A happy, black and white dog is lying down on a wooden bench with a grassy backdrop and lake in the distance. The dog is looking intently towards the camera with their ears standing alert on top of their head, waiting for the next command and opportunity to earn another treat.

Border Collie

Border Collies are the 7th most popular, or should we say pup-ular, breed on BorrowMyDoggy. Whether you’re thinking of borrowing one or getting your own, we’ve pulled together lots of fun and interesting facts you should know about the breed, courtesy of the Border Collie owners in our community.

Text to speech not available for this image

What is a Border Collie?

Border Collies have a strong natural instinct to work. Originally used for herding sheep, they’re loyal, faithful and often ranked as the most intelligent breed.

How much exercise does a Border Collie need?

Due to their strong work ethic, Border Collies require significant mental and physical exercise and need to work to be happy. In addition to walks and games of fetch, flyball would be an ideal activity to keep Border Collies entertained.

A black and white dog lies on sand with their tongue out - looking excited
Penny is impossible to tire out, so no walk is too long. She loves being active and playing outside for hours on end. For Penny, the more time she's out having exercise, the better.

- Emily, Owner of Penny

What is the temperament of a Border Collie?

According to the Border Collie Club of Great Britain, they’re keen, alert, responsive and thrive on company. Here is what some of our members had to say about their Border Collie pals:

Poppy is true to her breed and eager to please people by working. She loves to play games of fetch and hide and seek with toys as she feels that she’s being useful. She loves to go for runs in the woods and it is impossible to keep her out of water.

- Cathy, Owner of Poppy

Are Border Collies easy to train?

Due to their consistent rank as one of the most intelligent breeds, Border Collies respond quickly and enthusiastically to training.

Owner Cathy on his Border Collie, Losky:

Typical collie, Losky is very obedient, will obey clear commands well and will do anything for a game with a ball.

That being said, here are a few funny quirks that some of our members’ pooches have:

Owner Tina on his Border Collie, Benji:

Benji particularly likes long walks in the country with lots of smells and squirrels to bark at, followed by a nice rest in the pub.

Owner Austin on his Border Collie, Bilbo:

Once Bilbo has met you, he will never forget you. Loyalty is his other name!

Owner Linda on her Border Collie, Asher:

Asher is happiest when out walking, running and chasing a ball, which she could do all day.

Owner Matt on his Border Collie, Visha:

Visha is so well trained that he will often sit without command when he sees cyclists coming.

Most common Border Collie names on BorrowMyDoggy:

  • Jess
  • Max
  • Molly
  • Charlie
  • Sam
  • Tess
  • Meg
  • Jasper
  • Poppy
  • Jack

BorrowMyDoggy member, Margaret, joined with her adorable Border Collie, Ralphie. Read their story to see why she says “he loves everyone and wants hugs all the time. BorrowMyDoggy has enriched not just Ralphie’s life, but my life as well.”

A dog with stunning blue eyes and a multicoloured coat sits in a beautiful landscape in front of a lake on an overcast day

High paws to our lovely community for letting us share these facts about their Border Collies. Paws crossed you found them helpful :)

Looking for the pawfect Border Collie to join you on a walk? Or would you like your Border Collie to make a new friend? Why not sign up to BorrowMyDoggy today.
Sign up now


More sheepdogs!

Hey there!

Want to hear about a different kind of dog care that both you and your dog will love?

Or perhaps you’re a dog lover who can’t have one of your own right now?

We have the pawfect solution, BorrowMyDoggy!

How it works
Dog speaking