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.
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.
