Border Collie Dogs & Puppies for Sale

Meet the Border Collie

Border Collies are medium-sized dogs that stand between 20 to 22 inches tall and weigh between 30 to 45 pounds. They look like a smaller version of the Australian Shepherd, but they sport a long feathered tail rather than a curly one.

The Border Collie has a thick, weather-resistant double coat, consisting of coarse outer hairs and a soft undercoat. Their coats will be one of two varieties; rough or smooth, although confusingly, this does not refer to the softness of their fur.

Those with rough coats have medium-length (3-inch) hair with plenty of feathering on their legs, chest, and belly. Those with smooth coats will have shorter (1-inch) fur of the same length all over. Smooth-coated Border Collies will usually have coarser feeling hair. Both types shed a lot and need brushing at least once a week but rarely require baths.

Border Collies most commonly are black and white, with black backs, ears, and tops of legs, and white faces, neck, chest feet, and tail tips. However, although rarer, Border Collies can also come in other colours. They can be any form of bicolour, tricolour, or merle and can also have tan markings.

The two most distinctive features of a Border Collie’s face are its ears and eyes. Interestingly, this breed can have fully erect, partially upright, and entirely dropped ears. In addition, their eye colours can vary between blue and brown. It’s also possible for those with the merle patterning to have odd coloured eyes.

Border Collies are a healthy and robust breed with an average 12 and 15 years lifespan. However, two primary genetic diseases are possible; Collie eye anomaly (CEA) and epilepsy. CEA is a congenital, inherited eye disease-specific to Collies. It can be very mild, not impairing vision. Still, if it progresses to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), it can result in blindness.

The temperament of a Border Collie

Border Collies are full of energy and possess impressive stamina, with most Border Collie owners tiring out well before them. These remarkable canines would run up to 50 miles a day in the Scottish border country! Therefore, they naturally need more daily exercise and mental stimulation than most dog breeds. So, they are not low maintenance or laidback pets by any means.

As a working dog, a Border Collie must have a way to direct positive energy. Therefore, leaving him in the garden is not enough, as this pup needs interactive play and challenging games. If you don’t have a flock of sheep for them to herd, you’ll need to find this Collie another job.

Luckily, they are very bright dogs, making them a joy to train. Thus, you can keep their minds and bodies active with tricks, dog sports, and agility courses. If a Border Collie does not get the mental stimulation it needs, it will create games. Almost always, these will be destructive, like digging or chewing.

While they need an outdoor space to release steam, your garden must be secure as these dogs will herd anything that moves. They can create mayhem with the neighbourhood cats, wildlife, and potentially even cyclists or children if they get out.

10 reasons to add a Border Collie to your family

They are master craftsmen - Border Collies do their job of herding sheep incredibly well, and watching them in action is mesmerising. They can intuitively respond to the shepherd and skillfully manoeuvre the sheep with their intense stare.
They make incredible athletes and acrobats - With their high energy and intelligent minds, these dogs can excel at almost anything. They can master agility courses, dog sports such as flying discs, tracking, and advanced obedience training.
They can learn almost anything - Bordie Collies have a strong desire to learn and will set their mind to understand anything that you try to teach them.
They can remember up to 1000 words - The amount of commands you can teach them is almost infinite.
They are sensitive to their owners’ needs - Border Collies have the impressive ability to predict what you need from them before you even ask.
You will increase your fitness and stamina - You cannot be a couch potato with a Border Collie. Meeting their high energy needs will help you improve your fitness abilities too. No need to pay for a gym membership anymore!
They were made for the British weather - As a breed from the UK, Collies and their thick, water-resistant coats can withstand the country’s unpredictable weather, from rain to snow.
They are one of the hardiest dog breeds - Border Collies have been around for centuries, and their genetics have not been altered much during this time. Therefore, they are generally very healthy canines.
They are adaptable - When trained and socialised from an early age, Border Collies can adapt to any situation, providing their needs continue to be met.
They are loyal companions - These canines are always looking for a way to help their owners out. Moreover, they will repay the time you put into them with affection, protection, and infinite devotion.

Best homes for a Border Collie

The most important thing to consider before getting a Border Collie is if you have the time and desire to exercise and play with them. A short daily walk and five minutes of fetch are not enough for this dog, so if you decide to bring this pup home, you’ll need to dedicate hours to their physical and mental health. Therefore, they are most suited to someone very active, which is why they do well with farmers who spend all day outside.

It’s best not to bring a Border Collie into a home with cats or other small animals. They are also not a good choice for families with young children. Even though early training can mould this canine into a domestic pet, you cannot train their instinct to nip, nudge, and bark out of them. Moreover, the noise of children playing will stimulate this instinct.

Frequently Asked Questions About Border Collie Puppies

Why should I choose a Border Collie from The Pedigree Paws rather than elsewhere?

At The Pedigree Paws, we partner with respected and trusted Bordie Collie breeders in the UK who have years of experience. We carefully pick who we work with to ensure all our puppies are being raised in the most ethical environment and conditions. Consequently, we do not (and never will) work with puppy mills, pet farms, or commercial facilities. We proudly stand for ethical puppy breeding, and these associations do not meet our morals. So, by choosing only the top breeders, our customers can have complete trust that choosing a Border Collie puppy through us is always an ethical and trustworthy decision.

Is a Border Collie the right puppy for me?

Border Collies are one of the most energetic needs, so they need much more exercise than your average pup. They are also one of the smartest, so they require plenty of mental stimulation to compensate for their lack of work. Therefore, Collies need a very active owner, such as someone who goes on daily hikes and runs. They also need someone who can train them and teach them things to prevent boredom. Border Collies will be cheerful, loving, and adaptable companions if their high energy needs are met. However, it's essential to know that they are a higher maintenance canine and choosing a Collie is a big commitment.

Is The Pedigree Paws trustworthy?

As pet owners ourselves, we know that not all pedigree breeders are reliable and ethical in what they do. For this reason, we created The Pedigree Paws, with our mission being to host a platform where puppy lovers can confidently choose their new companion. To demonstrate our trustworthiness, we have a comprehensive application process and strict requirements in place. Every dog breeder must pass these to list their animals on our platform.

Are Border Collie puppies from The Pedigree Paws healthy?

Border Collies have been around for a long time, and their genetics remain primarily unchanged. So while they are generally healthy, Collies are prone to a few specific illnesses like all pedigrees. Consequently, we do everything in our authority to ensure our Border Collie puppies will live a long and healthy life with their new owners. Our breeders must meet several requirements when it comes to their puppies' health. One is DNA testing their breeding Collies to show they have no genetic diseases, minimising the risk to the puppies. They also prepare your new Collie for the healthiest start by getting them a complete health checkup with their vet. The appointment also includes deworming, vaccinating, and microchipping them.

When can I receive my Border Collie puppy?

Your new puppy will stay with its mum in the breeder's home for the first eight to twelve weeks of its life. This time is vital for their growth; puppies who stay with their mothers for at least eight weeks are far less likely to develop health or development issues. We also know that early socialisation with this breed is crucial. So, while your new Collie is with the breeder, they will begin to get them familiar with humans, making your job easier. The breeder will confirm the exact date your Collie is ready after purchase, depending on the individual puppy.

Can I see the parents of my Border Collie puppy?

We know getting a new pedigree puppy can come with concerns about their health or temperament. To help put your mind at ease, we will help you set up first a video call with the breeder before the purchase. You can meet your new Collie and its parents either face to face or virtually to observe their health and check they have an even temperament.

Will I receive the pedigree documents of my Border Collie?

Whenever you buy from a respectable breeder, you should receive proof of the puppy's registration with it. Of course, some rogue dog breeders won't provide this, but at The Pedigree Paws, you'll be pleased to know all our breeders do. Our transparency gives our customers a guarantee that their new puppy is purebred, with internationally recognised documents to prove it. The breeder will register your Border Collie with one of the leading pedigree organisations, such as The Kennel Club.

Do your Border Collie puppies come from good breeders?

Absolutely; our extensive application process allows us to determine and work with the very best Border Collies breeders in the UK. Plus, along with our in-house assessments, our Collie breeders meet the conditions of the top international pedigree associations like FCI, KC and AKC. Subsequently, our platform is always a 100% trustworthy and ethical choice to choose your new Border Collie puppy.

Are these Border Collie puppies raised in a family home or breeding facility?

Border Collies are originally bred to be working dogs, and only in recent years, they have become house pets. So, early socialisation is vital; and our breeders help adapt them to humans by raising them in their homes. In a family home environment, they are acquainted with people straight away and quickly learn how to behave around them. And, of course, this is also the best environment for their health and wellbeing as they receive vital care from their mother. Unlike in commercial breeding facilities, all our puppies stay with their mothers and wean naturally.

How can I help my Border Collie settle into its new home?

Bringing a new puppy into the home is the beginning of an exciting new journey. Even so, it's still a massive change for your young pup, so naturally, they might feel scared or shy when they arrive. However, you can help them adapt quickly by creating a calm and safe environment. First, get everything ready for their arrival, including a comfy bed in a dark environment away from activity and noise. Then, when your puppy arrives, avoid the temptation to unleash them straight away. Instead, confidently show your new Collie around on their leash so they remain calm and understand who the leader is. If they appear anxious and don't want to interact, lead them to their bed and allow them to settle down there.