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

Betsy
Young
Betsy
M

Border Collie / Mixed

Rescue Dogs Rock · New York, NY
Chicho
Young
Chicho
M

Labrador Retriever / Border Collie

Animal House Shelter · Huntley, IL
Lucy
Adult
Lucy
M

Border Collie / Golden Retriever

Street Paws · Locust Grove, GA
Rocky Road
Baby

Labrador Retriever / Border Collie

Benevolent Animal Rescue Committee · Cherry Valley, CA
Tabasco
Adult

Border Collie

Humane Society Of The Pikes Peak Region · Pueblo, CO
Tootsie
Young

Border Collie

Collin County Animal Services · McKinney, TX
Funyun
Adult
Funyun
L

Border Collie

Denver Animal Shelter · Denver, CO
Dion
Baby
Dion
L

German Shepherd Dog / Border Collie

California Labradors Retrievers And More Rescue · San Diego, CA
Ace
Adult
Ace
M

Border Collie

Dog Star Rescue · Canton, CT
Fritz
Baby
Fritz
L

Border Collie

Maricopa County Animal Care And Control West Valley Animal Care Center · Phoenix, AZ
Max
Adult
Max
M

Border Collie / Border Terrier

Dog Star Rescue · Canton, CT

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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 35 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.