Pocket VetBorder Collie health guide
Border Collies are brilliant, intense working dogs. They're generally healthy but carry some inherited eye and joint conditions — and they genuinely need a job.
Size
Medium (14–20 kg)
Lifespan
12–15 years
Energy
Very high — needs work and mental stimulation
Common health concerns
Hip dysplasia
Joint malformation; keep lean and active.
Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
Inherited eye development issue; ask about screening.
Epilepsy
Some lines develop seizures, usually manageable.
MDR1 drug sensitivity
A gene mutation makes some herding breeds sensitive to certain medications — test before ivermectin-class drugs.
Care tips
- ✓1–2+ hours of exercise plus mental work daily
- ✓Ask your vet about MDR1 testing
- ✓Eye screening for breeding lines
- ✓Watch joints in agile, jumping dogs
Worried about your Border Collie?
Describe the symptoms (add a photo) and get an instant, calm triage — home care, vet soon, or emergency.
Check my dog nowSigns that need a vet
- ●Seizures — time them and call your vet
- ●Limping or stiffness
- ●Vision problems
- ●Obsessive behaviours from under-stimulation
Frequently asked
What is MDR1 in Border Collies?
A genetic mutation affecting drug metabolism in herding breeds. Affected dogs can react badly to certain common medications (like high-dose ivermectin). A simple DNA test tells you — ask your vet.
How much exercise does a Border Collie need?
A lot — typically 1–2 hours of physical exercise daily PLUS mental work (training, puzzles, herding games). An under-stimulated Border Collie becomes anxious and destructive.
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Pocket Vet editorial team
Written and maintained by the Pocket Vet editorial team using authoritative veterinary sources. Reviewed June 9, 2026. This guide is informational only and not a substitute for professional veterinary care — see our editorial & safety policy. When in doubt, contact your vet; in a true emergency, go to an emergency clinic immediately.
Sources