Border Collies are not usually good for first-time owners, but they can be for the right first-time owner. If you have about two hours a day for exercise and training, enjoy teaching a dog, and will get help from a trainer early, a Border Collie can be a great first dog. If you want an easygoing companion, start with a calmer breed.
Border Collies are great for people who can give them the attention, mental stimulation and exercise they need. They take more work than most dogs. For the right person, that work is well worth it.
Are Border Collies Good for First-Time Owners?
Most trainers and breeders would call Border Collies a hard first dog, because they need far more exercise, training and structure than a typical pet. They’re very smart, so they learn bad habits as fast as good ones. A first-time owner who is active, patient and willing to learn can still do well, especially with an adult dog whose temperament is already known.
The breed isn’t hard because it’s difficult to train. It’s hard because it never stops needing something to do. Beginners often underestimate that part.
Is a Border Collie a Good First Dog for You?
Ask yourself these questions honestly:
- Are you ready for a dog that always wants to work?
- Are you ready to challenge it with training or games every day?
- Can you give it a couple of hours of exercise and activity, even in bad weather?
- Will you keep training it, week after week, long after the puppy classes end?
- Can you give it your full attention when it needs it?
If you answered yes to all or most of these, a Border Collie might be a good first dog for you. If you answered no to most of them, keep reading, because you may be happier with a different breed for now.
A Border Collie Can Suit First-Time Owners Who
- Run, hike, cycle or walk a lot and want a dog to join in.
- Like the idea of training as a hobby, or want to try dog sports like agility, flyball or herding.
- Work from home or can arrange a dog walker or daycare.
- Have a fenced yard or a reliable safe space for off-leash running nearby.
A Border Collie Is Probably Not the Right First Dog If You
- Want a dog that’s happy to lounge around most of the day.
- Work long hours away from home with no help.
- Have toddlers and little time to manage herding and nipping.
- Prefer short, casual walks to long, active outings.
What Makes Border Collies Hard for Beginners
Because they’re herding dogs, Border Collies are full of energy. That makes them playful and sometimes demanding. They do best in homes that give them a daily energy release, either with other dogs or with people.
Without enough mental stimulation, they can become little troublemakers. Common problems include chewing holes in things, scratching at doors and digging.
They also try to herd. Other pets and young children are frequent targets, and herding can come with nipping at heels. Some Border Collies are sensitive to motion and chase bikes, joggers or cars. Socialization and obedience training can redirect most of this, but it takes time and consistency. Our page on Border Collie temperament explains the herding instinct and personality in detail.
Many are also sensitive to noise and to harsh handling. Yelling or rough corrections tend to backfire. That’s why reward-based training works best with this breed.
The good news is that a Border Collie with proper exercise and training can be a wonderful household dog. My collie became one of the most affectionate, caring and friendly dogs I have ever known. But he wasn’t that way when I first got him. It took work.
What New Owners Love About Border Collies
There’s a reason so many people fall for this breed despite the warnings.
- They learn quickly and love having a job to do.
- They bond closely with their family.
- They’re keen partners for running, hiking and dog sports.
- They’re usually easy to house-train.
- Their medium size makes them practical for many homes.
For a beginner who wants an active partner, these are big pluses. The same eagerness that makes them a handful also makes them a joy to train.
A Little About Border Collies
The Border Collie comes from the Anglo-Scottish border region of Britain. It was developed as a working dog to herd sheep and other livestock, and breeders selected for intelligence, stamina and responsiveness to the handler. You can read more in our history of the Border Collie.
Today you’ll see them in agility, obedience, flyball and sheepdog trials, and they’re still used for herding around the world. They’re often described as one of the most intelligent dog breeds, which Wikipedia’s Border Collie article notes alongside their long working history.
While their past says they belong on farms, Border Collies have moved into homes as more people live in towns and cities. That isn’t a problem in itself, as long as you put in the effort to give them a full life.
How Much Time Does a Border Collie Need?
Border Collies need more daily exercise than most breeds, and they need much more mental stimulation too. Plan on about two hours a day of exercise and brain work combined.
They were built to cover a lot of ground on a farm. If they don’t get to burn that drive, they can become stressed and frustrated. The exact amount does depend on the dog. Some adults are content with a few solid walks and a game of fetch, while others need a long run every day. Our guide to how much exercise a Border Collie needs covers puppies, adults and seniors.
| Daily need | What it looks like | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Physical exercise | Walks, runs, fetch, off-leash play | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Mental work | Training, tricks, puzzle feeders, scent games | 20 to 30 minutes |
| Grooming | Brushing a few times a week, more when shedding | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Calm time | Rest in a crate or on a bed with a chew | Several hours |
Mental work can come from learning new commands, tricks or jobs around the house. It can also come from puzzle toys and other toys made for clever dogs. Don’t forget grooming either. Border Collies shed, and our shedding and grooming guide explains what to expect.
Puppy or Adult: Which Is Better for a First-Time Owner?
An adult Border Collie is often the better choice for a beginner. Its energy level, manners and quirks are already visible, so there are fewer surprises. Many rescues place dogs in foster homes first and can match you with a calmer, house-trained dog. Start with our list of Border Collie rescues by state.
A puppy gives you a clean slate, but it’s a lot for a first dog. You’ll handle house-training, teething, nipping and socialization all at once. If you go that route, read the Border Collie puppy guide before you bring one home.
How to Succeed as a First-Time Border Collie Owner
- Sign up for a reward-based training class in the first few weeks, and keep training at home every day. Our Border Collie training guide is a good place to start.
- Set a daily exercise routine before your dog arrives and stick to it.
- Give your dog a job: tricks, scent games, agility or fetching specific toys.
- Teach your dog to relax. Reward calm behavior and give it a quiet resting spot.
- Socialize gently with people, dogs, sounds and traffic, without overwhelming it.
- Find a vet early. The Border Collie vet care guide explains first visits and breed health screening.
- Get the basics ready ahead of time with this Border Collie supplies checklist.
Border Collies Compared to Other Breeds
There are hundreds of dog breeds, plus endless mixes. If a Border Collie doesn’t fit your life right now, there are plenty of other options.
Some dogs are small, some large. Some need hardly any exercise and are happy lying around all day. Then there are dogs like Border Collies that need lots of exercise and stimulation.
Some breeds, like Golden Retrievers, tend to be friendly and trusting with almost everyone. Border Collies are often more reserved with strangers and do best with steady socialization from a young age.
If you’re also weighing a similar herding breed, our comparison of the Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd shows how they differ. A calm adult mixed-breed dog from a local shelter can also be a great first dog.
Owning a Border Collie is not easy. They need constant work and care to live their best lives. When you put in the effort, they can be the best dog you’ll ever own. Without training, exercise and care, they can be among the hardest.
Border Collie First-Time Owner FAQ
Are Border Collies Easy to Train?
Border Collies learn very quickly, so the training itself is usually easy. The hard part is keeping up. They pick up bad habits just as fast as good ones, and they need training throughout their life, not just as puppies. Short daily sessions with treats and play work better than long ones.
Is a Border Collie a Good House Dog?
Yes, when its needs are met. A well-exercised Border Collie is usually clean, affectionate and calm indoors. Without enough exercise and mental work, it may chew, bark or herd people and pets. If you live in a small space, read our guide to Border Collies in apartments.
Are Border Collies Good With Other Dogs?
Many Border Collies get along well with other dogs, especially when socialized young. Some try to herd or control other dogs during play, and some are reserved with unfamiliar dogs. Introduce new dogs slowly on neutral ground, and supervise play until you know how your dog behaves.
Should I Get a Border Collie as My First Dog?
Get one only if you can commit to daily exercise, ongoing training and a lot of attention for a dog whose average lifespan is about 12 to 13 years. If you’re unsure, take our “Should I get a Border Collie?” quiz to test your lifestyle against the breed’s needs. An adult rescue is usually the easiest start.
Is a Border Collie Good for a Family With a First-Time Owner?
It can be, if an adult takes charge of training and exercise. Border Collies may herd and nip at running children, so families with very young kids need to supervise closely and teach both dog and children the rules. Older, active kids often make great training partners.
So the border collie will be my first dog but my wife had a huge sheep dog when she was young. I read a lot about border collies. I fell in love with them. I mainly want a running partner and someone to cheer me up on my bad days. I’m away about 6-7 hours in the day. Is this bad? During the weekend I would do many activities with her, just the week is a bit tight. I also have a medium big backyard but behind my house there are terribly huge fields. So I took that as an advantage. I found a breeder and I’m thinking of getting a border collie. On the internet I read that this breed needs a lot of time outside. It made me think. It’s a big commitment. But I’m willing to make it. Could you give me some advice
Sounds fine to me! Go for it!
We are getting a Labrador puppy in 2 months and we want to get a border collie pup soon after (4-6 months) but we have never had a dog before
Good luck! The best way is to just dive right in!
I’m thinking of getting a border collie as a first time dog but have worries about the “horror experiences”. I’m willing to put in the exercise, both mental and physical for the dog and training etc. I’ll be away for school for 8 hours in the fall so would that be alright?
Hi!
My partner and I decided to get a BC in April last year. Our girl is now a full sized 16 month, brilliant dog. My partner did have Yorkies but nothing bigger and I’ve never had a dog, and I must say we’re happy and loving our decision.
We needed a smart dog that liked being taught commands and complex ideas, that liked running and exercise and which bonded strongly.
Because there’s two of us this means we devote 1:30hs each per day (when we are time restricted) and up to 5 during non busy days (weekends, holidays…).
Before we adopted her we purposefully moved into a ground floor flat right next to 2 big car-free garden areas plus we’re surrounded by dog parks, so she is usually never walking on a leash unless we’re going somewhere.
We also have the advantage of living in a dog friendly area, so teaching her indoor manners when going for dinner, etc., has become our favourite sport, and it’s adequately challenging for her as well!
Even if you don’t have those many advantages, if you’re willing to invest time and love and efforts, you’ll get a wonderful dog that will bond with you really strongly.
🙂
Love to hear this! Thanks for sharing Alejandra! I hope everything is going well with the BC!
Just coincidentally came across your site and I’m glad I did! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
I’m adopting an 11-month old BC tomorrow and it’s not only my first dog as an adult, we’ll also be living together in an apartment.
Oh, I also live abroad so it’ll be an extra challenge…can’t see what lies ahead.
Good luck! I’d love to hear how it’s going!
Hi, I would love to get a Border Collie. I like the way they look and their intelligence. But every online search for their personality says the same thing – these dogs needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation. But my nephew has one and when i visit him she just comes and sits next to me. She’s the most chilled creature I ever seen. And not just her. I think Ive been to 4 breeders to check them out and each time the dogs come over for a pat, walk around with us and sit with us while we’re having a coffee and a chat. I honestly hate to leave them because thats exactly what I want. They’re not hurtling around the yard or dropping balls at my feet demanding a game. I wonder if the high energy/ nature of the breed is waning because breeders are choosing more chilled, easy going parents for their pups? If so maybe I shouldn’t be put off getting one on the generalisation of the breeds original purpose? Maybe they are not as high energy as Im being led to believe?
I wonder if its possible to see a quiet personality in a pup before they leave the breeder? ie in the first 8 weeks? What do you think? Cheers
My border collie mix (BC and red heeler) is very chill. He is older now, but has always been that way. Not all are the same. I still walk him every morning and play ball in the afternoons, but I have never had a problem with him being destructive.
I want to have a female border collie. My boyfriend and I lives in an apartment with 2 stubborn male cats in Den Haag. We adorpted them. We still have one extra big room we dont use. We love to walk to the forest, beaches and in the natures frequently. There are dogs playgrounds also near our house 10 minutes drive. I am not exercise person but i do cycling. But i want my dog smart, independed and easy to train. Is Border collie ok with us ? Because some say no to me.
If you have a small apartment and don’t go out much, then probably not.
We are looking to get a Border Collie pup after Christmas. We get out at least once a day but usually more. We want to train the BC to do some tricks and simple commands but we don’t know if the BC would like the smaller house we live in? Do they usually like cats because we have a senior cat who isn’t afraid to smack the dog in their face. WE have a good-sized backyard and are doing all the research possible to be prepared. Just wondering if our house is the right fit for a BC!
Sorry for the late response. Collies are highly intelligent and love to learn new commands and tricks. It depends on their personality but it sounds like you should be fine if you have a big yard and are willing to take her out daily. We have two cats and our collie at home. If you take the time to introduce them properly over a few weeks, then they will be perfectly fine together.