Key Features

• Ultra-intelligent and highly trainable

• Extremely energetic

• Athletic and fast

• Very loyal and people-focused

• Needs daily mental + physical activity

• Strong herding instincts

Appearance

Size

• Males: 18–22 kg, 48–56 cm

• Females: 16–20 kg, 46–53 cm

Body

• Medium-sized, athletic, lean but muscular

• Agile and built for speed + endurance

Head & Face

• Medium-length muzzle

• Expressive almond-shaped eyes

• Ears can be tipped, erect, or semi-erect

Coat Types

Border Collies come in two main coat types:

1. Rough coat – medium to long, feathered, slightly fluffy

2. Smooth coat – short, sleek, less feathering

Both types have a double coat.

Colors

Border Collies are extremely diverse in colors:

• Black & white (classic)

• Red & white

• Blue merle

• Red merle

• Tricolor

• Lilac

• Sable

• Chocolate

• Blue

• Fully black or fully white (rare)

Eyes can be:

• Brown

• Blue

• One blue/one brown (heterochromia)

• Marbled/parti-colored

Temperament & Personality

Border Collies are known for their intelligence, energy, and drive.

They are:

• Extremely smart (ranked #1 globally)

• Very active

• Work-driven

• Loyal and affectionate

• Enjoy pleasing their owners

• Sensitive and emotionally aware

They need a lot of stimulation—otherwise they can develop unwanted behaviors.

Trainability

One of the most trainable breeds in the world:

• Learns commands very quickly

• Excels in:

  • Obedience

  • Agility

  • Herding trials

  • Trick training

  • Canine sports

They thrive when mentally challenged every day.

Exercise Needs (Very High)

Border Collies need:

• 2–3 hours of exercise daily

• Running, frisbee, agility training, ball fetch

• Mental tasks:

  • Puzzle toys

  • Scent work

  • Trick training