Do Border Collies Need a Yard?

Border collies, and other herders, such as Shelties, Aussies, and corgis, are bright and energetic family pets. It is wise to consider if your household is the right fit for these dogs. You may wonder if border collies need a lot of space and a yard, in particular, to be happy in your home. Can a border collie live in a small apartment?

Border collies do not have to have a yard, although it is nice to have one for these dynamic dogs. Border collies can be perfectly happy in a compact apartment. It is more important to give your dog plenty of attention and opportunities to exercise. These dogs also need games, toys, and a variety of activities for their busy minds.

High Energy And Need For Exercise

Without a doubt, border collies are as active and dynamic as dogs get, especially at a young age.

The border collie is a quintessential farm dog. These animals are well known for their bright minds, vigilance, the need to stay busy, and the tendency to herd cute little movers, including puppies, cats, and children. Their energy level is exceptionally high, which could be exhausting for an unprepared owner.

Border collies are highly intellectual. They are the brightest of all dog breeds, per Stanley Coren, a renowned canine psychologist. It means they cannot be as docile as some other dog breeds. Border collies need to keep their minds busy.

Attention, Exercise, And Things to Do Are Essential for Border Collies, A Spacious Yard Is Just a Bonus

If you live on a farm, a border collie will probably thrive and love all the space and livestock or chicken to round up. Even a small yard is a nice addition if you have an active pet. However, one is not available to many families and, frankly, it is not that important for the happiness of your herding pet.

An advantage of having a large backyard is that your dog can spend some time there when you are busy. Regularly, however, border collies, as well as most herding dogs, need to go on long walks, and hikes and spend time with the owner or other household members, including other pets.

It does not matter if you live in a farm house with a yard or a compact apartment in a city – you need to provide your pet with opportunities to exercise and keep his or her mind engaged.

Border collies are an amazing breed for households with active adults or families with school-age children who enjoy playing and interacting. As for a yard, these dogs enjoy one but do not need one any more than other dogs.

Ways To Keep Your Border Collie Busy

Other Pets

Border collies are suspicious of strangers and often act aloof. They are, however, very friendly and interactive with people and pets who belong to their pack.

It is a big decision whether to introduce a new cat or dog to the household, especially if your space and spare time are limited. If it is an option for your household, a border collie is likely to blossom with other pets in the household.

Your border collie could try to herd small animals, although most of these dogs overcome the urge with proper training. If a border collie is raised with another cat or dog, they typically live together very peacefully, probably sleeping in the same doggy bed and eating out of the same bowl.

Toys And Puzzles

For the times when you are busy, your border collie may love to spend time chewing and playing with dog toys and working on a puzzle for smart dogs.

Chew toys are great, and most dogs enjoy a treat from a treat-dispensing puzzle toy. Keep an eye on how much your dog consumes that way, especially if excess weight gain is an issue for your pet.

Activities And Adventures

Most of these dogs like to spend a good amount of time away from home – hiking, running, and playing games. Border collies do not always like water but aquatic activities and swimming can be great options for those dogs that acquire a taste for water.

Keeping your dog physically active and mentally engaged will also make your pet tired enough to let go of restlessness and hyperactivity upon returning home.

To Sum Up

As long as your pet can stay busy for a good portion of the day, your border collie will be equally happy and content in a small apartment or a house with a spacious yard.

There are many ways to keep your industrious herding dog occupied, depending on your circumstances. There is always the option of dog walkers or doggy daycare but, of course, those can be expensive solutions.