Bursting with energy and enthusiasm, Border Collies are the ultimate active breed – whatever the task, wherever the adventure, they’re always up for the challenge.
Parenting this spirited pup comes with lots to consider. Whether you’re lucky enough to share your life with a Border Collie or just thinking about adopting a pup, this is your go-to guide 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
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Breed history
Born to lead and built for purpose, Border Collies were originally bred to herd and protect sheep in the rugged landscapes of Scotland and Northern England. Their name nods to their Anglo-Scottish border roots, where these clever, tireless dogs first showcased their unmatched herding instincts.
Fast forward to today, and Border Collies are still celebrated as outstanding working dogs with an innate drive to get the job done.
Key characteristics
Known for their intelligence, energetic Border Collies have athletic prowess that makes them ideal for any activity that stretches their body and brain. Gentle, and affectionate, they make great family dogs.
Health considerations
Border Collies are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to skin allergies, joint issues, and sensitive stomachs. A gently cooked, high-protein diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can support their skin, joint, and digestive health.
Appearance and size
Border Collies are medium-sized dogs, often known for their iconic black coats and white chest, collar, and blaze (a stripe between their eyes). There are two different types of Border Collie: rough-haired Collies with medium-length coats and smooth-haired Collies with shorter coats. They also come in a variety of colours including red, slate, brown, blue, and lilac, and can be bi-coloured, tri-coloured, merle, or brindle.
Border Collie personality and temperament
Clever, agile, and alert, Border Collies seem to live life ready and waiting for the next call to adventure.
Always eager to learn and work hard, they thrive when they have a job, sport, or activity to focus their energy on. Their loyal and affectionate disposition makes them wonderful family dogs, keen to please and ready to form a strong bond with their pack.
After a busy day, they like nothing more than to find a comfy spot to snuggle in and catch up on some well-earned sleep.
If they’re not given adequate stimulation, they may find other channels for their energy and frustration, like chewing or digging.
Real insights from a Border Collie parent
For a real glimpse of life with an enthusiastic Border Collie, hear from Stephanie about her life with Arnie:
"My Border Collie, Arnie is the ultimate adventure buddy. Whether it's hiking, camping, going for a car ride to the beach, or even tagging along while I grab coffee with friends, he's always ready to join me wherever I go.”
– Stephanie, Arnie’s dog parent (he’s on Lyka)
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How long do Border Collies live?
Border Collies typically have a lifespan between 12-15 years.
As dog parents, we want our pups to live a happy and healthy life for as long as possible – and there’s so much we can easily do to help them thrive, not just survive. Every dog deserves a long, vibrant life, and it begins with a thoughtful, holistic approach to their wellbeing.
A nourishing real food diet (like Lyka), regular exercise, mental stimulation, training, grooming, and proactive vet care all work together to help your pup feel their very best.
Read more: The real cost of chronic illness in dogs and how you can prevent it →
“Optimal nutrition from a complete and balanced diet, is essential for Border Collies to help to keep them active and agile. Lyka meals contain real food ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties to support strong and supple joints.”
— Dr Alexander England, Lyka Veterinarian, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice)
Learn more about Dr Alexander England and his veterinary experience.
What does a Border Collie eat?
This spirited breed needs nutritious food to fuel their mind and body.
The best Border Collie diet is made with real food ingredients, like high-quality protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables.
Lyka’s human-grade meals are gently cooked to retain the tastes, textures, and nutrients of each carefully selected ingredient. They’re easy to digest, help keep your pup hydrated, and delicious – perfect for even the fussiest eaters.
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 joints, mobility, quality of life, and lifespan.
That’s why Lyka meals are custom portioned to meet your dog’s specific needs, helping you keep them at their healthiest and happiest.
Read more: The life changing benefits of real food for dogs →
Do Border Collie puppies need special food?
Contrary to popular belief, puppies don’t need special puppy food if they’re getting the right portion of nutrient-dense real food.
Border Collie puppies need a diet containing high-quality protein for tissue growth, essential vitamins and minerals for bone development and brain function, and low GI carbohydrates for slow-release energy, like Lyka.
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development →
Read more: Puppy vs adult food: what our experts want you to know →
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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.
Before planning a litter, respectable breeders will consider the health, temperament, and genetic history of their breeding pairs to select good characteristics. Always check the health of the parents before choosing your new pup.
1. Skin allergies
Border Collies may be hardy, but they can be prone to skin allergies. While food may be a trigger, so can environmental factors like grass or pollen – not ideal for a breed that loves the outdoors.
Addressing allergies begins by removing the trigger. If it’s food-related, an elimination diet is the only way to identify the problematic ingredient. Environmental allergies can be harder to control, but a thorough wipe-down after exercise can help minimise the contact.
A real food diet can help to reduce skin sensitivities by promoting a healthy immune response to allergens and strengthening the skin's defence against irritants.
Look for real ingredients full of skin-loving properties, like:
🌱 Hemp seeds: rich in omega-3 with anti-inflammatory properties to calm skin irritations.
💛 Safflower oil: full of Vitamin E for nourished and moisturised skin.
🐟 Fish oil: has potent omega-3 to address inflamed and dry skin.
2. Joint issues
Border Collies can be prone to developmental conditions like hip dysplasia, which is an abnormally shallow hip socket that causes the joint to slip. Rapid growth as a puppy (caused by too much dietary calcium or protein) can also be a factor. Some dogs can develop arthritis as a secondary condition.
Look for real, fresh food that supports joint health and contains bioavailable ingredients known for their musculoskeletal-boosting properties, like:
🐟 Sardines: a powerful source of Omega 3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory agents to support strong and supple joints.
🌾 Quinoa: contains manganese for bone development.
🌱 Fennel Seeds: rich in antioxidants to reduce the damage to joints caused by oxidative stress.
Lyka meals contain sardines, fish oil and flaxseed oil that support common joint ailments like arthritis and osteochondritis.
Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog's diet help →
3. Sensitive stomachs
Some Border Collies can experience digestive issues that cause vomiting, diarrhoea, gassiness, or constipation – one of the most common reasons to visit a vet.
The secret to good digestion is real food that supports gut health.
Each Lyka meal contains bioavailable ingredients gently cooked so they’re easy to digest.
Look for real ingredients to aid digestion like:
🥦 Prebiotic fibre: Lyka meals contain soluble and insoluble fibre from vegetables like broccoli, kale, spinach, carrots, and cabbage, to nourish good gut bacteria and promote healthy bowel movements.
🐟 Omega-3 fatty acids: meals enriched with omega-3 from fish and fish oil may reduce intestinal inflammation1 leading to more settled stomachs.
❌ Free from pro-inflammatory ingredients: dogs with gut issues may be intolerant to ingredients like wheat, corn, soy, dairy, and lectins. Lyka avoids these pro-inflammatory ingredients that can irritate the gut and may contribute to chronic enteropathy2.
Read more: Put your pup on a path towards long-term relief: how to resolve chronic gut issues
Read more: Understanding your Border Collie's health issues: how real food can help →
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Read more: How real food helped Sparky’s sensitive stomach →
Border Collie coat, grooming, and hygiene tips
Keeping your Border Collie well-groomed is about more than just a sleek and shiny coat – it’s essential for their overall health.
A consistent grooming routine helps maintain healthy skin, trim nails, and clean teeth. By investing a little time in their hygiene, you ensure your dog stays healthy and happy.
Coat types and shedding
You’re probably familiar with the classic black and white, rough-haired Border Collie, with a medium length coat and feathering around the legs, chest, and stomach. Smooth-haired Border Collies have shorter coats, that can be easier to maintain. Both rough and smooth-haired Border Collies have a double coat that sheds year-round, with more intensity during spring and autumn.
Grooming
Border Collies 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.
They only need a bath every 4-8 weeks, unless they’ve rolled in something dirty or smelly. Remember to use dog-friendly shampoo, as human products can irritate their skin.
Border Collie hygiene tips
A dog's nails can grow surprisingly fast and if they're not trimmed regularly can become uncomfortable and even affect how they walk.
Introduce your Border Collie to nail trims from an early age so they’re used to the sensation and the tools. Don’t forget to reward them with a high-value treat at the end, so they develop a positive association with the process.
Brushing your dog's teeth a few times a week helps reduce tartar buildup and supports healthy gums.
Routine ear checks are important to spot signs of infection, wax buildup, or irritation. You can give them a gentle wipe with a clean, damp cloth, but be careful not to reach too far into their ear, as this can cause damage.
And don’t forget to inspect your dog’s paws frequently, checking for cuts, debris, or redness between their pads.
Border collie exercise requirements
Border Collies are a high-energy breed that require at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise every day.
They have plenty of stamina, so whether you want to take your pup on a long hike over mixed terrain, a run around the bay, or play catch at the beach, they’ll be your keen companion.
Border Collies are highly trainable and need as much mental stimulation as physical exercise, making them the ideal breed for agility courses or dog sports like flyball or disc dog.
A high-protein, low-glycaemic index diet, like Lyka’s real food meals, provides steady, nutritious energy to complement their active lifestyle.
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Training
A Border Collie’s intelligence is matched by their eagerness to learn and desire to please. Give them a job to do and plenty of praise and watch them thrive!
Training should continue throughout their life, with enrichment activities and routines to keep them stimulated.
For puppies, toilet training requires frequent breaks (expect one hour of bladder control per month of age), while crate training offers a safe space and helps with house-training. Controlled socialisation through puppy school or meet-ups is essential for building confidence and social skills.
Your pup’s receptivity to training can be improved with the right nutrition that helps support consistent moods, steady energy levels, and cognitive development.
Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training →
How to choose a reputable Border Collie breeder
So, you’ve decided that a Border Collie is the perfect companion and fits your lifestyle like a glove. How exciting! The next step is to find a reputable breeder.
What do we mean by ‘reputable breeder’?
Reputable, ethical breeders establish breeding programs, planning a limited number of litters using breeding pairs carefully selected for their health and temperament. They believe the health and wellbeing of their dogs and puppies are paramount.
Ethical breeders often have an application and selection process and may even have a waitlist. They should be receptive to scheduled visits so you can see their facilities, meet their dogs, and ask them questions about their program.
This is when you should enquire about how they have addressed common health conditions, like hip dysplasia scoring.
A puppy farm (factory, or mill) often operates in poor conditions and on a large scale to maximise their profit. Health and wellbeing are of secondary importance, if at all, leading to puppies that often have long-term health and behavioural issues.
How do I find a reputable Border Collie breeder?
Often each state has a recognised breed club that can provide a list of reputable breeders that will usually have a website, social media channels, and direct contact details.
RightPaw is a website dedicated to promoting responsible breeders and ethical programs. Not all breeders use this site, but it’s a helpful tool to support you on your puppy journey.
Speak to other dog parents – it’s a great way to gain invaluable insight into their first-hand experience and give you even more of a taste of what to expect from the breed.
How much is a Border Collie puppy?
You can expect to pay around $3,000 to $5,000 for a puppy from an ethical breeder in Australia. But remember that the ongoing cost of parenting a dog is a significant commitment of money and time. Veterinary bills can be expensive and unexpected, so it’s worth considering pet insurance too.
If you want to adopt a dog from a shelter, we’re right behind you. Try to find out as much information about them as you can but recognise that a lot of their history will be unknown.
When you bring them home, show them love, patience, and consistency to help them settle into a new and secure life with you.
Read more: How much does a dog cost? The real price of dog ownership →
Border Collie breed FAQs
Still got some unanswered questions about the Border Collie breed? Check out our FAQs for more information:
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. Your vet 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?
The Border Collie gestation period is around 63 days or nine weeks from conception.
Do Border Collies experience anxiety?
If not adequately stimulated, Border Collies can become bored, frustrated, and anxious, which can lead to unwanted behaviours like excessive barking or destructive chewing.
Do Border Collies smell?
Border Collies shouldn’t smell, except for a slight doggie odour common to most dogs. Maintaining a good grooming routine and feeding them a nutritious, real food diet can help to prevent strong dog odours.
When is a Border Collie fully grown?
A Border Collie reaches physical maturity between 12-18 months.
New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
Parenting your Border Collie comes with many decisions, like choosing the best diet for your new best friend.
Designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, and made with real, human-grade ingredients, our meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.
Lyka nourishes hundreds of Border Collies across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.
Join our pack of proud Border Collie parents today.
