Do border collies like snow? (Complete Answer)
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Most Border Collies love snow. They were bred to herd sheep in the hills of the Scottish-English border in all kinds of weather, and their weather-resistant double coat keeps them comfortable in cold conditions – many will happily chase snowballs for hours. They aren't as cold-proof as Arctic breeds like Huskies, though, and every dog is different.
Some Border Collies, especially smooth-coated, young, old or thin dogs, are less fond of the cold and would much rather curl up by the fireplace. The best way to find out if yours enjoys the snow is to take them out for a short romp and see how they react.
Can Border Collies live in cold weather?
Yes, Border Collies generally cope well with cold weather. Their double coat – a soft, dense undercoat under a weather-resistant outer coat – provides good insulation, especially in rough-coated dogs. Still, they are not as well-suited for extreme cold as breeds such as Huskies or Malamutes, and smooth-coated Border Collies have less protection.
When you live in a colder climate and are thinking of getting a Border Collie, be prepared to provide him or her with a warm, comfortable place to sleep inside your house.
Do Border Collies need coats in winter?
Most healthy Border Collies with a full double coat don't need a coat for normal winter walks. A coat or sweater is a good idea for smooth-coated dogs, puppies, seniors, thin dogs or dogs with health problems, and for any Border Collie in very cold, wet or windy weather, especially if they'll be standing around rather than running. Don’t forget their feet either: a winter paw balm protects their pads from ice and road salt.
As a rough guide, think about a coat when temperatures drop well below freezing (around -10 Celsius / 14 Fahrenheit and colder), or sooner if your dog shivers or seems reluctant to go out.
There are many different types of coats and sweaters available, so you should be able to find one that fits your Border Collie well and keeps him or her warm.
How cold is too cold for Border Collies?
There's no single cut-off, but as a general guide, most Border Collies are fine for normal walks and play around freezing. Below about -10 Celsius (14 Fahrenheit), keep outings shorter and keep an eye on their paws, ears and tail. When the temperature dips toward -20 Celsius (around 0 Fahrenheit) or lower, limit time outside to short trips, as they can develop frostbite or hypothermia if they are outside for too long. Wind and wet fur make it feel much colder.
Bring your dog inside if they shiver, lift their paws, slow down or seem confused, and call your vet if their skin looks pale, gray or blistered on the ears, tail or toes.
If you live in a climate where the temperatures get that cold, make sure you have a warm, comfortable place for your Border Collie to sleep inside your house.
Can Border Collies be kept outside?
While Border Collies can technically be kept outside, they are not meant to live there full-time. They are bred as working dogs and love being around people.
If you do decide to keep your Border Collie outside, make sure he or she has a warm, comfortable place to sleep and access to water that won’t freeze.
You should also bring your Border Collie inside regularly so he or she can spend time with you and your family.
Where should Border Collies sleep?
Border Collies should sleep inside your house so they can stay warm and be close to their family. If you do keep your Border Collie outside, make sure he or she has a warm, comfortable place to sleep and access to water that won’t freeze.
You may also want to consider getting a dog bed for your Border Collie so he or she has a designated spot to sleep inside your house.
Can Border Collies be left alone?
Border Collies are bred to be working dogs that enjoy being around people. As a result, they don’t do well if left alone for long periods of time. If you have to leave your Border Collie alone, provide them with a Kong toy or some other type of puzzle toy to keep them busy. You may also wish to consider adding another dog to your family as a form of companionship.
Is a Border Collie a good house dog?
Border Collies make great house dogs because they are bred to be working dogs that enjoy being around people. They are intelligent and active, so they need to have a job to do such as fetching the newspaper or playing catch.
If you are looking for a couch potato type of dog, a Border Collie is not the right breed for you. However, if you are looking for an active, intelligent dog that will be a loyal companion, a Border Collie may be the perfect choice. They are even one of the breeds that hop like a bunny.
Conclusion
Most Border Collies love snow and handle cold weather well thanks to their double coat, but they aren't an Arctic breed. In very cold weather, keep outings shorter, protect their paws, and make sure they have a warm, comfortable place to sleep indoors.
A few snow safety tips: trim the fur between the paw pads so ice balls don't form, rinse off road salt after walks, stop your dog from eating large amounts of snow, and keep them off frozen ponds and lakes, as thin ice is a real danger for dogs that love to chase.
You should also bring your Border Collie inside regularly so he or she can spend time with you and your family. Overall, Border Collies make great house dogs because they are bred to be working dogs that enjoy being around people.
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