How Aggressive Are Border Collies? Breed Facts & FAQ

The Border Collie was originally bred to help farmers herd sheep. In fact, that’s the sole reason that they were named ““Collie”—in certain regions, the name is used to describe any sheepdog.

Are Border Collies aggressive in nature? No, Border Collies are not usually aggressive. Aggression is typically a response to a perceived threat, and while any dog can exhibit aggressive behavior in certain situations, this does not mean it is inherent to their nature. Like all breeds, Border Collies can learn alternative, more appropriate ways to respond to challenges. To better understand this topic, let’s take a closer look at the breed and its characteristics.

What’s the Border Collie Known For?

The first thing that you’ll be told by anyone who’s ever owned this dog is that they all have an intense stare—popularly known as the “eye.” They’ll sit and just stare at the livestock grazing, waiting for you to give them a command.

For generations, this breed has been considered the premium herding breed due to their stamina, inexhaustible energy, intelligence, and trainability level. To be a perfect match for a Border Collie, you have to be someone who’s active and ready to deal with a dog with high mental stimulation needs. These dogs are very smart and don’t fit the “laidback family pet” mold.

In short, the Border's workaholic attitude can be an asset or a liability, depending on how you look at it.

The Border Collie’s Disposition

If we had to pick words that best describe this breed’s personality, we’d pick smart, industrious, energetic, and as mentioned, alert. If you’re looking for a pet that’s going to be independent and strong-minded, you’re in the right place.

You must always remember that this dog has a compulsion to herd. So, even if there are no sheep around, they’ll “herd” whatever they can find. Owners have seen them try to herd cars, kids, and even other pets. Of course, this behavior can be tamed, but only if you start training them as a puppy.

How Aggressive Are Border Collies?

First off, it’s important to acknowledge the fact that any dog can exhibit disruptive behavior when left unsupervised or if they aren’t properly trained. So, it’s not correct to assume that Border Collies are aggressive, just because you met one that was. Aggression in Border Collies, as with any breed, may arise due to an undiagnosed health condition or a perceived threat that doesn’t truly exist.

Territorial aggression and fear are common causes of aggressive behavior in Border Collies. Scroll down to read more about these causes and how you can help your Border Collie with them.

What Are the Probable Causes of Aggression in Border Collies?

1. Territorial Aggression

Border Collies are highly intelligent and alert dogs, making them naturally protective of their home and family. When unfamiliar people or animals enter what they perceive to be their territory, they may show signs of aggression like barking, growling, or even snapping. This behaviour stems from their natural instinct for guarding. To prevent this, it’s vital to gradually socialize your Border Collie with visitors and other pets from a young age, in a calm and controlled environment, so that they understand that these encounters are not a threat.

2. Fear

Fear is a powerful trigger for aggression in many dogs, including Border Collies. If your dog feels cornered, threatened, or overwhelmed in any way, that can manifest in defensive behaviors like growling or snarling. Loud noises, unfamiliar environments, or negative past experiences can all be sources of fear. Identifying the root cause of your dog's fear can give you the insight you need to help them feel safe and secure, which in turn will reduce fear-based aggression. Positive reinforcement and gentle desensitization to the source of the fear can make a significant difference.

3. Medical Issues

Animals often feel pain the same way humans do. Whenever they are in pain, they also experience a lot of stress.  If your Border Collie is wounded, be gentle while addressing the issue at hand. A dog in pain is capable of biting, nipping, or growling.

Health complications might also be one of the causes. So, watch out for signs like restlessness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, confusion, etc.

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your pet, seek veterinary advice for the best course of action.

How to Deal With Situations Involving an Aggressive Border Collie

Don’t yell or worst of all, try to hit your dog. This will only make the situation worse when your prime goal should be to de-escalate the tension.

Do not pressure the dog to do something while they're still growling. The growl alone is enough to tell you that they are disinterested in whatever you want them to do. Respect their wishes, and take it as a sign that they need more room to breathe.

Lastly, you shouldn’t get them involved in any aggressive dominance-based activities while they are still in that state. These include tug of war and any other game that requires the dog to chase a moving target. Instead, focus on games designed to stimulate them mentally.

In Conclusion

Border Collies are not aggressive dogs. They’ll only show aggressive behavior if they aren’t properly socialized, if they feel threatened, are scared, or sick.

A lot of people fear getting them as family pets because they have important mental and physical activity needs that must be met to ensure their well-being. If you have the time and energy to keep them busy and provide them with proper training and socialization, you will have the perfect companion.

Featured Image Credit: ForeverNaturalPhotography, Shutterstock