What age is Border Collie full grown?

  • Date: November 6, 2025
  • Time to read: 4 min.

A Border Collie is a highly intelligent and active breed of dog that makes a great companion for active families. As a medium-sized breed, Border Collies typically reach full size and maturity when they are between one and two years of age. However, the exact age at which a Border Collie is fully grown can vary depending on factors such as diet and environment. Knowing when your Border Collie has reached full size can help you provide the best care for them as they mature into adulthood. In this article, we’ll explore the growth timeline of a Border Collie and provide some tips for encouraging healthy growth.

What Age is a Border Collie Full Grown?

Border Collies are highly intelligent and versatile herding dogs, originally bred in the United Kingdom for use on farms and ranches. They are known for their loving, loyal personalities and can make wonderful family companions. But how big do these dogs grow and when do they reach their full adult size?

Physical Development

Border Collies typically reach their full adult size between 12 and 18 months of age. Adult males typically reach heights of around 22 to 24 inches (56 to 61 cm) and weigh between 30 to 45 pounds (13.6 to 20.4 kg). Females tend to be slightly smaller, standing at 20 to 22 inches (51 to 56 cm) and weighing between 27 to 42 pounds (12.2 to 19.1 kg).

At 8 weeks old, a Border Collie puppy will usually weigh between 10 and 12 pounds (4.5 to 5.4 kg). They will continue to grow as they reach adolescence, usually reaching their adult size by 18 months. During their adolescent period, they may grow up to 50% more than their 8 week weight.

Behavioral Development

Border Collies are highly intelligent and energetic dogs, which can make them a challenge to train and control. Though they can reach maturity physically by 18 months, their behavioral development can take a bit longer.

Border Collies are considered mentally mature at around two to three years of age. During this time, they are still considered young and may still exhibit puppy-like behaviors, such as chewing on objects or jumping up on people.

It is important to remember that Border Collies are highly intelligent and need a lot of mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They will benefit from regular training, playtime, and interactive activities to keep their minds occupied and prevent boredom.

Health Considerations

Border Collies are generally healthy and can live up to 15 years with proper care. However, they can be prone to certain health conditions, such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and epilepsy. It is important to have your dog checked regularly by a veterinarian to catch any potential health issues early.

Conclusion

Border Collies are intelligent, energetic, and loyal herding dogs that can make wonderful family companions. They usually reach their full adult size by 18 months, but their behavioral development can take up to three years to reach maturity. It is important to provide them with regular training, playtime, and interactive activities to keep their minds stimulated and ensure their health and happiness.

Common Myths About Border Collie Maturity

Despite their small size, Border Collies are not fully grown until they reach 2-3 years old. Many people mistakenly believe that Border Collies reach their full size much earlier than this.

Myth 1: Border Collies Reach Their Full Size as Puppies

This is false. Border Collies do not reach their full size until they reach 2-3 years old. During the puppy stage, they may grow rapidly, but their size will not reach the adult size until they are mature.

Myth 2: Border Collies Are Fully Grown After One Year

False. Although some Border Collies may reach their adult size after a year of age, most will not reach their full size until 2-3 years old. This is because Border Collies are considered slow maturing breeds.

Myth 3: Border Collies Stop Growing After One Year

False. Border Collies will continue to grow until they reach 2-3 years old, at which point they will reach their adult size. During this time, their growth rate may slow down, but they will still be growing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is Border Collie full grown?

Answer: Border Collies are typically considered to be full grown by two years of age.

How much exercise does a Border Collie need?

Answer: Border Collies require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. They need at least an hour of exercise a day, such as walks, runs, hikes, or a game of fetch. They can also benefit from activities like agility training or dog sports.

Conclusion

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Border Collies are intelligent and loyal herding dogs that typically reach their full adult size between 12 and 18 months. They are prone to certain health conditions, such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and epilepsy, so it is important to have them checked regularly by a veterinarian. To ensure their health and happiness, it is important to provide them with regular training, playtime, and interactive activities to keep their minds stimulated.

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