Every dog breed has its own talents and abilities, and border collies are definitely born for running. But how fast can a Border Collie run depends on how well it’s been trained.
The Border Collie has been recorded to reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour (48.28 kph)! The breed is naturally active and agile, making them amazing athletes.
How fast they are is no surprise since they were used as sheep herders. Their intelligence makes them a perfect fit for any active family, despite their natural herding tendencies.
Can Border Collies run long distances?
Yes! Although Border Collies are bred to work quickly and tirelessly, they can also run for long distances. In fact, their endurance is what makes them so good at dog sports such as agility competitions.
Another bonus of Border Collie’s speed is that they burn a lot of calories. Their lean body shape means that these pups are less likely to pack on excess pounds.
How Fast are Border Collies compared to other dog breeds?
Border Collies are one of the faster dog breeds, but some have recorded speeds of 30 miles per hour and faster. Other breeds that are known to be fast include:
- The Whippet – 35mph;
- Great Dane – 30mph;
- Greyhound – 45mph;
- Vizsla – 40mph;
- and Borzoi – 35mph.
Although they might not have the same endurance as other similar-sized dogs, Border Collies can run with the best of them.
Can I train a Border Collie to run fast?
Not only can you train a Border Collie to run fast, but it is encouraged. They are not always challenging themselves enough with daily exercise, so activities such as chasing after balls or frisbees are great ways to get them running more frequently and faster.
Best of all, Border Collies are naturally athletic lean, and very intelligent, so training them to run fast is easy.
How to train a Border Collie to run fast?
As mentioned before, it is not hard to train a Border Collie to run fast. Since they are so intelligent, it is easy to teach them new skills/tricks.
When to start training
Although it is probably unnecessary to start training your pup as soon as you bring them home, you should consider starting by their first year. This will give them plenty of time to develop the speed and stamina they need for exercise and other activities.
Be consistent
Consistency is key when training any dog, and Border Collies are no exception. You should teach them how to run fast, in the same way, every time. This will also help you avoid confusion for your pup when they are trying to learn something new. They must know what to expect when starting a new trick or exercise.
Give them the right diet
Border Collies are one of the healthiest breeds around. Even though they are naturally lean and active, your pup might need a little reinforcement.
Feeding them healthy food can help make sure that they get all of the nutrients they need to maintain their speed and endurance throughout their lives.
Don’t feed them too much! Since Border Collies are naturally lean, it is easy to feed them too much. Just like with humans, you should be aware of how many calories your pup needs every day and be discerning when it comes time to feed them.
Give them joint supplements
Border Collies can be prone to joint and hip problems, and these issues often arise as they get older. One way you can keep them healthy is by feeding them supplements that help with joint health.
This will ensure that your pup is not in any pain later in life and can continue running as fast as ever.
Give them off days
Pay attention to their tiredness signs and make sure that they get plenty of rest on off days.
Like humans, every dog has a limit to how far and fast they can run, so be aware of their cues and allow them to recover after working hard.
How to take care of a Border Collie while training
There are a few things you can do when it comes to taking care of a Border Collie while training them to run fast.
Keep them hydrated
Just like humans, dehydration occurs when the pup doesn’t have enough water in its system. They must stay hydrated while training, just like you would do before a workout.
Make sure that there is plenty of access to fresh, clean water throughout the day so your pup can drink when they need it.
Keep them in good health
Since Border Collies are so healthy, it is easy to forget that they need just as much maintenance as any other breed.
Make sure they visit the vet regularly and get all of their shots, so you don’t have to worry about them getting sick.
Don’t over-exercise or strain them
Since your Border Collie likes to run and jump, it is easy to assume that they can handle more than an average dog.
Always be aware of your pup’s limits, and when they start showing signs, that might indicate that they are overworked.
When you see any of the following signs in your run-loving pup:
- Slowing down;
- Panting excessively;
- Refusal to eat or drink;
- Hunched back or low posture.
You should take them to the vet ASAP. These are all signs of overworked muscles and bones that might need some rest to heal properly.
Regular vet physical checkups
Physical checkups are also important to ensure that there are no long-term health problems that are being ignored.
While Border Collies are incredibly healthy, there are risks of conditions that can arise as they age. Make sure your vet gives them a quick checkup every six months to make sure they stay on track for a long and happy life.
Factors Affecting How Fast Can Border Collies Run
There are other factors affecting how fast Border Collies can run, some of which are more obvious than others.
The temperature
Border Collies do best in cooler weather because they don’t sweat like humans. When you exercise them during hot or humid days, they might get overheated and sick. Make sure to only exercise your pup on days with moderate temperatures.
The weight
Just like with humans, too much or too little weight can impact how fast your Border Collie can run.
The best is to keep their weight in a healthy range and exercise them regularly with runs and games to ensure that they stay fit and trim.
The Age
Age is a factor that affects how fast Border Collies can run. At young ages, they are full of energy and love to jump with excitement. When training them to run fast, you must keep this in mind not to push their bodies too hard too quickly.
Border Collies are only considered full-grown around two years of age, so they need to be able to adapt to their bodies changes while still getting the exercise they need.
Don’t push your pup too hard while training them if they are under 2 years old because it can affect their joints and bones in the long run.
What is the fastest dog in the world?
Greyhounds are the fastest dogs in the world, with a top speed of 45 mph (72.42 kph).
Border Collies aren’t too far behind their speedy relatives, though they usually can only run up to 30 mph (48.28 kph).
What is the second fastest dog in the world?
The Saluki is the second fastest dog breed in the world and can run up to 42 mph (67.59 kph). The Saluki breed is closely related to the Afghan Hound and is often confused with other similar breeds because of their long, silky coat.
Conclusion
Border Collies are known for their speed, intelligence, athleticism, and energy. With a little bit of work starting early on in their lives, they can be great runners.
Just make sure to train them right and stay aware of how much activity they can handle at a time.
Responsible Border Collie owners will want to keep their dogs healthy for years to come, so you must keep a close eye on their health.
