What to expect when you get a Border Collie

Lifespan: 12-15 years

Trainability: Easy in the right hands

Exercise: Demanding

Grooming: Several times a week

Pawesome Rating: 5 Paws

Why we love them..

These intelligent workaholics are never happier than when they have a job to do.

Whether they are working hard herding sheep, doing agility, or learning tricks and tasks at home, Border Collies need to be exercised physically and mentally every day.

They are athletic and clever, making them suitable for almost any task that comes their way

Things to know..

Border Collies NEED a job to do.

Without mental stimulation every day they become bored, destructive, and develop behavioural issues that will make them impossible to live with.

Collies can be prone to bone and joint disorders including hip dysplasia which may cause early arthritis.

Epilepsy is seen in Border Collies and may require daily medication and regular blood tests.

There are several inherited conditions seen in Border Collies including Collie Eye Anomaly (which may cause blindness), Imerslund-Grasebck Syndrome (causes chronic diarrhoea), and MDR-1 mutation (causes sensitivity to some medications), among others.

Before you commit

If you are getting a puppy choose from a litter bred for what you want your dog to do: working, show ring, or pet dogs.

Ask if mum and dad have been screened for inherited disease and had their hips scored.

Ask if there is a history of epilepsy in the breeding line.

If you are adopting a rescue dog find out as much as you can about his medical history.

Spend a lot of time with the dog before taking him on: many collies are rehomed due to behavioural issues that may be difficult to address.

Make sure that you will be able to give a Border Collie the time and attention he will demand.

Research the cost of food, veterinary care and pet insurance.