Border Collie

Like every breed, the Border Collie is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Start positive, reward-based training early and keep it going for life.
• Find a class that understands the breed, such as agility, obedience or other canine sports.
• Socialise your puppy widely with people, dogs and experiences.
• Channel the herding instinct into suitable activities before it turns into unwanted behaviour.

• Children

  Usually better with older, calmer children.

• Other dogs

  Usually sociable with other dogs.

• Cats and small pets

  Varies with the individual dog.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Usually happier in a house.

• Garden

  A secure garden is strongly advised.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Some dog experience helps.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Hip dysplasia

  The hip joint does not fit together perfectly, which eventually leads to arthritis. Hip testing under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme is recommended, along with elbow testing under the BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme.

• Collie eye anomaly (CEA)

  An inherited abnormality at the back of the eye that can lead to blindness. A DNA test for CEA/choroidal hypoplasia is available, and eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme is a minimum recommendation.

• Goniodysgenesis and glaucoma

  A painful build-up of pressure inside the eye that can lead to loss of the eye. Gonioscopy under the eye scheme and a DNA test for severe goniodysgenesis and glaucoma risk are recommended.

• Epilepsy

  A brain disorder that causes seizures.

• Multi-drug resistance (MDR1)

  An increased sensitivity to some commonly used medications. A DNA test is available.

• Ceroid lipofuscinosis (CL)

  An inherited cellular disorder that can be fatal. A DNA test is available.

• Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome (IGS)

  An inherited blood disorder, also called cobalamin malabsorption. A DNA test is available.

• Trapped neutrophil syndrome (TNS)

  An inherited condition that weakens the dog's ability to fight illness and disease. A DNA test is available.

• Sensory neuropathy (SN)

  A nerve disease that causes pain and weakness and affects mobility. A DNA test is available.

• Raine's syndrome

  The Royal Kennel Club lists a DNA test for Raine's syndrome as part of best-practice health testing.

• Deafness and merle breeding

  Hearing testing under the KC BAER scheme, including litter screening, is recommended. The Royal Kennel Club does not register puppies from merle to merle matings because of the associated risk of impaired vision and hearing.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Border Collie home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Border Collie home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 12 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Border Collie suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Border Collies do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.