Border Collie Size & Weight Chart: How Big Do They Get?
Written for general planning, not medical advice — no one at Argos Paws is a veterinarian. If something is wrong with your dog right now, call your vet or the nearest emergency clinic.
Quick answer: A full-grown Border Collie typically weighs 27-45 lb (12-20 kg) and stands 18-22 in (46-56 cm) tall at the shoulder. Most reach their adult size by around 12-15 months.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
The Border Collie is a British herding breed widely regarded as the most intelligent and trainable of all dogs. Bred to work sheep all day on the hills of the Scottish-English border, it needs a job, not just a walk.
| Size category | Medium |
|---|---|
| Typical adult weight | 27-45 lb (12-20 kg) |
| Height at the shoulder | 18-22 in (46-56 cm) |
| Full grown by | 12-15 months |
| Life expectancy | 12-15 years |
Male vs female Border Collie size
| Weight | Height | |
|---|---|---|
| Male | Not set by the standard | 19-22 in (48-56 cm) |
| Female | Not set by the standard | 18-21 in (46-53 cm) |
Per the AKC breed standard. Individual dogs can sit outside these ranges and still be perfectly healthy — body condition matters more than hitting a number.
Border Collie weight chart by age (lb & kg)
Estimated weights for an average Border Collie puppy, based on the typical growth curve for a medium breed. Males usually track toward the top of each figure, females toward the bottom.
| Age | Weight (lb) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 months | ~10 lb | ~4.5 kg |
| 3 months | ~16 lb | ~7.3 kg |
| 4 months | ~22 lb | ~10 kg |
| 5 months | ~26 lb | ~12 kg |
| 6 months | ~31 lb | ~14 kg |
| 12-15 months (full grown) | 27-45 lb | 12-20 kg |
When does a Border Collie stop growing?
As a medium breed, Border Collies typically reach adult weight by around 12-15 months. Smaller breeds like the Border Collie reach full height and fill out fairly close together, so growth tends to look "done" all at once.
Use the Puppy Weight Predictor below — it's pre-loaded with the Border Collie's growth curve, so just enter your puppy's current weight and age.
Predict your Border Collie's adult weight
Enter your puppy's current weight and age to get an estimate based on this breed's typical growth curve.
Open the Puppy Weight PredictorHow much does it cost to feed a Border Collie?
A typical adult Border Collie (36 lb, average activity) needs roughly 910 kcal/day — about 0.5 lb (2.1 cups) of dry kibble per day, which works out to around $32/month at typical kibble prices. Fresh or subscription-style food usually costs more, around $364/month for the same dog. These are population-level estimates — use the calculator below for a number based on your dog's actual weight and food type, or see the Border Collie feeding chart for puppy amounts by month.
Estimate Border Collie food costs
Pre-filled with this breed's typical adult weight — adjust activity level and food type to get your monthly estimate.
Open the Dog Food Cost CalculatorBrowse dog food sized for a Border Collie
Compare dry, wet, and breed-specific formulas — filter by your dog's size and life stage to narrow it down.
Browse dog food on Amazon(affiliate link)How old is my Border Collie in human years?
The old "×7" rule doesn't hold up — medium breeds like the Border Collie age at their own rate, not a generic one. Use the calculator below, pre-set to this breed's size.
Convert your Border Collie's age
Pre-filled with this breed's size category for a more accurate human-year estimate than a flat multiplier.
Open the Border Collie Age CalculatorCommon health considerations
- Collie eye anomaly, an inherited eye condition, is documented in the breed — reputable breeders DNA-test for it.
- Epilepsy occurs at a higher rate than in many breeds.
- Hip dysplasia and trapped neutrophil syndrome (an inherited immune disorder) are also screened for in breeding lines.
This is general breed-level information, not a diagnosis or a prediction for any individual dog. Talk to your vet about health screening and preventive care specific to your dog.
Is pet insurance worth it for a Border Collie?
See a typical monthly premium for this breed and whether it would likely pay off against a major vet bill.
Border Collie insurance costSimilar breeds
Based on energy level, living-space fit, and care needs, these breeds are closest to the Border Collie:
Take our breed match quiz
Answer a few quick questions about your lifestyle and living space to see which breeds — not just the Border Collie — actually fit best.
Take the Breed Match QuizFrequently asked questions
How much does a full-grown Border Collie weigh?
A full-grown Border Collie typically weighs 27-45 lb (12-20 kg), making it a medium breed. Individual dogs vary within that range depending on sex, genetics, and body condition — use the Puppy Weight Predictor above for an estimate based on your specific puppy's current weight and age.
How tall is a full-grown Border Collie?
A full-grown Border Collie stands 18-22 in (46-56 cm) tall, measured at the shoulder (withers). Males are typically 19-22 in (48-56 cm) and females 18-21 in (46-53 cm).
When does a Border Collie stop growing?
As a medium breed, Border Collies typically reach adult weight by around 12-15 months. Height typically levels off a bit before this; smaller breeds like this one fill out relatively quickly once they reach height.
Is a Border Collie a good first dog?
The Border Collie is usually better suited to an owner with some prior dog experience. That doesn't rule out a well-prepared first-time owner, but the breed's needs are less forgiving of a learn-as-you-go approach.
How much exercise does a Border Collie need?
A lot. The Border Collie needs serious daily exercise — 60-90+ minutes, ideally with a job to do (training, fetch, hiking) rather than just a walk. An under-exercised Border Collie is a common source of destructive or restless behavior.
Is a Border Collie good with kids?
Can do fine with kids, particularly older or calmer ones, but it's more situational than a clear yes — a lot depends on the individual dog's temperament and how it was raised.
How much grooming does a Border Collie need?
A moderate, manageable routine — weekly brushing covers most Border Collies, with occasional baths as needed.