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Border Collie: temperament, health and care
Border Collie: temperament, exercise and grooming needs, common health problems and who this dog suits.
This is general information for the UK. It is not veterinary or legal advice, and every animal is different. Speak to a vet about your pet's health. The Be Pet Wise app can also show rules for other countries.
At a glance
| Size | Medium, about 12–20 kg |
|---|---|
| Typical lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Exercise | Very high: exercise plus mental work |
| Grooming | Weekly brushing; moderate shedding |
Temperament and who it suits
Highly intelligent and energetic; needs a job and may try to herd children or vehicles.
Often suits: very active owners who enjoy training or dog sports.
They can become anxious or destructive if bored and understimulated.
Health problems to know about
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Inherited eye disease (such as collie eye anomaly)
Individuals vary. Ask breeders about health testing, and keep up with vet checks, vaccination and weight control.
Before you get a Border Collie
- See the puppy with its mother, where it was born
- Ask about health tests on the parents for the conditions above
- Check it is microchipped and registered by eight weeks old
- Consider adopting: breed rescues and rehoming centres often have dogs of this breed looking for homes
See buying a puppy or kitten: Lucy's Law and your rights.
Care, law and costs
See our general guide to dogs for feeding, the law in the UK, what it costs and emergencies, and our guides to microchipping law and toxic foods and plants.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Border Collie live?
A Border Collie typically lives 12–15 years. Individual health, diet and weight all matter.
How much exercise does a Border Collie need?
Very high: exercise plus mental work.
What health problems are common in a Border Collie?
Common concerns include hip dysplasia, epilepsy and inherited eye disease (such as collie eye anomaly). Ask breeders about health testing, and keep up with vet checks.
How much grooming does a Border Collie need?
Weekly brushing; moderate shedding.
Who does a Border Collie suit?
It often suits very active owners who enjoy training or dog sports. They can become anxious or destructive if bored and understimulated.
Similar dogs
Sources
- The Royal Kennel Club: breed information and health schemes
- BSAVA: Microchipping legislation in the UK
- Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council: Lucy's Law
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Open Be Pet WiseBrowse all guidesReviewed 2026-09-23. General information for the UK, not veterinary or legal advice. See how we check.