A brown-and-white Border Collie standing indoors.

A brown-and-white Border Collie standing indoors.

Camg2020, Brown Border Collie.jpg, Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brown_Border_Collie.jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0. No source-file edits; display resizing/cropping only.

Camg2020 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Image source

Breed or variety record

Border Collie

dog breed

Part of Dog

Explore the Border Collie in The Ark Is Earth's educational archive.

Summary

The Border Collie is a British sheepdog developed to gather and move flocks. Its quick learning, stamina, and responsiveness make it exceptionally effective at working with a shepherd across open ground. The same energy and herding drive suit it to farm work and dog sports, but it needs regular mental and physical activity. Its coat may be smooth or moderately long, and its colours vary widely.

Quick facts

  • Size: Males are typically 19–22 inches tall and females 18–21 inches; adults usually weigh 30–55 pounds.
  • Coat: The coat is smooth or moderately long, and the breed appears in many colours; black and white is a familiar pattern.
  • Lifespan: The AKC lists a typical life expectancy of 12–15 years.
  • Working style: Bright, energetic, and highly focused, Border Collies need a regular job or challenging play.

Sources

Species context

Dog (Canis lupus familiaris)