Border Collie breeders will tell you that Border Collies were born to roam and work for their food, but can a Border Collie live outside?
If you’re thinking about getting a Border Collie, you probably want to know if your new buddy can live outside. There is some controversy on this topic, but most Border Collie owners will agree they do best when given the option to roam outdoors and be truly well-exercised.
What is the best dog home for a border collie? There are many factors to consider, such as size, climate, exercise needs, etc. I know a lot of people talk about the ideal home for border collies. I also understand that every dog owner thinks they have the perfect home, but is it really?
Let’s take a closer look.
DO BORDER COLLIES NEED A LARGE YARD OR AREA?
Border Collies are a breed of herding dogs that are agile, smart, and energetic. Many people wonder if these traits make them suitable to be unleashed in an unfenced yard or need a large yard or area?
Border Collies love to chase, herd and have lots of companionships. Being a working dog, Border Collies can live outside as long as they get the required exercise and mental stimulation.
Being a Border Collie enthusiast and owner, I would say yes. They do need a spacious area to run around.
ARE BORDER COLLIES MORE COMFORTABLE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE?
Border Collie dogs are susceptible and pay close attention to everything that happens around them.
Due to this characteristic, it is an expert in sheep herding. If any sheep in the flock starts separating from the herd even a little bit, it immediately sends that sheep back to the pack.
But this very characteristic of them makes it difficult for them to stay indoors.
They are also startled by the sound of simple household appliances such as washing machines, mixers, and toasters, and they run under the sofa or hide behind the table.
It’s possible that if your Border Collie is getting upset because of these reasons, he won’t be able to get used to being indoors.
Moreover, Border Collies are generally allergic to things found indoors. Dust, mildew, pollen, and even shampoos made for some dogs can cause problems for them. Border Collies are commonly prone to these allergies and therefore do not like being indoors.
However, in a few days, the Border Collie expresses his choice of where he would like to live.
Frankly speaking, Border Collies are not made to live behind closed doors of the house. They are way more comfortable outdoors.
CAN BORDER COLLIES LIVE OUTSIDE?
Border Collies are known to roam far away from their homes with little or no fear. So the main question everyone asks is…” Can Border Collies live outside?”
Yes, border collies can live outside. They are energetic, fun-loving dogs, always happy when they are out. They feel most at home in an open area with lots of space on a farm (after all, this is what their ancestors were designed to do).
Most border collie owners set their dogs free to roam around, from the logic of letting a dog be a dog. However, this way of thinking often leaves many dogs lost or injured.
This breed has a nomadic nature and goes on long walks to take care of the neighborhood near them.
To keep this dog outside closed doors, make sure your backyard is protected by security. He uses his sharp intellect and learning ability as an escape artist. If you think you can keep it in any simple enclosure, then you need to think again.
Dogs of this breed easily climb a 6 feet wall, so you will need a fence of at least 8 to 10 feet high. They are also skilled in digging deep holes in the ground, so you have to put metal sheets 3 to 4 feet below the ground.
Due to this tendency, they cannot be left in the open for long without monitoring.
They are friendly and love your family, but this breed loves to explore. Usually, they mark their territory and don’t venture beyond that, but their territory can be up to 5 miles.
HOW CAN I KEEP A BORDER COLLIE IN MY APARTMENT?
Many people don’t realize Border Collies can make a perfect pet for someone living in an apartment or small house. They rarely require more space than a family room, and a fenced yard will do. They sometimes do better without the freedom to roam too far when they are young.
There are a few challenges to having a Border Collie in an apartment, but I will discuss how you can overcome them.
Contrary to what some people believe, they don’t need miles of open space but do need a great deal of exercise.
Border Collies can become frustrated and depressed if they spend too much time at home alone, have no interaction, and don’t have time to enjoy the streets. They start barking at everyone and start chasing cars in such situations.
The border collie needs approximately 1 hour and a half of daily exercise. That should be divided into various walks and activities: agility, a very suitable sport for this dog due to their great capacity for concentration. Your Border Collie should go out three times a day. Also, the rides must last at least 30 minutes.
CONCLUSION
The Border Collie will undoubtedly thrive in the countryside, in a house with a large garden. This shepherd dog, cut for work and endurance, will find happiness in the great outdoors and in nature, where he can run at will. The Border Collie is clearly not a dog that can sit idle for hours on end. He would very quickly run the risk of going in circles and being unhappy, to the point of developing problematic behaviors ( barking, destruction ) or of sinking into deep discomfort.
The Border Collie needs a handler available, able to take part in sports activities with him. Suppose you have to be away all day and leave your dog alone for hours on end. In that case, it doesn’t matter if he has several acres of land at his disposal: your Border Collie won’t be happier. Above all, this dog needs to stretch its legs and be stimulated, both physically and intellectually.