Border Collie Border Collie

Border Collie

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Intelligent Energetic Responsive Alert

About the Border Collie

The Border Collie originated in the border region between Scotland and England, where it was refined over centuries into what many consider the most intelligent and capable herding dog in the world. Standing 18–22 inches tall and weighing 30–55 pounds, the Border Collie is a medium-sized, athletic dog with an intense, focused expression and a characteristic crouching herding stance. Their coat comes in two varieties — rough (medium-length) and smooth (short) — and appears in a wide range of colors and patterns, with black-and-white being the most iconic.

Temperament & Personality

Border Collies are extraordinarily intelligent, driven, and sensitive — they are widely regarded as the smartest dog breed, capable of learning hundreds of words and complex sequences of commands. They are deeply devoted to their families and can be wonderful with children, though they may try to herd them. Their intense need for mental and physical stimulation means they are best suited for owners who can provide daily training, work, or competitive sport — a bored Border Collie is a destructive Border Collie.

Pros

  • Considered the most intelligent dog breed — unmatched learning ability and problem-solving skills
  • Excels in virtually every canine sport — agility, flyball, disc dog, herding trials, and obedience
  • Deeply loyal and attuned to their owner's emotions and body language
  • Generally healthy breed with a lifespan of 12–15 years

Cons

  • Requires an extraordinary amount of daily mental and physical exercise — easily 2+ hours
  • Can develop neurotic behaviors — obsessive staring, shadow chasing, spinning — without adequate stimulation
  • Herding instinct may cause them to nip at children, joggers, and cyclists
  • Prone to epilepsy, Collie eye anomaly, and hip dysplasia

If you're ready for the most rewarding canine partnership of your life, find adoptable Border Collies on Puplister.

Border Collie Quick Facts

Size
30–55 lbs, 18–22 in
Lifespan
12–15 years
Exercise
Very High
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes

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Available Border Collies

Daisy
Young
Daisy
S

Border Collie

Bakersfield Animal Care Center · Bakersfield, CA
Baxter
Young
Baxter
S

Border Collie

Sonoma County Animal Care and Control · Santa Rosa, CA
Jasper
Young
Jasper
M

Border Collie

Tracy Animal Services · Tracy, CA
Bonita
Young
Bonita
M

Border Collie

Lucky Tales Rescue · Fort Thomas, KY
Elvira
Baby
Elvira
S

Siberian Husky / Border Collie

Monterey County Animal Services · Salinas, CA
Dorian
Baby
Dorian
M

Border Collie / Mixed

Lost Paws Rescue Of Texas · Carrollton, TX
Stacey
Baby
Stacey
M

Labrador Retriever / Border Collie

Animal House Shelter · Huntley, IL
Wilbur
Baby
Wilbur
M

Border Collie

Semper Fi Legacy Rescue · Ball Ground, GA
Savannah
Baby

Border Collie / Mixed

Snarr Northeast Animal Rescue · Brewster, NY
Kash
Baby
Kash
M

Border Collie / Mixed

Snarr Northeast Animal Rescue · Brewster, NY
Orville
Young

Border Collie / Siberian Husky

Semper Fi Legacy Rescue · Ball Ground, GA
Remy
Young
Remy
M

Border Collie

Semper Fi Legacy Rescue · Ball Ground, GA

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key traits of a Border Collie?
The Border Collie is known for being intelligent, energetic, responsive and alert.
How many Border Collies are available for adoption?
There are currently 33 Border Collies available for adoption on Puplister. Browse the listings above to find your perfect match.
How do I adopt a Border Collie from Puplister?
To adopt a Border Collie, browse the available listings on this page, click on a pet you're interested in, and contact the shelter directly through their profile page.