Border Collies are known for being calm and composed around humans. They are especially energetic and eager to please their owners, but do Border Collies get along with other dogs? The question is a fair and frequently asked one.
In this article, we are going to answer that question. Before getting started, it is important to note that no dog is the same. Just because a breed is generalized as aggressive does not mean an individual dog will be. With that out of the way, let’s get started and learn about if Border Collies get along with other breeds.
Table of Contents
Do Border Collies Get Along With Other Dogs?
Border Collies are generally seen as incredibly obedient around people. That said, some of the most obedient Border Collies can stop listening and turn aggressive at the sight of another dog. As a result, Border Collies have been known to not get along with other dogs very well.
The reason for their aggression towards dogs makes a lot of sense. Border Collies were bred as herd dogs. In other words, it was their job to help protect and keep the herd together. Because of this natural instinct within Border Collies, they view other animals, including dog breeds, as a threat to the herd.
That is not to say that all Border Collies are aggressive to other dogs or try to fight dogs on site. Instead, Border Collies tend to be more assertive to other dogs at the beginning. This includes nipping or barking. Although this may appear aggressive, it is simply the Border Collie sending a message to the other dog. Additionally, some Border Collies get along with other dogs really well.
To sum it up, Border Collies are not the most natural dog-friendly breed, but they don’t necessarily pick fights, and they can be incredibly playful and kind to other dogs as well.
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Border Collies are not the most dog-friendly breeds, making it important to select a companion dog that matches the Border Collie’s personality and tendencies. More so, Border Collies have very distinct characteristics that must be considered when selecting a companion dog.
For example, Border Collies have a lot of energy and sometimes play rough. You will need a dog that can hold its own against the Border Collie without becoming incredibly aggressive. More so, Border Collies are intelligent and like to work. The other companion dog should also be intelligent and listen well.
Most importantly, Border Collies have herding tendencies. Because of this fact, Border Collies can be aggressive to smaller animals. It is smart to select a breed that is not easily herded.
With these characteristics in mind, let’s take a look at the 10 best companion dog breeds to get for your Border Collie.
1. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are typically considered the ideal companion breed for a Border Collie. Although German Shepherds are nowhere near as intelligent as the Collies, they follow commands well and have a great work ethic. These key characteristics will complement a Border Collie extremely well.
At the same time, German Shepherds need a lot of exercise because they have a lot of energy. Because of their size, they will also be able to hold their own whenever your Border Collie starts playing a little bit rough. Its high energy and ability to roughhouse will allow your Border Collie to play happily.
2. Australian Shepherd
Another great companion breed for a Border Collie is an Australian Shepherd. These dogs are also very intelligent and are great at following demands. In terms of intelligence, Australian Shepherds are the best match for a Border Collie.
Australian Shepherds also have a lot of energy. Plus, they are herd dogs. This will mean that the two dogs complement each other because they were bred for the same purposes. If you have young children, however, two herding dogs may be incredibly overwhelming.
3. Golden Retriever
Being the most popular breed around the globe, the Golden Retriever is a great dog to pair with a Border Collie. They are intelligent, obedient, and incredibly energetic. All these features will allow a Golden Retriever to get along with the Border Collie really well.
Another benefit of a Golden Retriever is that they are considered a great breed for young children and other animals as well. In other words, the Golden Retriever is a great all-around dog if you have multiple factors you are trying to consider.
4. Labrador
Similar to the Golden Retriever is the Labrador. These dogs are active, intelligent, and very affectionate. Their personality complements a Border Collie in nearly every way. This dog will be able to hold its own against the rough playing Border Collie while still being gentle with your family.
Again, the Labrador is a great choice if you have a variety of factors to consider, such as children. This breed is very kind and good-natured, meaning that they get along with most dogs and nearly all people.
5. Standard Poodle
A Standard Poodle will get along with a Border Collie great as well. It is important to note that a Standard Poodle is large and can play rough. Small poodles and other small dogs will not get along well with a Border Collie at all.
In addition to the comparable sizes, Standard Poodles are incredibly intelligent, meaning that they will be obedient and willing with the Border Collie. They also require just as much exercise and are a great family dog.
6. English Pointer
Although English Pointers are declining in popularity, they are a great breed. These dogs are known to be intelligent, easy to train, and highly affectionate. These characteristics allow English Pointers to mesh well with the intelligent Border Collie.
At the same time, English Pointers are about the same size as a Border Collie and need the same amount of playtime. An English Pointer and Border Collie will certainly have a lot of fun playing together.
7. Belgian Shepherd (Belgian Tervuren)
The Belgian Shepherd is really similar to the German Shepherd. These dogs are larger than Border Collies. So, only get this breed if you are interested in having a really big dog. Despite their size, they are really loving and affectionate. They are also easy to train, which makes their size more manageable than other breeds.
On top of the similar intelligence between these two breeds, Belgian Shepherds are really playful and have a lot of energy. Their large size and high energy will make them the perfect playmate for a Border Collie.
8. Dalmatian
Dalmatians have a bad rap for being aggressive, but you can get them to stay in line if you have adequate time to train them. This is one of the only breeds that require more activity than a Border Collie. Because they require so much exercise, they will complement the Border Collies’ high energy well.
The one way where Dalmatians and Border Collies differ is that Dalmatians can be troublemakers and stubborn. Once again, taking the time to train them well should do the trick.
9. Boxer
The next dog breed on our list is the Boxer. Boxers are really energetic and love to play. In fact, they may need more exercise than most Border Collies. At the same time, they can hold their own really well. These two breeds will be able to play and have a lot of fun.
Although Boxers are really intelligent, they tend to be a bit rebellious. Boxers have even been known to encourage other dogs to go against rank as well. If you pair a Boxer with a Border Collie, training is a must.
10. Siberian Husky
Finally, the last breed on our list is the Siberian Husky. Even though many people are against this breed, they get along wonderfully with Border Collies because they are large, playful, and high-energy. Any Border Collie would love to play with a Siberian Husky.
The issue with Siberian Huskies is that they aren’t the best breeds for other animals and sometimes children. They require a whole lot of training, and training them may be tough. Only get a Siberian Husky companion if you are willing to put in a whole lot of work to train them.
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FAQ
Can Two Border Collies Live Together?
Yes! Border Collies actually make the best companion pet for other Border Collies. Since they are of the same breed, they have the same energy levels, quirky traits and are of the same size. This makes them the perfect companions for one another.
Having two Border Collies is an especially good idea if you do not have the time to exercise your Border Collie every day. Adding another Border Collie to the mix will allow the dogs to play with one another, which counts as exercise.
The one thing you need to be careful of when you have two Border Collies is them getting too rough when they play. With two roughhousing dogs, their play can escalate intentionally or unintentionally. Simply supervise how they play in the beginning and correct any unwanted behavior.
Are Border Collies Good With Small Dogs?
No. Border Collies are not good with small dogs. It is important to pair your Border Collie with other large dogs that can hold their own.
Since Border Collies were bred as herding animals, they naturally wanted to herd smaller creatures, including small dogs. If a Border Collie is around a small dog, it may try to herd the small dog, resulting in nipping and other aggressive behavior. Even if the Border Collie is not trying to hurt the smaller dog, it could happen on accident, or the smaller dog could get aggressive.
Recap
Even though Border Collies are not known as being the most aggressive dog in the world, they are not a natural with other dog breeds. Because of their herding background, many breeds do not get along well with the Border Collie.
If you are considering getting a companion for your Border Collie, it is important to select a breed that is energetic, intelligent, and can hold its own. We recommend the German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, or Golden Retriever. Any one of these dogs would get along well with your Border Collie, as well as other members of the household.
It is important to remember that not all Border Collies are going to be aggressive or uncomfortable around other dogs. Conversely, some Collies may not like the breeds on our list. Before getting any companion dog, it is important to introduce your Border Collie to it so you can see how they interact with one another.
