Border Collie Lifespan: How Long Do Border Collies Live?

The Border Collie is not only adorable but is also considered one of the smartest dog breeds.  

Border Collies got their name from being bred on the border between Scotland and England. Dogs as a species are quite intelligent, but no breed outperforms the Border Collie in terms of intellect. This breed was specifically trained and bred to be self-sufficient problem solvers capable of completing complicated tasks.

This dog continues to be the perfect family companion for people who love to be outdoors and love a dog that has a lot of energy to burn. After all, staying active is a must for this high-energy and incredibly smart dog breed! Curious to find out more about Border Collies? We’ve got the rundown on this fun dog breed including how long Border Collies live and how you can help to extend their life as your pet! 

How Long Do Border Collies Live?

The average lifespan for Border Collies is between 10 and 17 years. However, they most typically live to be 12 years old with the rare exception of living up to 18 years old. The median life expectancy of breeds of similar size is generally 12 to 13 years. 

One of the oldest Border Collies to ever live was Bramble. Bramble lived to be an astonishing 25 years old before passing away. She ate an all-vegetarian diet of organic vegetables, rice, and lentils. Bramble ate once a day and worked out a lot. Bramble’s age is considered to be 189 years old in dog years! She is reported to be the oldest living dog of her time, with a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.

The Average Border Collie Life Cycle

Now that we know just how long Border Collies live, let’s explore their average life cycle. Like other dog breeds, the Border Collie goes through similar life stages before it reaches adulthood. Let’s go into detail on these. 

Puppyhood

The typical birth weight of a Border Collie is 7-14 ounces. They are quite active as puppies. As they continue to grow, the puppies will begin to start socializing with not just their mother or siblings, but with everything in their environment. It’s a great idea to expose the puppies to new sounds and scents at such a young age, but the Border Collies should still remain with their mother until they’re weaned. 

Adolescence

Your dog is in adolescence between the ages of 6 and 18 months. Adolescent Border Collies eat enthusiastically when they approach their “teenage years” in order to sustain their high levels of energy and metabolism. At this time, they have all of their puppy teeth and will be transitioning to adult teeth, and their motor skills are much more developed. This is also the best stage to begin training them. 

Adulthood

Most Border Collies stop developing at 15 months old. Larger Border Collies, on the other hand, may take up to 18 months to fully grow. At roughly a year old, the majority of Border Collies will have reached adult height. Female Borders are regarded as adults when they are 24 months or two years old, whereas males do not achieve maturity until they are 36 months old. 

Common Health Problems That Impact The Border Collie Lifespan

Now that we know how long border collies live, it is pretty evident that they are a breed that is typically healthy. Border Collies, like any other dog breed, are prone to various illnesses and ailments. Continue reading for a list of frequent physical and genetic issues in Border Collies:

• Musculoskeletal disorders: As these dogs age, especially if they are very energetic as young adults, their joints take a beating. If they land incorrectly or a joint simply wears out, it can lead to painful disorders such as hip dysplasia or osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), a condition in which the joint cartilage and underlying bone can develop cracks as a puppy due to accelerated growth.
• Dental issues: Border Collies have a high rate of dental disorders. Tartar and plaque buildup along the gum line, much like in humans, can cause cavities and painful tooth loss.
• Neurological disorders: Although the Border Collie is a breed known for their energy, they are regrettably predisposed to canine epilepsy. The most prevalent type of epilepsy in Border Collies is idiopathic epilepsy. 

How To Extend The Life Of Your Border Collie 

Border Collies are a generally healthy dog breed with a pretty long lifespan when taken care of properly. If you are interested in getting a Border Collie, you’ll want to take good care of your dog since you’ll love them so much. That is why we have outlined the best ways that you can be proactive with your Border Collie’s health and happiness! 

Here are the top tips to help extend the life of your pet Border Collie: 

• Let them get plenty of exercise: Your Border Collie needs not just a lot of physical activity every day, but also mental stimulation. They are a very active dog breed that love to solve problems. They are not meant for apartment-living or a sedentary lifestyle. Be sure to take your Border Collie on long walks and engage it in fun activities. Engage in nose play games where they have to use their sense of smell to find a hidden treat and allow them to socialize with other dogs and humans. 
• Feed them a healthy diet: Border Collies are lively canines with a glossy coat. As a result, they should be fed a diet rich in proteins, oils, and veggies. In general, a raw diet, such as raw bones or meat, should be provided to the dog. Raw veggies such as spinach, zucchini, broccoli, green beans, and carrots are also healthy. Avoid foods that include flavoring, additives, preservatives, and other additives.
• Regular grooming: Grooming is essential for Border Collies in order to maintain their skin and hair bright, radiant, and healthy. Consistently bathing them is not required, but they must be combed and brushed on a regular basis.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/TamaraLSanchez