If you’re looking for a clever and energetic dog, then the Border Collie is your pup.  

Owning a dog, especially one as spirited as the Border Collie, comes with a lot to consider. Whether you already have a pup or are thinking about getting a Border Collie, this guide is your go-to resource for parenting this dynamic breed. 

Our holistic approach covers all the essential aspects of your dog's health, from selecting the best food for your Border Collie to supporting their physical and mental wellbeing. 

Top breed takeaways

• Border Collie temperament. Border Collies are known for their intelligence and playful nature. Always eager to learn and work hard, they were originally bred to herd livestock on the rugged border between Scotland and England. They thrive when they have a job to focus their energy on. Their loyal and affectionate disposition makes them wonderful pets, ready to form a strong bond with their families. 

• What does a Border Collie look like? Border Collies are a medium-sized, athletic dog, often known for their black coats with a white chest, collar, and blaze (a stripe between their eyes). They also come in a variety of colours including red, slate, brown, blue, and lilac, and can be bi-coloured, tri-coloured, or merle. 

• How long does a Border Collie live? Border Collies typically have a lifespan between 12-15 years. You can support a long, healthy life with a holistic approach to health and wellness, including nutritious food, plenty of exercise, and mental stimulation.

Different types of Border Collie 

There are two types of Border Collies: rough-haired Collies with medium-length coats and smooth-haired Collies with shorter coats. 

How big does a Border Collie grow? 

Border Collies reach their full size between 12-18 months. Their mature height and weight depend on their gender and size of their parents. 

Height: 51-55 cm 
Weight: 14-20 kg 

 

Caring for a Border Collie puppy 

Whether you're a first-time puppy owner or new to the breed, here's what to expect as a Border Collie parent. 

Feeding a Border Collie puppy 

Border Collie puppies need a diet rich in high-quality protein for tissue growth, essential vitamins and minerals for bone development and brain function, and low GI carbohydrates for sustained energy. 

Puppies don’t need specific puppy food, as long as they’re getting the right nutrients in the right proportions from fresh food, like Lyka.  

🐶 Read more: Puppy nutrition 101: what to feed your puppy for optimal health →

How to train a Border Collie 

Border Collies are highly trainable and thrive on activities like herding, canine sports, or obedience training. Providing the right nutrition supports their energy levels, mood, and memory, boosting their receptivity to training. 

How to train a Border Collie puppy 

When you first bring a Border Collie puppy home, toilet training is usually the top priority. Puppies can hold their bladder for one hour for every month of age, so they’ll need frequent bathroom breaks. Use each visit as an opportunity to reinforce your toilet training routine. With patience and consistency, they’ll quickly get the hang of it. 

Enrichment activities are vital for your puppy’s development. They help your pup understand commands, learn self-regulation, and grow into a happy and healthy adult. Early training is crucial to channel their exuberance positively. Border Collie puppies learn quickly but can also pick up bad habits just as easily, so be consistent from day one. 

The gold standard of training is force-free training, focusing on building obedience through positive reinforcement. 

How much exercise does a Border Collie need? 

Border Collies have a lot of stamina and energy, requiring at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. They excel in outdoor activities with their family like running or mountain biking, and canine sports like flyball. Without enough mental and physical stimulation, they can develop behavioural problems due to boredom or frustration. 

How to groom a Border Collie 

Both rough and smooth-haired Border Collies have a double-coat which sheds year-round, with more intensity during spring and autumn. They don’t need to have their hair cut, as this can affect the regrowth of their double-coat. Instead, regular brushing should keep their shedding under control and their coats free from mats and debris.  

If you prefer a fuss-free option, professional grooming can ensure your Border Collie is well-brushed and maintained. 

How often should I wash my Border Collie? 

Border Collies need a bath every 4-8 weeks, unless they’ve rolled in something dirty or smelly. 

Always use dog-friendly shampoo, as human products can irritate their skin.  

Why does my Border Collie smell? 

All clean and healthy dogs have a slight doggie aroma. But if your pup has a particularly unpleasant odour, it could be: 

Irregular grooming. Infrequent grooming can lead to smelly, matted hair. 
Ear infections. Ear mites leave a malodorous dark brown, waxy discharge. Speak to your vet about treatment. 
Oral health. If your dog has bad breath, they may have a dental issue, like gingivitis, that requires further investigation by your vet. Remember to brush their teeth regularly. 
Skin infections or allergies. All dogs can suffer from skin allergies. If hives are scratched, they can become infected and smell if left untreated. 
Digestive issues. Food that’s high in wheat, corn, or legumes (like beans, peas, and chickpeas) can lead to unpleasant gas or anal gland issues. Feed them a fresh, real food diet, like Lyka, which is more digestible and less gassy! 

Feeding your Border Collie 

This spirited breed needs nutritious food to fuel their brilliant minds and nimble bodies. The best Border Collie diet is packed with high-quality protein, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense ingredients, like Lyka. 

Maintaining the right weight and body shape is crucial for a Border Collie’s health and wellbeing. Excess weight or obesity can lead to other diseases and affect a dog’s mobility, quality of life, and lifespan. Every dog is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why Lyka calculates your dog’s portions based on their age, weight, health, and activity level. 

🐶 Read more: How Lyka helped Sparky the Border Collie's sensitive tummy →

What to feed a fussy Border Collie 

Border Collies can be picky eaters. If your dog rejects their meals, it could be due to food sensitivities, anxiety, kibble fatigue, or underlying health conditions. Your pup also has a sensitive sense of smell and taste that can affect their appetite. 

If your Border Collie isn’t eating their food, try some of these fussiness tips: 

• Encourage a healthy appetite by giving them sufficient exercise. 

• Reduce the number of treats they’re given and avoid sharing from your own plate, so they stay focused on what’s in their bowl.  

• Feed your dog a diverse, real food diet, that supports their health and appeals to their tastebuds, like Lyka. 

You can also try our Beef & Parmesan Topper to boost mealtime excitement for even the pickiest pups.

Border Collie health issues  

Border Collies from reputable breeders are generally known to be healthy, but like all dogs they can develop health issues or inherit conditions from their parents.  

Skin allergies  

Skin allergies are a common concern for Border Collies, often triggered by food or environmental allergens. Dogs who experience allergies typically have red, itchy, and inflamed skin, hives, or recurring ear infections.  

Joint issues 

Border Collies can be prone to joint issues like arthritis and hip dysplasia — painful conditions that can impact your dog’s quality of life.  

Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition affecting the development of the ball and socket hip joint. If a dog’s body constantly compensates for the unstable joint, it can lead to arthritis as a secondary condition.  

Sensitive stomachs 

Border Collies can experience digestive issues that cause vomiting, diarrhoea, gassiness, or constipation. They’re one of the most common reasons to visit a vet and can be linked to food sensitivities, infections, dysbiosis (an imbalanced microbiome), or chronic enteropathy.  

🐶 Read more: Understanding your Border Collie's health issues: how real food can help →

Cost of owning a Border Collie 

If the thought of sharing your life with Border Collie fills you with joy, we’re right behind you: the relationship between a pup and parent is very special. But it’s a lifelong commitment that shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially for a clever and energetic dog like a Border Collie.  

If you’re wondering how much a Border Collie is, a puppy from a reputable breeder can cost up to $5,000. In addition to the initial cost of buying or adopting a dog, there’s the ongoing cost of ownership like healthcare, food, training, exercise, and equipment.  

Veterinary bills can be expensive and unexpected, so it’s worth considering pet insurance. Maintaining your dog’s health with a holistic approach, including nutrition from fresh food, is essential for their wellbeing. 

Border Collie FAQs 

Are Border Collie’s hypoallergenic? 
No, Border Collies shed their coats and are not considered hypoallergenic. 

When should I desex my Border Collie? 
Most dogs are desexed when they reach maturity. Consult your vet who will consider your dog’s age, size, health, and behaviour to determine the right time for the procedure.  

For how long is a Border Collie pregnant? 
A Border Collie is pregnant for around 63 days or nine weeks from conception. 

Do Border Collies make a good family dog? 
Absolutely! Border Collies are playful, loyal, and affectionate, eager to please, and great with their pack. 

Do Border Collies experience anxiety? 
Border Collies can become bored, frustrated, and anxious if not adequately stimulated, which can lead to unwanted behaviours like excessive barking or destructive chewing. 

Lyka: fuelling your Border Collie with real food

Parenting a Border Collie comes with many decisions. Lyka exists to make mealtimes easy, with tailored meal plans delivered to your door. We’re proud to be fuelling Border Collies across Australia — from energetic pups, all the way through to dogs in their golden years. 

Join our pack of proud Border Collie parents today.