36" dog crate
Right-sized for a medium dog, cozy not cramped.
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Border Collie
The smartest dog in the world.
Herding group
United Kingdom
Medium
Lifespan12-15 yr
Weight14-25 kg
Height46-56 cm
OriginUnited Kingdom
The Border Collie is widely considered the most intelligent dog breed. A tireless herding dog, it needs serious mental and physical work and rewards committed owners with astonishing trainability.
Great points
- The most trainable of all breeds
- Incredible work ethic and stamina
- Excels at every dog sport
- Devoted to its handler
Things to consider
- Needs a huge amount of stimulation
- Herds children, cars and bikes
- Not suited to idle or apartment life
- Can be intense and obsessive
The story
Bred along the hills of the English and Scottish border to gather and move sheep, the Border Collie controls the flock with an intense, hypnotic stare known as the eye. Its brains and biddability are unmatched.
Training
Border Collies learn faster than almost any breed and need that brain engaged daily. Without training, sport or work, the drive turns into obsessive or destructive habits.
Grooming
Brush the medium double coat a couple of times a week, more during seasonal sheds, and check for burrs after outdoor work.
Food & diet
About 1.5 to 2.5 cups of quality food a day, matched to a very active lifestyle.
Exercise
Extremely high. Hours of activity plus mental challenges such as herding, agility or advanced obedience are ideal.
Health to watch
Generally hardy, but watch for hip dysplasia, eye conditions and the MDR1 drug-sensitivity gene.
Fun fact. A Border Collie named Chaser learned the names of over 1,000 objects, a record for any animal.
Frequently asked questions
Are Border Collies good pets?
For the right owner, yes. They are brilliant and devoted, but they need so much exercise and mental work that they overwhelm casual or busy households.
Are Border Collies easy to train?
They are the easiest of all breeds to train and learn very fast, which is exactly why they need constant mental challenges.
Can Border Collies live in apartments?
It is difficult. Their high energy and need for space and stimulation make them a poor fit for small, low-activity homes.
Essential gear for the Border Collie
A few breed-right basics for a new Border Collie.
Medium orthopedic bed
Joint support, sized to a medium frame.
View pickGrooming brush
Regular brushing for a healthy coat.
View pickComplete adult formula
Balanced everyday nutrition.
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