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Are Border Collies Good With Kids? Breed Suggestions & FAQs

Lorre Luther

By Lorre Luther

Dogs That Look Like and are Similar to Collies

Border Collies are sweet, medium-sized dogs that have tons of energy. Most are 18 to 22 inches at the shoulders and weigh between 30 and 55 pounds. They’re incredibly affectionate and intelligent, making wonderful companions for many individuals and families. But if you’re considering adding one of these playful dogs to your family, you may wonder if they’re typically good around kids. Border Collies were bred to herd and keep livestock in line, often nipping and nudging to prevent sheep and cattle from straying.

They have high prey drives and can be easily triggered into chasing small children and other animals. While Border Collies make great choices for active families with lots of space, the breed isn’t always the best choice for those with small children and other pets. But many do just fine with solid early socialization and obedience training, as these people-pleasing dogs excel in learning.

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Are Border Collies Friendly?

Although they often make wonderful family pets, Border Collies aren’t known for being particularly welcoming to strangers—some can be a bit reserved around new people, but others jump for joy when greeting new friends. Either way, most do fine with good early socialization and obedience training, as Border Collies are naturally friendly.

Do Border Collies Do Well Around Cats and Other Dogs?

a border collie dog and a kitten on a couch at home
Image Credit: xkunclova, Shutterstock

Border Collies have a serious herding heritage, so most have high prey drives and are inclined to chase and herd smaller creatures. With appropriate training and socialization, some do just fine around cats, but others never manage to entirely control their instincts and must be supervised around feline family members. Many Border Collies enjoy meeting canine friends, but others attempt to herd smaller dogs, which can result in doggy park conflicts if not controlled.

Do Border Collies Require Much Grooming?

Border Collies have two types of coats. Some have medium-length fur, and others have smooth short coats. Dogs with both coat types require weekly brushing to keep their fur free of tangles and mats. Most need daily grooming during shedding season. Baths every few months are more than enough to keep Border Collies’ skin and fur clean and healthy. While it’s fine for dogs to hit the tub when they get dirty, bathing them too often can dry out canine skin. Most don’t require trips to the grooming salon for regular haircuts. Like all dogs, they require regular at-home dental care and nail trims to prevent health issues like periodontitis and ingrown nails from developing.

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Do Border Collies Have Any Major Health Issues?

sick dog laying in bed
Image Credit: Lindsay Helms, Shutterstock

Border Collies are purebred dogs, so they are prone to developing a few breed-specific conditions, including hip dysplasia, epilepsy, eye conditions, and progressive renal atrophy.

Genetic Mutations

Herding breeds, including Border Collies, sometimes carry a genetic mutation that makes them more sensitive to certain medications, particularly flea and tick control products. The condition is relatively easy to detect with a simple blood test, and there are plenty of safe medications veterinarians can prescribe once they’re aware of the sensitivity.

Trapped neutrophil syndrome and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis are two genetic diseases found in some Border Collies. Tests are available for both conditions, which most reputable breeders regularly use to ensure their litters’ health.

Most Border Collies are sturdy, athletic animals that often live long, healthy lives. Many live for 12 to 15 years, which is a little higher than average for medium-sized dogs.

Are Border Collies Good Choices for First-Time Dog Owners?

Border Collies are incredibly intelligent and often tapped for search and rescue teams due to their smarts, drive, tenacity, and problem-solving skills. But they’re not known as a great breed for first-time owners.

Border Collies do best with experienced dog owners who know the ropes regarding training. They’re stunningly intelligent dogs that get bored quickly. Once no longer interested in training, Border Collies often tune out and start doing their own things.

They also have extremely high energy levels, so they’re easily distracted, which can make Border Collies challenging to control, particularly for inexperienced dog owners.

The breed does exceptionally well with positive, reward-based learning techniques. Shortening training sessions may also help Border Collies remain engaged and interested in mastering new skills.

a woman playing with border collie outdoor
Image Credit: Julia Zavalishina, Shutterstock

Are Border Collies Good Apartment Dogs?

Border Collies are often happiest when they have lots of open space. They’re great farm dogs and usually do well in rural environments where they can enjoy long walks and runs.

They’re incredibly active animals, with most requiring around 2 hours of daily exercise to stay mentally and physically fit. Also, they’re prone to barking, so they’re not always great choices for apartment dwellers. They often do best with active families who regularly enjoy walking, hiking, and exploring the great outdoors.

What Breeds Typically Do Well With Children?

Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Beagles often do quite well with children. They’re energetic and playful yet relaxed around and nurturing toward kids. Newfoundlands and Irish Setters make wonderful pets for families with children who spend lots of time outdoors—both breeds are known for their general love of small people.

Mutts are often fantastic childhood companions, as many are incredibly healthy and often have laid-back, flexible personalities. But all dogs, no matter how well socialized, should only directly interact with small children under active adult supervision.

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Conclusion

Border Collies are medium-sized dogs with plenty of energy and great herding skills, but they’re better suited for experienced owners with large yards. While they make excellent companions for many, Border Collies often do best in homes without small children and other pets due to the breed’s tendency to chase and herd smaller animals.

While some are fine with good socialization and training, other Border Collies never entirely manage to restrain their herding instincts.


Featured Image Credit: encierro, Shutterstock

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