Border Collie Dogs for Adoption

540 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 421–450 of 540 below.

About adopting a Border Collie

Widely considered the most intelligent of working dogs, the Border Collie is also one of the most demanding, and rescue Border Collies are often young dogs whose minds outran their owners' plans. They stare, they stalk, they herd whatever moves, and they need a job more than they need a couch.

Puppies and adolescents thrive on training, agility, disc, herding games, and puzzle work, and they can pick up new cues in a single session. Without that outlet, many develop obsessive habits like chasing shadows or nipping at running children. They tend to be sensitive to tone and do best with calm, positive handling.

A Border Collie in a quiet home with an active owner can be a superb companion. In a busy household with toddlers and no time for training, it is often a poor fit. Many are wary of strangers and sensitive to noise. Ask the shelter or rescue about the individual dog's background, its response to children and other animals, and how training has gone so far.

540 Border Collie dogs available — page 15 of 18

Photo of Tart, adoptable Border Collie in McKinney, Texas

Tart

Border Collie FemaleLarge1 year

My name may be Tart, but there’s nothing sour about this sweet little heart. I’m Tart (61647165), a 1 year old Border Collie mix weighing 40 pounds. I…

Collin County Animal Services • McKinney, TX

Photos coming soon

Jack

Border Collie MaleMedium2 years

2 years old. Gentle, calm, very socialized. Great with children, likes to spend time with you and play with toys. Good choice for a family with childr…

Lamancha Animal Rescue • Unionville, PA

Photo of Casey, adoptable Border Collie in McKinleyville, California

Casey

Border Collie FemaleMedium1 year

CASEYIs a lovely girl who would take cuddles and affection all day long, if she could! She is learning to walk politely on leash while out on daily wa…

Humboldt County Sheriff's Animal Shelter • McKinleyville, CA

Photo of Cassio, adoptable Border Collie in Oakland, California

Cassio

Border Collie MaleMedium2 years

Cassio – Wiggly, Affectionate, and Full of Charm Cassio is a 2-year-old Border Collie mix weighing 41 pounds with a delightful waggy personality and a…

Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA

Photo of Homer, adoptable Border Collie in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Homer

Border Collie Male0 years

Homer is a sweet, loving male Border Collie mix puppy. He is as playful as he is sweet. If you are looking for a companion who is as sweet as he is pl…

Camp Papillon Adoption & Rescue Inc • Stroudsburg, PA

Photo of Harvey, adoptable Border Collie in San Clemente, California

Harvey

Border Collie MaleMedium1 year

Harvey is a sweet dog with a heart full of charm and a smile that could win over just about anyone. He appears to be housebroken, knows his basic comm…

Coastal Animal Services Authority • San Clemente, CA

Photo of Tessy, adoptable Border Collie in Washington, District of Columbia

Tessy

Border Collie FemaleMedium2 years

TESSY NEEDS A FOREVER HOME!!!! Name: Tessy Best Guess for Breed: Lab mix Best Guess for Age: 2 years as of July 2026 SEX: Female Approximate Weight: 3…

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC

Photo of Sistine, adoptable Border Collie in Texas

Sistine

Border Collie FemaleSmall2 years

Sistene and her siblings were rescued from a 30+ dog hoarding case in North Texas and are a part of our Heartland 29 group. Sistene is a working dog w…

Border Collie Save & Rescue (BCSAVE) • TX

Photo of Lego, adoptable Border Collie in Texas

Lego

Border Collie MaleMedium4 years

🐾 Meet Lego! 🐶🖤 Lego is a dynamic black and white bundle of joy weighing in at 40 lbs. He’s a true athlete, always on the go, and his love for toys…

Border Collie Save & Rescue (BCSAVE) • TX

Photo of Kirby, adoptable Border Collie in Texas

Kirby

Border Collie MaleMedium6 years

Kirby is a transfer from our friends at Duck Team 6, a street dog rescue in the Dallas area with a mission to reduce the street dog population through…

Border Collie Save & Rescue (BCSAVE) • TX

Photo of Gem, adoptable Border Collie in Texas

Gem

Border Collie FemaleMedium2 years

Gem and her siblings were rescued from an 80+ dog hoarding case in North Texas. Gem (aka Gemma) was extremely shy at first, but has come around to ask…

Border Collie Save & Rescue (BCSAVE) • TX

Photo of Raya, adoptable Border Collie in Texas

Raya

Border Collie FemaleMedium3 years

We received a call for help from another rescue for a BC pup that had begun to demonstrate pretty bad dog reactivity and anxiety issues. The other res…

Border Collie Save & Rescue (BCSAVE) • TX

At Risk
Photo of Lakona, adoptable Border Collie in Texas

Lakona

Border Collie MaleMedium2 years

Follow Kona’s adventures on Instagram @foster_gma_abcr Lakona (Kona) was surrendered to our partner vet in March 2025 as a puppy to be euthanized afte…

Border Collie Save & Rescue (BCSAVE) • TX

Photo of King, adoptable Border Collie in Texas

King

Border Collie MaleMedium5 years

King was surrendered in MS last year with his sister by owners who had to move and were not able to safely keep them, so they opted to find a rescue. …

Border Collie Save & Rescue (BCSAVE) • TX

Photo of Willow, adoptable Border Collie in Texas

Willow

Border Collie FemaleMedium1 year

Willow is a BC mix pup found as a stray in Fort Worth in June 2025. She appears to be a large border collie/Pap mix, about 23 lbs and 17 1/2 in tall. …

Border Collie Save & Rescue (BCSAVE) • TX

Adopting a Border Collie — FAQ

Are Border Collies good family dogs?

Border Collies can be good family dogs in active households with older children and time for daily training. Their herding instinct may lead them to nip at running kids. Families expecting a low-maintenance pet usually struggle. An adult with a known family history is a safer choice.

How much exercise does a Border Collie need?

A Border Collie needs a lot of exercise and even more mental work. A long walk alone rarely satisfies a young one, so add fetch, agility, or training games. Many owners find that a well-trained Border Collie with a job settles better than one that simply runs.

Can a Border Collie live in an apartment?

A Border Collie can live in an apartment if the owner commits to substantial daily activity and training outside the home. Space matters less than engagement. Without it, boredom leads to barking and destruction. An adult with a calmer temperament, as described by the rescue, is more realistic.

How do I adopt a Border Collie?

Open any dog's profile to see the shelter or rescue caring for them, then use the adoption link or contact details to apply directly with that organization. Every Dog's Chance simply gathers listings in one place so they're easier to find.

Are Border Collie dogs a good fit for first-time adopters?

Many Border Collie dogs — especially adult dogs who are already house-trained — can be a great match for first-time owners. Each dog's profile and the shelter or rescue caring for them can tell you about that dog's individual energy level, training, and personality before you apply.

How much does it cost to adopt a Border Collie?

Adoption fees vary by shelter and rescue, but typically include spay/neuter, vaccinations, and a health check. Open any dog's profile and contact the organization directly for their current fee and what it covers.

Are Border Collie dogs good with children or other pets?

It depends on the individual dog more than the breed alone. The shelter or rescue caring for each dog can tell you about their history with kids, cats, and other dogs. Many organizations offer meet-and-greets to make sure the match is right for everyone before you commit.

Can I foster a Border Collie instead of adopting?

Many shelters and rescues offer a foster program, sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path. Fostering a Border Collie gets them out of a kennel and into a calm home, which is a great way to see if the match feels right before committing. Ask the organization on any dog's profile whether fostering is an option.

What should I expect in the first weeks after adopting a Border Collie?

Most dogs have a brief adjustment period — a few days to a couple of weeks — as they settle into a new home. A consistent routine, a comfortable place to rest, and patience make the transition easier for both of you. The shelter or rescue can tell you what to expect from the specific dog you're adopting.