How tall is a Border Collie?

An adult Border Collie stands about 21 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.

Is a Border Collie considered a medium dog?

Yes — at 21" / 43 lb, the Border Collie falls into the medium-breed size class (shoulder height 16–22"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #110 tallest.

How does a Border Collie compare to a person?

At 21" tall, a Border Collie stands about 33% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

Border Collie Size Compared to a Person

A Border Collie stands 21″ at the shoulder and weighs about 43 lb — that puts it at 33% of the height of an average adult (5′4″ / 64″). Of the 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #110 by shoulder height and falls into the medium-breed size class (Medium breeds, 16–22").

Border Collie next to a person at scale — 21-inch shoulder height, 43 lb. Drawn by iDogNames. — Border Collie at 21″ / 43 lb, next to an average adult at 5′4″ / 135 lb. Drawn to AKC breed standards.

How a Border Collie compares

	Border Collie	Person	Difference
Shoulder height	21″	64″	-43″
Weight	43 lb	135 lb	-92 lb

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About the Border Collie

The Border Collie is widely regarded as the most intelligent dog breed in the world. Originating from the Scottish-English border region, these remarkable herding dogs were developed to work livestock with an intensity and focus unmatched by any other breed. Their piercing gaze, known as "the eye," can control an entire flock of sheep, and their boundless energy and eagerness to learn make them exceptional working partners and competitors in agility, obedience, and flyball.

Similar-size breeds

The 8 breeds in the Medium size class with shoulder height closest to the Border Collie.

Finnish Hound — 21″ / 50 lb (same height)
Norwegian Elkhound — 21″ / 55 lb (same height)
Whippet — 21″ / 33 lb (same height)
Australian Shepherd — 22″ / 58 lb (+1″ vs Border Collie)
Bearded Collie — 22″ / 50 lb (+1″ vs Border Collie)
Black Mouth Cur — 22″ / 65 lb (+1″ vs Border Collie)
Bull Terrier — 22″ / 60 lb (+1″ vs Border Collie)
Canaan — 22″ / 50 lb (+1″ vs Border Collie)

Compare a Border Collie with another breed

Frequently asked

How tall is a Border Collie?: An adult Border Collie stands about 21 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.
Is a Border Collie considered a medium dog?: Yes — at 21" / 43 lb, the Border Collie falls into the medium-breed size class (shoulder height 16–22"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #110 tallest.
How does a Border Collie compare to a person?: At 21" tall, a Border Collie stands about 33% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

More on the Border Collie

Border Collie dog names & full breed page · All medium-size breeds · Visual atlas (Medium section) · Size comparison home