Border Collie
Bred entirely for working ability rather than appearance, so the breed is unusually variable — rough or smooth coat, many colours, ears in any configuration. The behaviour is more consistent than the look.
- Group
- Herding
- Weight
- 14–20 kg
- Coat
- medium
- Ears
- semi erect
- Muzzle
- medium
- Build
- Sturdy
- Origin
- United Kingdom
What it looks like
Athletic and balanced with a moderate double coat, ears often semi-erect with tipped tips, an intense forward gaze, and a low-set tail with an upward swirl at the tip.
The characters that confirm it
- A low-set tail carried low with a distinct upward swirl at the tip.
- The stalking crouch and the fixed stare, which is the herding 'eye'.
- Highly variable coat and colour, since the breed was selected on work rather than looks.
- Moderate in size and build — no exaggeration anywhere.
Temperament
Extremely high drive and intelligence, and a common rehoming case when bought for the looks. Needs a job, not just a walk.
Health
Collie eye anomaly, trapped neutrophil syndrome and the MDR1 drug-sensitivity mutation all have genetic tests. MDR1 matters clinically — affected dogs react severely to several common medications including ivermectin, and any vet treating one should know.
Confused with
Usually a docked or naturally bobbed tail, heavier coat, and a squarer build. Border Collies have a full low tail.
Much larger with a very long coat and a long narrow head.
Questions about this breed
How do you recognise a Border Collie?
A low-set tail carried low with a distinct upward swirl at the tip. The stalking crouch and the fixed stare, which is the herding 'eye'.
What is a Border Collie like to live with?
Extremely high drive and intelligence, and a common rehoming case when bought for the looks. Needs a job, not just a walk.
What health problems do Border Collies have?
Collie eye anomaly, trapped neutrophil syndrome and the MDR1 drug-sensitivity mutation all have genetic tests. MDR1 matters clinically — affected dogs react severely to several common medications including ivermectin, and any vet treating one should know.