How much sleep does a border collie need?
🐶 I would say on average:
- Adult Border Collies: Typically need 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day
- Puppies: Require 18 to 20 hours of sleep (common across all breeds)
- Senior Dogs: May sleep up to 16+ hours daily, depending on health
🔍 You maybe asking yourself, Why Do Border Collies Sleep That Much?
Border Collies are one of the most intelligent and energetic dog breeds, so their sleep needs are closely tied to how much physical and mental stimulation they get daily.
✅ 1. Recharge After High Energy Output
Border Collies are bred to herd livestock all day long. Even in a home environment, their brains and bodies crave activity. If they’re given the right amount of exercise, they’ll need more sleep to recover.
- Think of them like elite athletes: intense work = deeper rest
✅ 2. Brain Reset for Highly Intelligent Dogs
They rank as the #1 most intelligent dog breed (Dr. Stanley Coren’s ranking). Their sharp brains are constantly working—problem-solving, following commands, watching movement. Sleep helps:
- Process learning and commands
- Regulate emotions and impulse control
- Prevent overstimulation
✅ 3. Growth and Development (Puppies)
Border Collie puppies are little dynamos—they play hard and crash hard.
- Sleep fuels their growth, immune system, and memory
- Helps avoid behavior problems like nipping, barking, and zoomies
✅ 4. Age & Activity Level Matter
If your Collie isn't very active during the day (e.g., low exercise, no games, little stimulation), they may sleep out of boredom. However, oversleeping in an otherwise healthy, active Collie might be a red flag for:
- Lack of stimulation
- Mild depression or loneliness
- Underlying health issues (especially in older dogs)
Giving your Border Collie stimulation can be a fun for you and great for their health. This Dog Agility Training item is easy to set up and can be changed to keep your Border Collie's mind sharp (paid ad)
⏰ Daily Sleep Breakdown Example (Adult Border Collie):
| Time of Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Overnight Sleep | 8–10 hours |
| Morning Nap | 1–2 hours post-walk |
| Midday Nap | 1–2 hours after training/play |
| Evening Rest/Nap | 1 hour while relaxing with family |
🐾 Final Tips for Healthy Sleep:
- Give them a job or structured play (herding balls, agility, puzzles)
- Stick to a consistent daily routine
- Create a quiet, cozy sleep space away from noise and distractions
- Make sure they’re mentally tired—not just physically