Border Collie Dogs for Adoption

540 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 511–540 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 18 of 18

Photo of Asher, adoptable Border Collie in Dana Point, California

Asher

Border Collie MaleMedium0 years

Meet Asher 🖤 Asher is a 3.5 month old Border Collie/Lab mix with soulful eyes and the sweetest little personality. He’s gentle, affectionate, playful…

Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA

Photo of Lady Luna, adoptable Border Collie in Washington, District of Columbia

Lady Luna

Border Collie FemaleLarge1 year

LADY LUNA NEEDS A FOREVER HOME!!!! Come meet Lady Luna and other great adoptable dogs this Sunday (8/16) from 12-3 pm at the PetSmart in Falls Church …

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC

Photo of Beans, adoptable Border Collie in Texas City, Texas

Beans

Border Collie MaleLarge1 year

We’ve spilled the beans and Beans has officially stolen the hearts of everyone at the shelter and become a total staff favorite! This handsome chocola…

Galveston County Animal Shelter • Texas City, TX

Photo of Bugsy, adoptable Border Collie in Canfield, Ohio

Bugsy

Border Collie MaleMedium0 years

Bugsy is an adorable 14 week old (as of 7/20/26) male baby who currently weighs in at approximately 13 pounds. We believe he will be around 30-35 poun…

Angels for Animals, Inc. • Canfield, OH

Photo of Sundae, adoptable Border Collie in Turlock, California

Sundae

Border Collie Female0 years

Meet Sundae, a sweet 3-month-old female Border Collie and German Shepherd mix who is as clever as she is completely adorable. Bright, playful, and bur…

Kate's Furreka Rescue • Turlock, CA

Photo of Hornet, adoptable Border Collie in Corning, Arkansas

Hornet

Border Collie MaleMedium1 year

Meet Hornet... Hornet is 15 months old and weighs 34 pounds. He is just the sweetest boy. Hornet was taken out of a house that was filled with trash a…

My Zouy Rescue • Corning, AR

Photo of Jasper, adoptable Border Collie in Amherst, Massachusetts

Jasper

Border Collie MaleLarge3 years

Meet Jasper! A soulful three-and-a-half-year-old Border Collie/Rottweiler mix currently in Colorado Springs, CO, whose calm, loving heart is wrapped i…

Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA

Photo of Sunny, adoptable Border Collie in Amarillo, Texas

Sunny

Border Collie FemaleMedium0 years

Sunny is a female, perhaps Border Collie/Shepherd mix. We think she is about 3 months old. She and her siblings Misty, Winter and Rayne, were left in …

Amarillo SPCA • Amarillo, TX

Photo of Willow Spring, adoptable Border Collie in Cuba, New York

Willow Spring

Border Collie FemaleMediumest. 7–2026 yrs

Willow was born around January 19, 2026, and might weigh in the 40-pound range when done filling out. Willow is a typical Border Collie and has a ton …

Joyful Rescues, Inc. • Cuba, NY

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.