Are Border Collies Hypoallergenic?

Dog allergies are frustrating. As cute as puppies are, it’s hard to live around dogs when you suffer from dog allergies. Dogs shed, and carry dander, spreading it around which can irritate your throat and cause rashes. Shedding though, is just one part of the problem. Thankfully, some dogs are hypoallergenic, or at least more allergy-friendly than other dog breeds. Technically, no dog is truly hypoallergenic, even non-shedding dogs. Some people are allergic to a dog’s saliva, not their fur. So, what about Border Collies? Are Border Collies hypoallergenic? Keep reading to find out!

Are Border Collies Allergy-Friendly?

Sadly, Border Collies are not hypoallergenic. Although they aren’t allergy-friendly, this doesn’t mean you can’t own, pet, or interact with a Border Collie. However, touching or being in the same room as these lovable pets may cause rashes, sneezing, coughing, headaches, and more. Border Collies have thick double coats that shed frequently. Unlike poodles, which are more hypoallergenic, Border Collies’ fur does not trap allergens inside, instead, it drags and releases allergens into the environment.

Do Border Collies Shed a Lot?

Border Collies are not hypoallergenic because they are heavy shedders. They shed year-round, so brushing once every two to three days can help get rid of additional fur and allergens. However, in fall and spring, they shed a lot more. Border Collie fur has a way of hiding in small spaces. To lower your risk of an allergic reaction, sweep, and vacuum in even the tightest of spaces, including under furniture.

Are Border Collies High Maintenance?

Border Collies are high-maintenance dogs. They need a family with experience, patience, and time. Border Collies are energetic and need a lot of mental and physical training and exercise. They were bred as working dogs, and although now are our furry friends, still need to burn energy.

About Border Collies

If you’re thinking about getting a Border Collie, you should know as much as possible about them. Border Collies are affectionate and intelligent dogs. They vary in size, color, and temperament. Keep reading to learn more about this adorable and bright-eyed dog breed.

History

Border Collies have existed since the 19th century, but took centuries to form. They were bred as working herding dogs and descend from landrace collies. They originate from the Anglo-Scottish border. The first ‘true’ Border Collie was Old Hemp, a tricolor dog. Interestingly, this dog was bred by Adam Telfer. All pure Border Collies have some relation to Old Help as in his lifetime he sired about 200 puppies.

The first mention of a Border Collie dog breed was in 1915 to distinguish between collie dog breeds. Border Collies were quickly bred and transported all over the world including Canada, the United States, and New Zealand to work as sheep herding dogs. Although some Border Collies still work on farms, not all Border Collie owners are farmers. Instead, they are wonderful family dogs, perfect for energetic families.

Size and Description

Border Collies vary in size and coat, but they are generally medium-sized dogs. They are about 18 to 24 inches tall. Male Border Collies are slightly larger than females. They also weigh about 26 to 55 pounds. Border Collies have thick double coats. The texture ranges from smooth to lightly curled. Although most Border Collies have black and white coats with markings, other colors are accepted including red, brown, blue, and silver. While they have tri-colored coats, some Border Collies can be born with single-color coats.

Possibly one of the captivating things about a Border Collie is its eyes. These lovely dogs can have deep brown, bright green, or icy blue eyes. Heterochromia is also common, so don’t be surprised if your Border Collie pup has eyes of two different colors. Interestingly, even a Border Collie’s ears vary. Some droop low, while others are raised or semi-erect.

Temperament

While it’s true that Border Collies have spunky and independent temperaments, they are also unique. Each Border Collie has their personality. Since they were bred as working dogs, Border Collies are easy to train, but also high-energy. This also translates to boredom. You can’t leave your Border Collie alone for long hours, as they can get bored and look for fun in different ways.

Border Collies are some of the most intelligent dogs. Because of this, they need a lot of mental and physical exercise. They are also very affectionate, and respond well to positive reinforcement with treats and affection, like pets. Usually, Border Collies get along with other dogs. They see them as companions to play with, perfect for burning energy. If you decide to adopt a Border Collie, know that this dog breed should be walked at least twice a day for forty-five minutes, if not more.

Border Collies have a reputation for acting ‘naughty’, but this is usually a sign they aren’t stimulated enough. If your Collie puppy is chewing your shoes or scratching at the walls, you’ll need to keep them entertained. You can create games, or purchase dog puzzles. Some puzzles use treats to entice pets to solve them.

Grooming

Border Collies shed and have medium-length coats. Although you may think they require a tough grooming regime, this isn’t true. In terms of grooming, Border Collies are low-maintenance. However, you should brush their fur at least once every few days. Their fur isn’t a problem, so you don’t need to rush them to the groomers for haircuts every month. Instead, Border Collies need baths about once every three months or longer. However, if your puppy gets dirty, you can bathe them before three months. Overbathing though is never recommended. It can strip your dog’s natural oils from its skin, irritating it. You also should consistently trim your dog’s nails at least once a month so the nail is 2mm away from the quick.

Health

Border Collies are generally healthy dogs. They can live for up to 17 years, although most live until they are 12. Although not super common, some Border Collies suffer from health conditions like hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and Addison Disease. Sadly, the leading cause of death in Border Collies is cancer, which is usually found during old age. After cancer, the leading cause of death is old age. Collie eye anomaly (CEA) and epilepsy are the most common and concerning health conditions that can plague a Border Collie. This is why it’s important to take your puppy to the vet frequently for check-ups and vaccines.

How To Minimize Allergies From Your Border Collie

It’s not the end of the world if you suffer from dog allergies. You won’t have to sacrifice your long-held dream of owning an incredible Border Collie. Instead, there are a few things you can do to minimize your allergies, especially if they are mild.

First, it’s all about cleaning. Fur, dander, and saliva fall on the ground and can spread quickly. Fur balls can multiply in just two days! To minimize your reaction, experts recommend sweeping and vacuuming at least once a day. You can also purchase a lint or fur remover and swipe at your furniture and clothes throughout the day. Cleaning though needs to be consistent. If you don’t keep up, in a few days, your floor will be covered in Border Collie fur.

To limit how many allergens your dog brings in and spreads, you should also groom and wipe them after each walk. Sometimes, dogs carry inside allergens like pollen and grass. Environmental allergies are also common in dogs, so you can minimize both of your allergies.