Should I Get a Border Collie? Take the Quiz

Should I get a Border Collie? This quiz helps you answer that in a couple of minutes by checking your schedule, home and lifestyle against what the breed needs. Border Collies are amazing dogs and wonderful pets, but they aren’t a match for everyone. They need lots of daily exercise, attention and training, and when they don’t get it, it shows.

Take the Border Collie quiz below, then read on for what the questions are really testing and what to do with your result.

What a Border Collie Quiz Is Really Asking

Whatever the exact wording, a Border Collie quiz comes down to a handful of things that decide whether the breed will thrive with you.

• Do you have about two hours a day for exercise and brain work?
• Are you already active, or would a dog have to drag you out the door?
• Will you keep training for the dog’s whole life, not just through puppy classes?
• How long would the dog be alone each day, and with what to do?
• Can you get your dog out for daily runs and off-leash time? That matters more than a yard or square footage.
• Is there anyone at home, like toddlers or a cat, who might get herded or nipped?

Should I Get a Border Collie? Signs You’re a Good Match

A Border Collie is likely a good fit if most of these sound like you:

• You’re outdoors every day and want a dog to join you.
• You enjoy teaching a dog new things and see training as fun, not a chore.
• You’re home a good part of the day, or can pay for a dog walker or daycare.
• You like the idea of a dog sport such as agility, flyball, disc or herding.
• You want a dog that bonds closely and wants to be involved in everything you do.

If that’s you, the breed’s drive and intelligence will feel like a gift. Our page on Border Collie temperament describes what daily life with one is really like.

Signs a Border Collie May Not Fit Your Life Right Now

Be honest with yourself here. These are the situations where Border Collies tend to struggle:

• You want a dog that’s content with one short walk a day.
• You work long hours away from home and have no help.
• You have a busy household with toddlers and little time to supervise.
• You’re not interested in ongoing training.
• Your lease or building doesn’t allow a medium-sized, active dog.

None of this means you can never have one. It may just mean “not yet,” or that an older, calmer dog would suit you better than a puppy.

What to Do After the Quiz

Your result is a starting point, not a verdict. Use it to decide what to look into next.

If you’re new to dogs, read whether Border Collies are good for first-time owners. If you live in a flat, see how a Border Collie can live in an apartment. To understand the daily commitment, check how much exercise a Border Collie needs.

If you’re ready to move ahead, our guide to adopting a Border Collie walks you through the first weeks, and you can search for Border Collie rescues by state. Rescues often know their dogs’ energy levels well and can match you with one that fits your life.

Border Collie Quiz FAQ

Is a Border Collie Right for Me if I Work Full Time?

It can be, but only with a plan. A full-time worker needs a long walk before work, a midday break from a dog walker, daycare or neighbor, and real exercise and training in the evening. Without that help, a Border Collie left alone all day often becomes bored and destructive.

Is a Border Collie a Good Choice for a First Dog?

It’s a challenging first dog. Border Collies need more exercise, training and structure than most breeds, and they pick up bad habits quickly. Active first-time owners who are willing to learn can do well, especially with an adult rescue whose personality is already known.

How Much Time Does a Border Collie Need Each Day?

Plan on about two hours a day of exercise and mental work combined, plus time for grooming and calm rest. Some Border Collies need more and some a bit less, depending on age and energy level. Mental work like training and puzzle toys counts, and it tires them out quickly.

What Dog Is Right for Me if a Border Collie Isn’t?

If the quiz suggests a Border Collie isn’t a good fit, look at breeds or mixes known for lower energy, or an adult shelter dog whose temperament is already known. Shelters and rescues can tell you how a dog acts at home. If you like herding breeds, read about the Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd, though both are high energy.

How Big Do Border Collies Get?

Border Collies are medium-sized dogs. Most adults weigh about 12 to 25 kg (26 to 55 lb), with males usually larger than females, according to Wikipedia’s Border Collie article. Check that size against any weight limits in your lease before you commit.