Border Collie
12–15
lifespan (years)
12–20
weight (kg)
medium
size class
How old is your Border Collie?
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BASED ON AKC BREED DATA
About the Border Collie
The Border Collie is widely considered the smartest dog breed — an intense, athletic herding dog that needs a real job. Border Collies are reasonably long-lived and stay sharp for years.
Caring for a Border Collie
Mental work. A Border Collie without a job is a problem. It needs serious daily exercise plus genuine mental challenge.
Exercise. This is one of the most athletic breeds. Long runs, agility, or herding work suit it best.
Senior years. Border Collies often stay active late. Around age 9 to 10, adjust activity for an aging dog.
Border Collie questions
How long do Border Collies live?
Border Collies typically live 12 to 15 years.
When is a Border Collie a senior?
A Border Collie is generally considered senior around age 9 to 10.
Do Border Collies age slowly?
Border Collies age at a moderate medium-breed pace and tend to stay energetic into later life.
Lifespan data: American Kennel Club breed profile — akc.org/dog-breeds/border-collie
Guides about aging in Border Collies
- How long do Border Collies live? Border Collies typically live 12 to 15 years, among the longer-lived medium breeds, with cancer and neurological conditions the main risks.
- The multiply-by-seven myth, explained One dog year does not equal seven human years. Here is where the myth came from and what is actually true.
- Dog life stages explained Puppy, adolescent, adult, senior. The four life stages of a dog and what each one needs.
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