You didn’t land on the Border collie by accident. This is a breed people seek out, and for good reason. The most intelligent dog breed, driven, agile, and endlessly capable, and deeply focused and purposeful, they’re a natural fit for experienced owners, dog sport competitors, and active individuals who want a working partner, not just a companion who want one of the most capable, responsive, and genuinely brilliant dogs you can share your life with. Let’s dig in.
What are the characteristics of a Border collie?
Think you know what you’re getting into with a Border collie? These scores will either confirm your suspicions or give you something to think about. Either way, good to know now.
Training
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Trainability | 5 out of 5 | The gold standard of canine trainability. Border Collies learn commands after minimal repetitions and retain them with precision |
| Obedience | 5 out of 5 | Exceptional obedience when paired with a skilled handler. Their responsiveness is nearly unmatched across breeds |
| Focus | 5 out of 5 | The most focused breed most handlers will ever encounter. They lock in on a task and stay there |
| Stubbornness | 1 out of 5 | Almost never stubborn. Their drive to work and please makes them extraordinarily cooperative |
Friendliness
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Good with family | 4 out of 5 | Devoted to their family and particularly bonded to their primary handler. Their loyalty has a working quality to it |
| Good with children | 3 out of 5 | Can be fine with children in the right context, but their herding instinct means they may try to control small kids through nipping or circling |
| Good with strangers | 3 out of 5 | Typically reserved with strangers. Socialization prevents this from becoming reactive wariness |
| Good with other dogs | 2 out of 5 | Can be dog-selective. Their herding instinct and intensity can be off-putting or triggering for other dogs |
Adaptability
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | 1 out of 5 | Not suited to apartment living. They need significant outdoor space and hours of daily mental and physical work |
| Cold weather | 4 out of 5 | Their double coat handles cool weather well |
| Hot weather | 3 out of 5 | Tolerates moderate heat, though their coat requires monitoring in high summer temperatures |
| Routine flexibility | 1 out of 5 | One of the least adaptable breeds to disrupted routines. They need structured, consistent daily activity to stay balanced |
| First time owner | 1 out of 5 | Not appropriate for first-time owners in most cases. Their intelligence and drive create significant behavioral challenges without skilled handling |
Physical needs
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | 5 out of 5 | Extraordinary energy. Border Collies need multiple hours of structured physical and mental work every single day |
| Endurance | 5 out of 5 | Exceptional endurance. Bred to work all day in demanding hill terrain without stopping |
| Exercise needs | 5 out of 5 | Needs a minimum of 2 hours of vigorous exercise daily, plus structured mental work. There is no equivalent replacement |
| Mental stimulation | 5 out of 5 | The most mentally demanding breed most people will ever own. They need real work, not just toys |
| Grooming needs | 3 out of 5 | Moderate grooming needs. Their double coat sheds seasonally and needs regular brushing |
Personality
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Playfulness | 5 out of 5 | Their play is focused, purposeful, and seemingly inexhaustible |
| Affection | 3 out of 5 | Affectionate with their handler, though their bond is often more working partnership than cuddle-seeking |
| Loyalty | 5 out of 5 | Intensely loyal. A Border Collie's bond with their handler is one of the deepest in the dog world |
| Independence | 3 out of 5 | Can work independently in the field but are psychologically dependent on their handler's direction and trust |
| Alertness | 5 out of 5 | Extraordinarily alert. They register and process every movement and sound in their environment |
Behavior
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Barking tendency | 3 out of 5 | Not excessive barkers, though they will vocalize when on alert or frustrated |
| Digging tendency | 3 out of 5 | Some tendency to dig when under-stimulated |
| Chewing tendency | 3 out of 5 | Moderate chewing tendency in under-stimulated individuals |
| Prey drive | 4 out of 5 | High prey and chase drive rooted in their herding heritage |
| Guarding instincts | 2 out of 5 | Alert and watchful but not a protective guard dog |
What are common health issues of a Border collie?
Like all breeds, Border collies are prone to certain health conditions. Here’s what to keep on your radar.
Hip Dysplasia
A hip joint that develops abnormally, causing pain and arthritis over time. Border Collies are a highly active breed, so stiffness or a changed gait are especially worth catching.
Read more about Hip DysplasiaCollie Eye Anomaly
An inherited eye condition present from birth. It ranges from mild with no vision impact to severe vision loss. A vet can screen for it early, even before symptoms appear.
Read more about Collie Eye AnomalyEpilepsy
A neurological condition causing recurring seizures and one of the more common inherited conditions in Border Collies. It is typically managed with long-term daily medication.
Read more about EpilepsyTorn Cranial Cruciate Ligament
The CCL stabilizes the knee, and active breeds like Border Collies are at real risk of tearing it. A sudden rear-leg limp after exercise is the most common first sign.
Read more about Torn Cranial Cruciate LigamentOsteochondritis Dissecans
A joint condition where cartilage develops abnormally and can break loose, causing pain and lameness. It is seen in Border Collies and typically affects the shoulder or elbow.
Read more about Osteochondritis DissecansWhat are the recommended health tests for Border collies?
Your Border collie can’t tell you when something’s off. That’s what these tests are for. Here’s what vets typically recommend for them.
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OFA hip and elbow evaluation -
CAER ophthalmologist eye exam
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DNA test for collie eye anomaly (CEA)
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DNA test for exercise-induced collapse (EIC)
Do Border collies need pet insurance?
We’ll let the numbers do the talking, but spoiler: a lot of Border collie owners are really glad they had coverage.
Those numbers aren’t hypotheticals. They’re real claims from real Border collie owners in 2025.
The right pet insurance means you’re making decisions based on what your dog needs, not what you can afford.
With Lemonade, you can build a plan around your Collie specifically. Start with accident and illness coverage as your base, then add on what makes sense for your dog, things like physical therapy, dental illness, or behavioral treatment, and skip what doesn’t. Coverage applies to conditions that aren’t pre-existing (AKA, a condition that occurs after your policy is active and your waiting periods have passed), and you’ll know exactly what’s included before you commit. No fine print ambushes, no surprises at claim time.
And when you do need to file? You can do it in the app in minutes. No paperwork, no hold music, no waiting around.
Border collies are worth protecting with proper coverage. Here’s how to do it right.
How much does pet insurance cost?
The cost of your premium is personal. It depends on your Collies age, your location, and what you add to your plan. That said, here’s a realistic look at what other Border collie owners pay with Lemonade:
| Age | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|
| 1 year old | $45-$50 |
| 2 years old | $45-$50 |
| 3 years old | $45-$50 |
| 4 years old | $50-$55 |
| 5 years old | $60-$65 |
| 6 years old | $60-$65 |
| 7 years old | $70-$75 |
Not sure if Lemonade is the right fit for your Collie?
See how we stack up. Compare pet insurance options side by side and find the coverage that fits your Border collie and your budget.
History of the Border collie
The Border Collie was developed along the Anglo-Scottish border, where herding dogs with extraordinary intelligence, athleticism, and the ability to work livestock across steep hill terrain were essential. The modern breed traces to a dog named Old Hemp, born in 1893 and widely credited as the foundation sire. Old Hemp had an unusual combination of strong herding eye, intense focus, and the ability to gather and move sheep without barking or force. His descendants dominated sheepdog trials in Britain for decades. The International Sheep Dog Society was founded in 1906 and established the breeding framework that produced the modern Border Collie. The AKC recognized the breed in 1995, though the herding community had long resisted formal recognition, fearing that conformation priorities would compromise working ability. Border Collies remain the dominant breed in sheep dog trialing worldwide.
Caring for a Border collie
Training
Training a Border collie is straightforward, but it’s worth the effort. They are exceptionally intelligent and driven to work, which means they need mentally demanding training that challenges both their mind and their instincts. Positive reinforcement paired with task-based training and consistent mental stimulation tends to work best, and getting started early makes a real difference.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up, these are worth the read.
Grooming
Border collies have a medium-length double coat that requires moderate grooming. Brush 2 to 3 times per week year-round, increasing to daily during heavy seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath keeps them looking their best. Regular ear checks are important as the breed can be prone to ear infections.
From nail trims to professional care, here’s everything you need to keep your Collie looking (and feeling) their best.
Exercise and mental stimulation
Border collies have very high energy levels and need 90 to 120 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. Frisbee, agility training, and herding games are all great ways to burn through that energy. But physical exercise is only half the picture. Border collies are exceptionally intelligent dogs, and mental stimulation is just as important as the miles you put in. Without it, they become neurotic, destructive, and may develop obsessive or compulsive behaviors. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent work are all solid ways to keep their brain engaged between walks.
Here’s how to build an exercise routine your Border collie will actually love.
Nutrition
Border collies are medium dogs with very high energy, so they need a diet to match. Most adults do well on around 1,000 to 1,300 calories a day, spread across two meals. Depending on what you’re feeding them, expect to spend around $45 to $70 a month on food. Not the cheapest line item, but not the most expensive either.
What goes in the bowl is your call, and your vet’s. Kibble, raw, fresh, or a combination: there’s no single right answer. Focus on quality ingredients, the right portions for your dog’s age and activity level, and you’re most of the way there.
Get the full picture on feeding a Border collie here.
Border collie costs and adoption
What does it cost to bring home a Border collie?
Before your Border collie even sets a paw in your home, there are some one-time costs worth planning for. Here’s what to expect upfront.
| Category | Cost Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption (Reputable breeder) | $600-$2,500 | Health testing, vaccinations, early socialization, pedigree |
| Adoption (Rescue/shelter) | $50-$300 | Basic veterinary care, spay/neuter, temperament evaluation |
| Initial veterinary care | $300-$600 | Exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter if needed, microchip |
| Essential supplies | $200-$400 | Crate, bed, leash, collar, food bowls, toys |
| Training classes | $150-$300 | Basic obedience, puppy socialization |
Unexpected costs have a way of showing up in year one more than any other. A starter emergency fund alongside a solid pet insurance plan is the best way to make sure they don’t catch you off guard.
What does it cost to own a Border collie each year?
Once you’re past year one, ownership costs settle into a more predictable rhythm. Here’s what most Border collie owners spend annually, though keep in mind these numbers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, your dog’s individual health needs, and the choices you make along the way.
| Category | Annual cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Food and treats | $600-$1,000 | Based on the recommended portion for your Border collie |
| Routine Veterinary Care | $500-$1,000 | Wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care |
| Professional Grooming | $200-$400 | Every Every 6 to 8 weeks, Double coat blows seasonally; daily brushing during those periods prevents matting. |
| Toys and Supplies | $200-$400 | Replacement items, mental stimulation toys |
What are popular Border collie names?
We’ve crunched the numbers, and found the top 10 most popular names for Border collie we see at Lemonade.
More names where those came from. If none of these are clicking, we’ve done the digging for you. Go find the one that sticks.
Border collie puppies
Puppy veterinary needs
The first year matters a lot. What happens between 8 weeks and 12 months shapes who this dog becomes. Here’s what to focus on.
The first few months are the most important window for your puppy’s health. Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks and continue through 16 weeks. After that, its annual boosters and routine screening as they grow into adults.
It’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we made it easy.
Puppy socialization
Border collie puppies are intensely focused, alert, and always looking for the next task to take on. That an intelligence and working drive that makes almost every other breed look like they're coasting is part of what makes them the most capable dog in the world for handlers who can genuinely match their needs, and it’s also why early socialization matters so much.
Between 8 and 16 weeks, get them in front of as much variety as possible. Different people, animals, sounds, surfaces, and locations. Keep every experience positive. Puppy classes are great for this: supervised, controlled, and full of exactly the kind of novelty a Border collie brain needs to learn that the world is mostly fine.
Where are Border collie’s most popular in the United States?
Based on Lemonade’s own policyholder data, Border collies are most popular in these five states. We’ve also thrown in a few things local pet owners should keep an eye on, so your pup can get out there and explore safely.
1. California
Foxtail grass is one of the sneakiest hazards for California dogs. The barbed seeds can embed in paws, ears, and noses from late spring through early fall, so check your dog after any outdoor time. Wildfire smoke is also a real seasonal concern; when air quality alerts are in effect, it's best to keep walks short and stay indoors as much as possible.
2. Texas
Texas heat is intense and sets in early. Hot pavement can burn paws from late spring through early fall, and heatstroke risk is high during midday walks in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and fire ants are also common hazards, particularly in suburban and rural areas.
3. Washington
Western Washington's wet, mild climate creates near-perfect conditions for fleas year-round, and slugs in the Pacific Northwest can carry lungworm, a parasite dogs can pick up by sniffing or eating them. Eastern Washington and the Cascades bring different risks, including rattlesnakes and wildlife encounters on trails, so knowing which side of the mountains you're on matters.
4. Florida
Florida's heat and humidity make heatstroke a real risk, especially in summer. Keep walks to cooler parts of the day and always bring water. Blue-green algae blooms in freshwater lakes and ponds can also be toxic to dogs, so it's best to keep pups out of standing or slow-moving water, particularly from late summer into fall.
5. New York
In New York City, street hazards are the main thing to watch. Dropped food, discarded gum containing xylitol, and litter are common ingestion risks on sidewalks and in parks. Upstate and in Long Island, the story shifts to ticks: New York is a Lyme disease hotspot, and black-legged ticks are active from early spring through late fall.
Breed comparison
Already leaning toward a Border collie? These breeds often get compared, here’s a quick snapshot of how they stack up.
Australian Shepherd
Both are highly intelligent herding breeds. Aussies are slightly more adaptable to family life. Border Collies are more intense, more driven, and need more mental stimulation daily.
Read more
Australian Kelpie
Both are intense, high-drive herding breeds. Kelpies are more independent and better suited to working roles. Border Collies are more trainable and slightly better for family life.
Read more
Blue Heeler
Both are energetic, intelligent herding breeds. Blue Heelers are more independent and stubborn. Border Collies are more trainable, more responsive, and slightly more family-friendly.
Read more
Australian Cattle Dog
Both are high-energy, intelligent herding breeds. Cattle Dogs are more independent and stubborn. Border Collies are more responsive to training and slightly better for family life.
Read more
Miniature Australian Shepherd
Both are intelligent herding breeds. Mini Aussies are smaller and more adaptable to limited space. Border Collies are more intense, more driven, and need more mental stimulation.
Read moreIs a Border collie right for you?
Border collies reward the right owner with a brilliance and responsiveness that makes working together genuinely thrilling and an intensity of bond with their handler that few breeds can approach. They just need 2 or more hours of structured daily work, consistent mental challenges, and an owner with genuine herding or dog sport experience in return. If you’re ready for that, you’re ready for a Border collie. Make sure they’re protected from day one.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.
Insurance claim data is based on Lemonade pet insurance claims that were settled and paid in 2025.
Average insurance premium data is based on Lemonade’s internal data and reflects the average premium over the last 12 complete months, accurate as of June 2026.
Top pet names are sourced from Lemonade’s database of pet names associated with submitted quotes and purchased policies.
Top states for each breed are based on the number of active Lemonade pet insurance policies for that breed in each state as of June 2026.