplasia, MDR1 gene. DNA-test at 8 weeks — two mutations change treatment protocols.

  International Sheep Dog Society health data

• Training

  Smartest breed — can learn 200+ commands (record-holder "Chaser" knew 1,022 proper nouns). But herding instinct targets cars, kids.

  Pilley & Reid (2011); Coren intelligence ranking

• Did You Know

  Developed on the Scottish/English border for sheep-herding. The iconic "eye" — intense stare that controls sheep — is selectively bred.

  The Kennel Club UK

Frequently asked questions

How much exercise does a Border Collie need?

A Border Collie needs about 14,000 steps a day. A very high-energy breed that needs 90+ minutes of intense daily activity.

How big does a Border Collie get?

Adult Border Collies typically weigh 17–30 kg and stand 46–56 cm at the shoulder.

How long do Border Collies live?

A Border Collie usually lives 12–16 years.

What is a Border Collie's temperament?

Border Collies are typically Tenacious, Keen, Energetic, Responsive, Alert, Intelligent.