Read time: 6 mins
21 Dec 2019
Research suggests that the beautiful Border Collie is officially the most intelligent dog on the planet. And among the nicest, too. We've never met a Border Collie who hasn't stolen our hearts. Clever, loyal and affectionate, they make wonderful family members.
Originally raised to help shepherds in the Scottish borders, this is a breed with an off-the-chart work ethic. They're pre-set to herd and like to get everyone in order – you, the kids, other dogs. But not the cat. Obviously.
Their energetic lifestyle means it's extra-important that a Border Collie has a quality, balanced diet. Like a human athlete, an active dog needs plenty of protein, vitamins and minerals.
The human-quality meat in our meals contains essential amino acids that help to maintain strong and healthy muscles. It also provides energy and fatty acids which keeps their lovely thick coats – and constantly whirring brains – in great condition.
Based on our current customers, we estimate that adult Border Collies need around 712 calories per day. This can vary based on your pooch’s age, weight and activity level.
For an exact number, you'll need to tell us a few things about your pooch so that our super smart algorithm can work it out.
According to the PDSA, Border Collies require a minimum of two hours exercise per day.
This should be spread throughout the day to keep your Collie entertained and stimulated. Quality of exercise is also really important. Collies are born to run and this should be made possible during their exercise routine, they will not be satisfied with a walk on the lead.
Eventually, even the Border Collie needs to retire. Their brains remain active, but their bodies need a well-deserved rest. Like most breeds, Border Collies can develop arthritis with age. It's essential to carry on with gentle daily exercise to keep those joints moving, as well as to prevent weight gain. Many older working dogs pile on the pounds as activity levels drop.
Yes, Border Collies shed fur.
Collies have long, thick, double coats which can come in two different varieties, smooth or rough. This coat has evolved over many years to adapt to the often brutal outdoor conditions that a working Border Collie may face. They shed all year-round but extreme shedding takes place around Spring and Autumn to prepare for weather changes. For this reason they are not regarded as hypoallergenic or suitable for allergy sufferers.
It’s useful to note that no dog breed is considered 100% hypoallergenic, whilst some breeds are regarded as non-shedding, they will still produce dander (dead skin cells) which can also trigger allergy symptoms.
There are a few things you can do to minimise the effects of shedding from your Border Collie:
• Feed your pooch a high-quality food rich in protein sources and veg
• Maintain a regular brushing schedule, every few days should do the trick
• Hoover regularly
• Train your pooch to stay off the furniture and stay out of certain rooms
• Make lint rollers your best friend, they will change your entire existence
Much like most dog breeds, Collies are not aggressive by nature, but may demonstrate certain behaviours if they feel frightened or threatened. A typical example is often seen with working Border Collies when outsiders come onto their farmland. They will most likely bark or growl until they can be sure that the individual is not a threat.
Originally bred purely for hunting purposes, Collies are more likely to be aggressive if they have not had sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. Ensuring that both of these needs are catered for will help to keep your Collie happy and healthy.
Dog intelligence has three measures: instinctive intelligence (instilled by breeding – herding in this case), adaptive intelligence (what the dog learns naturally) and working or obedience intelligence (what it can be taught by humans).
Picture a sheep dog's skills, and you can see why the Border Collie ranks right at the top of the IQ chart. For pet parents there's pressure in such cleverness – Collies are constantly on high alert, watching and waiting for your next instruction and so continuous stimulation is extremely important.
The answer lies in plenty of company, lots of exercise and activities with a problem-solving element. These pups love a mind-bending task – puzzle games, new tricks, differential equations. They thrive in open spaces and suit an outdoor-orientated household. While they love their whole pack, these friendly pooches often develop a special bond with one individual. If you fancy striding out across the moors, your loyal and clever companion at your side, the Border Collie is the one for you.
According to research conducted by Pets4Homes UK as of 2023, the average cost of purchasing a Border Collie is £617.
First and foremost, you should ensure that you’re buying your pup from a reputable breeder or rescue centre. This will ensure that your dog has been bred and cared for in the right circumstances. A sound woof of advice from us, if it seems too good to be true, it’s likely that it is. A dog is a huge investment in time, money and love, so make sure that you take the time to do plenty of research before making any decisions.
As well as the cost to purchase a Border Collie, it is impawtent to be mindful of the other expenses involved when bringing a pooch into your life"
• Vaccines / flea and worming treatments (first dosage and boosters)
• Neutering / spaying (usually from 6 months onwards)
• Equipment (collar, harness, lead, bed, bowls, brushes, poo bags, toys)
• Food
• Insurance
• Daycare / boarding
Border Collies are a fit and hardy breed on the whole, but they can be prone to allergies. These could be triggered by pollen, dust mites, insects or food intolerances. We can help you guard against that last trigger, as we don't use any of the common allergens like wheat, corn or soy in our meals.
Renowned for being able to live off thin air, Border Collies don't always take the time to stop and eat, so it is essential to ensure that their diet will encourage them to eat enough. That’s where Butternut Box steps in.
Butternut's single-serve pouches are perfectly portioned to suit your dog's individual dietary needs, whatever their life stage. As your dog gets older, we can calculate the portions to fit in with a more sedentary lifestyle. Same nutrients, fewer calories – so clever, you'd be forgiven for thinking a Border Collie invented it.
