The Border Collie was originally a herder, specifically for sheep. Today, there’s not as much need for these dogs to perform herding duties or work in pastures, but that doesn’t change the need for jobs for Border Collies.
Your Border Collie wants to work. It’s in his genes, and assigning tasks and jobs to your dog will help him feel wanted and fulfilled — and keep him out of trouble, too. So if you don’t live on a farm but want to keep your Border Collie stimulated, we’ve got just the guide for you.
We’ve put together a list of jobs for Border Collies, ranging from little tasks your dog can do around the house to “career paths.” Here are the best ways you can put your Border Collie to work to keep him mentally active and content.
Before you read this guide, “Best Jobs for Border Collies” check out: Fun Border Collie Brain Games! (2023) and How Do I Help a Fat Border Collie Lose Weight? (2023).
A Short Border Collie History
Border Collies are born (and bred) herders originally put to work in shepherds’ fields. They’re loyal dogs, attentive to even the littlest of your family members, and incredibly smart.
The Border Collie was deliberately bred in England and Scotland as early as the 18th century. We don’t know the precise lineage, but it’s believed these pups are descendants of other types of Collies. In the 1800s, Border Collies grew in popularity among the middle and upper class, though they still worked.
Over the years, the Border Collie bloodlines have been fine-tuned, and they’re now AKC-recognized dogs that take part in shows and competitions.
In addition to showing and breeding Border Collies, kennels train these dogs to perform jobs in law enforcement, as service animals, in the military, and even in search and rescue operations.
As you can see, the Border Collie has a strong work ethic — by design. It stands to reason, then, that your dog will grow bored without a job, either informal or official. And boredom can lead to trouble! A bored Collie can be destructive, so let’s look at how you can put your beloved doggie to work for you!
Jobs for Border Collies
Do you have a Border Collie in need of mental stimulation? Are you thinking about adopting a Border Collie, but need ideas to keep his mind busy? Here are some of the top jobs for Border Collies.
Some will require additional (sometimes professional) training, while others are “jobs” your older Border Collie can do right at home.
Border Collies as Police Dogs
The Border Collie is a smart and exceptionally athletic dog, perfectly suited to perform duties in police work. They have a great sense of smell, perfect for crime scene investigations. And, in addition, they’re very intuitive! Border Collies in police work can sense when something’s not quite right.
This breed isn’t super popular in the price force right now, but they’re gaining in popularity as the need for the breed on farms declines. If you intend to breed and train your Border Collie for a job with the police, you’ll need to start his training very early.
Border Collies in the Military
Did you know that Border Collies were used on the battlefield during World War I? The British used these smart dogs to carry messages, guard soldiers, and even locate the injured.
In addition, the Border Collie is the perfect size and color — medium-sized and darker in coloration — to “blend in” and go unnoticed on the field.
Today, the Border Collie isn’t used much in war. However, some of the tasks the Border Collie performed during the Great War remain relevant today. They instinctively know when something’s wrong, and they’re extremely vigilant and loyal, making them wonderful service dogs.
Border Collies as Service Dogs
Speaking of service dogs, jobs for Border Collies include leading the visually impaired or just acting as registered emotional support animals for those with PTSD. They’re smart and affectionate, and the dogs can be trained to observe and notice when their handler is in distress.
If you plan to use a Border Collie as a service animal, plan to start training very early. Your dog is intelligent but he’s stubborn, and training will take skill and patience. If you need help, enlist the assistance of a trainer.
Alternatively, purchase your dog from a breeder who specializes in service dogs, and who will have resources for you to continue that training should you need the help.
Once your Border Collie is trained for service, he can be asked to pick up dropped objects, alert you to medical emergencies, and even open specially equipped doors for you.
Border Collies in Competition
Whether you want to show your dog or have him perform like Babe in the movie, your Border Collie will love the spirit of competition. Agility, smarts, and excitement make this dog breed ideal for competitive sports and other contests, so start training your dog today.
The AKC recognizes the Border Collie as a breed suitable for show. However, many breeders and enthusiasts have expressed concerns about breeding the dogs for appearance. They fear that breeding the dogs to refine their appearance will detract from the agility and intelligence of the dog.
However, these dogs continue to knock out the competition in one contest after another! Truant won best in his class at agility in 2023. Kaboom won the 2022 Masters Agility contest at Westminster.
Verb won the year before in 2021, and Pink in 2020! At the time of writing, Border Collies have won eight out of ten agility competitions at Westminster, so breeders must be doing something right!
You can start training your pup as early as eight weeks old, and your pup may be able to complete a full agility course by the time he’s around a year and a half old.
Border Collies in Household Jobs
Jobs for Border Collies don’t have to be professional or even “serious.” As we’ve noted, you’ll want to keep your Collie’s brain active — this will keep him content, and also keep him out of trouble.
Your Border Collie will adore you for setting up an agility course in the backyard. Jumps, cones, hoops, and even ladders are appropriate for this breed. Have patience and take training slowly so as not to frustrate you both, and your Border Collie will be zipping around the yard in no time at all!
Remember, too, that your dog is a herder. Task her with herding your children or your puppies. You can use your Border Collie as an alarm clock, too, by teaching them the command “wake” or something similar. Your kids will appreciate the warm wakeup in contrast to that harsh alarm.
Teach your Border Collie how to clean up after himself. Remember: your dog needs plenty of stimulation. In the process of keeping busy, it’s likely that he’ll leave his toys everywhere! Designate a basket or bucket for toys, then teach him a command to “herd” his toys together into the container.
Did you know that your Border Collie can also do household tasks like loading the washing machine and picking up trash? With patience and persistence, you’ll have the cleanest house, all thanks to your Collie!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still wondering about jobs for Border Collies? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions.
A bored Border Collie is a destructive Border Collie. It’s just in their nature! Their brains crave activity, so when you leave your dog to her own devices, she’s bound to make up her own activities.
If your Collie gets bored, you may find you’re coming home to a messy house or destroyed furniture. Keeping your dog entertained is critical to your sanity and their mental health.
Border Collies do not like to be left alone — at all. We don’t recommend more than four hours on their own. If you have a day job, we’d suggest a dog walker or doggy daycare.
Daycare is a fantastic opportunity for your Border Collie to show off and make new friends. There are many affordable options and most centers offer half-day programs.
Your Border Collie will be happiest when he’s tasked with jobs. Whether you’re training your dog to show in competition or to gather dirty laundry, you’re doing your dog a favor.
Jobs for Border Collies don’t have to be “professional” but they can be quite elaborate, even in your own home. You’ll need patience. He understands commands, but he’s strong-willed, which may make training more difficult.
Border Collies can be trained as service animals, as law enforcement dogs, and just to do jobs around the house. If the Collie is your first dog, however, you may be in for a surprise. Your dog is willful and stubborn, in part because of his intellect, and he may be resistant to commands at first.
Should you have difficulty teaching tricks, contact a trainer. By the same token, if you wish for your dog to have a career in law enforcement or as a service dog, training often begins with the breeder.
Conclusion for “Best Jobs for Border Collies”
Border Collies have historically been used as herding dogs, but they’re some of the most intelligent dogs on the planet. For that reason, your Collie will learn your commands with a bit of patience, and are therefore used as service dogs, in the military, in hunting, and as competition show dogs.
Consider these jobs for Border Collies before you begin your search for a new puppy, as many jobs will require that training begin at the breeder. If needed, seek out the guidance of a professional trainer to make the most of your Border Collie’s intellect and willingness to please.
If you find this guide, “Best Jobs for Border Collies,” helpful, check out:
- 8 Best Border Collie Rescues in the USA! (2023)
- The 5 Best Border Collie Rescues in Scotland! (2023)
- 12 Best Border Collie Breeders in the USA! (2023)
Learn more by watching “Border Collie Dogs 101: Are They Your Perfect Match?” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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