Border Collies: Our Ultimate Dog Breed Guide
- Walksfar Dogwalking
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 23
At Walksfar Dogwalking, we’ve met a lot of dogs—but few are quite as brainy, bouncy, and beautiful as the Border Collie. These athletic wonders are known for their work ethic, their hypnotic stare, and their never-ending supply of energy. But before you get swept up in the charm of this four-legged genius, it’s worth asking: is a Border Collie the right fit for your lifestyle? In this guide, we’ll break down what it’s really like to live with one of the smartest dog breeds on the planet.
Border Collie Personality: Big Brain, Big Heart, Big Zoomies
Border Collies are the overachievers of the dog world. They’re highly intelligent, loyal, sensitive, and always ready for action. These dogs are famously intuitive and thrive when they have a job to do—whether that’s herding sheep, running agility courses, or mastering every trick in the book.
They form strong bonds with their humans and love being part of the action. But they can also be intense, demanding, and easily bored—which makes them a bit much for the average household.
Who Border Collies Are Perfect For (And Who Should Maybe Think Twice)
Border Collies do best with:
Very active people or families
Owners who enjoy training and mental stimulation
Households with outdoor space or regular access to open fields/parks
They might not be the best fit for:
People with sedentary lifestyles
Households with very young children (their herding instinct can kick in)
Those who can’t commit to daily physical AND mental exercise
Exercise Needs: Not Just Walks—Workouts
If you’re thinking of a casual stroll around the block, think again. Border Collies need serious daily exercise—both physical and mental. Long walks, fetch marathons, agility training, scent work, or even learning new tricks—they’re all fair game.
Without enough stimulation, a Border Collie will invent their own fun. (Spoiler: it may involve redecorating your house.)
Training: Smart as a Whip, Sometimes Too Smart
Training a Border Collie is often a dream—they pick up commands quickly and love to learn. But their cleverness can also get them into trouble if not channelled properly. Think of them like a gifted child: incredible potential, but they need guidance, structure, and a sense of purpose.
Positive reinforcement, short training sessions, and variety are key. They can also be sensitive to tone, so gentleness goes a long way.
What You Should Know Before You Get One
Mental stimulation is a must: Puzzle toys, trick training, or even dog sports are essential.
They shed: Regular grooming will help manage the fluff.
They’re sensitive: Harsh corrections don’t work—these dogs respond best to patience and praise.
Herding instinct is strong: Don’t be surprised if they try to round up children, cats, or joggers.
Lifespan: Typically 12–15 years with good care.
In Summary
Border Collies are brilliant, beautiful, and built for action. They’re not for the faint of heart—but if you’ve got the time, energy, and passion to keep up, they’ll repay you with loyalty, companionship, and more tail wags than you can count. At Walksfar, we’ve loved every minute with the Border Collies we walk. From focused fetch sessions to off-lead sprints, they keep us on our toes—and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Need help keeping your Collie busy and balanced? We’ve got the experience, the energy, and the tennis balls. Head to www.walksfardogwalking.com to learn more about our services across East and North London.
Not sure if a Collie is the right dog for you? Here’s our guide to finding the perfect breed for your lifestyle.
