Home / Breeds / Border Collie

Border Collie puppy hub

Herding brains in a lot of coat. Mental exercise matters as much as physical.

Border Collies are widely seen as one of the most trainable breeds, but also one of the most demanding. Plan for training, enrichment and coat care.

Size	Medium; commonly cited as roughly 14-20 kg. Check the Dogs Australia breed standard and your breeder.
Coat	Medium to long double coat in smooth or rough types; sheds seasonally and needs regular brushing.
Energy	Very high

General information, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet. Size ranges are indicative; verify against the Dogs Australia breed standard and your breeder.

First 30 days

• Routines first: Predictable meals, naps and toilet breaks. Border Collie pups can be very alert and can struggle to switch off; teach settling in a crate or pen from the start.
• Vet visit in week 1: Health check, vaccination and worming plan, and a talk about parasite control.
• Microchip and registration: Required in most states and territories.
• Socialisation: Positive exposure to traffic, bikes, children and other animals at a distance. Ask your vet what is safe before vaccinations are complete.
• Start impulse control: “Wait” at doors and food bowls, and rewards for calm behaviour.

Gear checklist

• Crate or pen, bed and cool mat
• Harness, ID tag and a long line
• Puzzle feeders, stuffable chews and snuffle mats
• Slicker brush, comb and deshedding tool for long coats
• Tick check tool, vet-recommended parasite control
• Shade and water for outdoors

Grooming

Brush through the coat down to the skin, especially behind ears, the ‘britches’ and tail feathering. A deshedding tool made for double coats may help during seasonal shedding. Never shave a double coat without asking your vet or groomer.

Training

Border Collies thrive on structured, reward-based work: trick training, scent games, agility foundations and calm-down practice. Boredom can show up as barking, chasing or herding. Give mental work every day. See training directory.

Australian context

• Heat: Long double coat plus high drive means heat risk. Avoid midday exercise, and never leave a dog in a car.
• Ticks: Coat density hides ticks, so check by feel daily in tick areas. Ask your vet.
• Snakes: Keep on lead in bush and long grass in warm months. If bitten, call your vet immediately.

Curated products for Border Collies

Listings are research-based, from public specifications and retailer descriptions. We haven't tested them. Editorial policy.

FAQs

Are Border Collies good family dogs?

Many are, with the right training and exercise. Herding breeds may try to herd children, so supervise and teach calm behaviour.

Why does my Border Collie obsess over movement or balls?

Fixation is a known herding trait. A qualified trainer can help you teach calm and impulse control.

Do Border Collies cope with Australian summers?

The thick coat holds heat. Exercise at cooler times, provide shade and water, and ask your vet about coat care.

How often should I groom?

A thorough brush once or twice a week, more during seasonal shedding. Ask your groomer about coat care.