Border Collie essentials
About the Border Collie Breed
Border Collies are intelligent, athletic, and devoted companions. At Herd Mind Paws we raise them inside our home, giving them plenty of love and socialization so they grow into the perfect family pets and working companions.
Temperament
Intelligent, eager, loyal, energetic
Energy
Very High—needs daily mental & physical exercise
Ideal Home
Active families, farmers, dog sport enthusiasts
Coat & Care
Medium double coat, regular brushing 2-3x weekly
Adult Size
30–55 lbs, 18–22 in. at the shoulder
Lifespan
12–15 years with proper care
Temperament & Home Fit
Border Collies are considered the most intelligent of all dog breeds. They were bred for herding sheep and have an intense focus, incredible work ethic, and form strong bonds with their families.
- Excellent with active families who enjoy outdoor activities and training.
- Highly trainable and eager to please—responds excellently to positive methods.
- Natural herding instincts make them exceptional working dogs and agility competitors.
Best families for this breed: Active families who love mental challenges and outdoor adventures! Border Collies need substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation—running, fetch, agility, herding, or obedience training. They excel in agility, flyball, disc dog, and herding trials. Perfect for homes with yards or access to open spaces.
Training Pillars We Use
- Positive reinforcement—Border Collies are incredibly eager learners and thrive on praise and rewards.
- Early socialization—exposure to different environments, people, and animals builds confidence.
- Physical exercise—a tired Border Collie is a well-behaved Border Collie; daily activity is essential.
- Consistent boundaries—Border Collies are extremely smart and need clear, consistent rules.
- Mental stimulation—puzzle toys, trick training, and herding games keep their brilliant minds engaged.
- Job or purpose—we introduce puppies to activities that channel their natural instincts productively.
Health & Longevity Priorities
We screen parents for genetic and structural soundness to give every pup the healthiest start possible.
- Hip dysplasia screening—OFA certified hips on all breeding dogs.
- Eye certification—annual CERF exams for Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) and other conditions.
- Genetic testing—DNA testing for MDR1, TNS, CL, and other breed-specific conditions.
Your role: Provide plenty of exercise and mental challenges (Border Collies need a job!), maintain a healthy diet appropriate for active dogs, brush regularly to manage shedding, and schedule annual vet checkups.
Puppy-to-Adult Timeline
- 8–12 weeks: Coming Home Building trust, starting potty training, and gentle introduction to new experiences and environments.
- 3–6 months: Growing Up Basic commands, continued socialization, and establishing exercise routines. Introduction to fetch and beginning agility foundations.
- 6–12 months: Teenage Phase High energy levels—increase exercise and training. Stay consistent as they test boundaries and channel energy into productive activities.
- 12–24 months: Young Adult Your Border Collie is maturing! Continue training, maintain high activity levels, and enjoy your incredibly intelligent companion.