Border Collie · winter guide

Do Border Collies Need Coats?

Usually not. Border Collies have a thick double coat and handle the cold well; a coat helps only below 20 °F (−7 °C) or in wet, icy weather.

Handles the cold wellCoat only below 20 °F (−7 °C)

Border Collie
The weather

What a Border Collie needs

HotNo coatCoat for long walks
77°F60°F45°F32°F20°F0°F

Enter today’s temperature for the answer right now.

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Why Border Collies handle the cold

A Border Collie weighs 30–55 lb (14–25 kg) and has a wavy / double, medium coat (AKC breed page). A thick double coat traps warm air against the skin like a down jacket, and a dog of this size keeps its heat far longer than a small one. Puppies, seniors and dogs with a clipped coat are the exception.

Border Collie winter temperature guide

Feels likeWhat your dog needs
Above 20 °F (−7 °C)No coat needed
Below 20 °F (−7 °C)A coat for long or wet walks; protect the paws from ice and salt
Rain, sleet or wet snowA raincoat keeps the undercoat dry

Wind and wet fur make it feel colder; enter today’s weather in the calculator above to see the answer for right now. The bands follow PetMD’s cold weather guidance and the US National Weather Service wind chill.

What should a Border Collie wear?

Most days nothing at all. For long walks in deep cold, sleet or road salt a raincoat keeps the undercoat dry and winter dog boots protect the paws.

Border Collies and cold weather: FAQ

At what temperature does a Border Collie need a coat?

Usually not. Border Collies have a thick double coat and handle the cold well; a coat helps only below 20 °F (−7 °C) or in wet, icy weather.

Can Border Collies stay outside in winter?

They tolerate cold well, but no dog should be left outside unattended in freezing weather without shelter, water and a way inside.

What size coat does a Border Collie wear?

It depends on the dog, not only the breed: measure the chest, back length and neck. Our size guide saves your dog’s measurements and shows the size that fits on every coat.

Other breeds that handle the cold

Does my dog need a coat? Every breed compared

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