Border Collies can make wonderful additions to active families who are committed to providing daily exercise, mental stimulation, and proper training. Known for their intelligence, friendliness, and athleticism, they thrive on mental and physical challenges.
While Border Collies are often hailed as intelligent and friendly companions, they aren't the best choice for first-time dog owners or those not time rich. Their high energy levels and demanding exercise requirements can be overwhelming for those who are new to dog ownership and who do not have plenty of time daily to devote to their dog.
They excel in agility trials, herding competitions, and other activities that require intelligence and athleticism. If you're an active family with older children, with a passion for outdoor adventures, and want to be involved in plenty of training and maybe dog sports, a Border Collie could be the perfect companion. However, it's important to remember that these dogs need ongoing training, socialisation and plenty of enrichment to ensure they are well-behaved and gentle with children.
Are Border Collies the right dog for your family? Let's take a look at what this breed is like and see if they would be a good fit for you.
1. Border Collies Are Highly Intelligent and Trainable
Border Collies are often called the smartest dog breed, and for good reason. Imagine your dog learning how to spin in minutes, mastering behaviours before you finish saying them, and even figuring out puzzles that baffle other dogs. This makes training a Border Collie an absolute joy, whether you're teaching basic obedience or aiming for impressive canine accomplishments.
It is important however not to mistake ‘easy to train’ with ‘easy to live with’.
So, what does all this energy and intelligence mean for a family? It means you're getting an enthusiastic, four-legged member of the family who needs upwards of two hours exercise every single day – that involves plenty of free running – and in addition plenty of enrichment, brain games and training to keep their busy brains occupied. These dogs are happiest when they’ve got a ‘job’ to do – whether that’s agility, flyball, obedience training or any of the endless list of dog sports. In return, they’ll be happy to be involved in everything you do, from morning jogs to long country hikes. For older, dog-savvy kids, they’ll be their best playmate, learning new tricks with lightning speed and providing endless entertainment.
2. Border Collies Are Affectionate and Loyal Companions
Border Collies may be renowned for their intelligence, but don't let that be the only thing you know about them. These dogs are bundles of pure love and loyalty, all wrapped up in a super-smart package. Their gentle nature and playful energy make them the perfect fit for rural or semi-rural families who want a dog who's as loving as they are intelligent.
Ask any Border Collie owner and they'll tell you that these dogs are absolute sweethearts. They seem to have a sixth sense for knowing when you've had a rough day, and if you're feeling down, they're right there with a comforting nuzzle, reminding you that you're loved. Border Collies are incredibly loyal and affectionate, making them the perfect companion.
3. Border Collies Are Protective
With their origins as a herding breed, it's no surprise that Border Collies have an instinct to protect their family – or at least alert them to any potential intruders. They're not aggressive by nature, but they are vigilant, always keeping an eye out for anything out of the ordinary. You might find your Collie stationed at a window, carefully observing the street, or following you from room to room, making sure everything is in order.
However, it's important to channel these potentially reactive instincts positively through proper socialisation and training. Early and consistent exposure to various people, environments, and situations will enable them to differentiate between genuine threats and harmless encounters. Proper training will ensure they respond appropriately in different contexts, preventing unnecessary alarm or reactivity.
These are dogs who do not do well in an urban or busy environment, as in a dog who is hyper vigilant and designed to react to movement, the constant external stimuli can be highly stressful.
4. Border Collies Are Relatively Low Maintenance
In a short answer – no! A Border Collie is always going to be a high maintenance dog for the majority of families if you want to keep them healthy, happy and easy to live with.
If, however, you can give them all the exercise, enrichment and mental stimulation they need, they can be pretty laid back the rest of the time.
A Border Collie who doesn’t get an outlet for all their hardwired physical and mental needs is a nightmare to live with. They can become destructive, highly vocal, hyperactive, reactive and even aggressive.
But here's the good news: when it comes to the rest of their care, like grooming and general upkeep, they're actually pretty low maintenance compared to some other breeds.
5. Border Collies Are Excellent with Children
Border Collies do have an affinity with children and make for a great best friend, playmate and confidante. They generally do better with older, dog savvy children – because smaller children tend to be noisier, less predictable, and run around a lot which can stimulate the Border Collie’s innate desire to chase and herd.
Even though Border Collies are known for their gentleness, it's always important to supervise playtime, especially when they're getting to know new little humans. Show your children how to pet and handle them gently, avoid bothering the dog while they're sleeping or eating, and give them space when needed. So, the verdict is in: are Border Collies good family dogs? A definite maybe! When properly trained, socialised, and provided with adequate exercise and mental stimulation, Border Collies make wonderful additions to families. They're smart, loyal, loving, and playful, quickly becoming cherished members of the household. They're protective without being overbearing, always keeping a watchful eye on their loved ones. And their patience and gentleness with children is remarkable. Their grooming and overall care are surprisingly manageable, making them a good choice for active rural families who want a loyal and loving companion.
