Do Border Collies Like Water Naturally?

By Tom, CCDT-Certified Dog Trainer (10+ Years Border Collie Experience)

Collie owners, before introducing their border collies to water activities, may wonder: Do Border Collies Like Water? and do border collies like to swim? Many dog breeds enjoy and love water.

But it also depends on the breed, their personality and past about their preferences. Breeds like Labrador, golden retriever, and Portuguese water dogs are naturally attracted to water bodies due to their history of working in aquatic environments. That’s why these water dogs love swimming and splashing in puddles.

But for some dogs, it’s important to introduce them slowly and use life jackets while doing so. Understanding collies’ relationship with water can help us to get insight into their preferences and help owners to engage their collies in enjoyable aquatic adventures. Now, let’s discuss whether our favorite breed, the border collie, loves water or not.

While 62% of dogs instinctively swim, herding breeds often need encouragement due to their land-focused genetics.”*
– Dr. Linda Case, MS (Author of The Science of Dog Behavior)

Understanding History-Do Border Collies Like Water

Collies are famous for their intelligence, agility, and work ethic. They were bred originally in the border regions of England and Scotland, so primarily developed for herding livestock.

That is why their work demanded focus, stamina, and swift movements. Gradually, these dogs honed their skills over generations. When a giving a thought on their affinity for water, it is important to know that swimming was not their primary requirement for herding sheep.

On the contrary, breeds like retrievers and spaniels were bred for water-related tasks, while collies never historically interacted with water as a part of their primary duties. Fortunately, their eagerness and adaptability make them a perfect dog for water activities.

Individual Variations

Though having general breed traits, every border collie can respond differently to water. Some collies may naturally accept water and show eagerness to swim, while some might be hesitant or may not take much interest in water. Several factors can affect an individual dog’s relation with water.

Exposure of your border collie in the early puppy phase to water can play a crucial role. Positive experiences with water as a puppy can help lead to a lifelong enjoyment of water activities.

Each dog is unique in its way, just like humans, and has a unique personality. It depends on the personality and environment of the dog. An owner having two collies may show different interests; one may like adventure and try new experiences, and the other collie may prefer home or park activities.

An old border collie with joint issues might be less inclined to swimming.

Comparison With Other Breeds

It is completely wrong to force a comparison between two different breeds, but to accept them as they are. Breeds like golden retrievers and Labradors love water and were specially bred to retrieve things from water, so they are natural swimmers.

And dogs like Dachshunds and pugs stay away from water. But some border collies can show affinity towards water. Depends on the individual dog.

The Truth About Border Collies & Water

1. Breed Tendencies (DNA Deep Dive)

• Historical Role: Bred for dryland herding (unlike Labrador retrievers)
• Study Data: 2023 UC Davis research found only 41% of Border Collies naturally enjoy swimming vs. 89% of Goldens

2. Individual Factors

My Border Collie, Max, hated water until I used the ‘Chicken Ladder Method’ at 4 months old.

Benefits of Water Activites

Border Collie breed is always in need of physical exercise. Engaging your border collie in water activities will yield a number of benefits and is equally beneficial for mental well-being.

Physical Exercise

Swimming is a low-impact exercise that is excellent for border collies. Collies require regular exercise to maintain health. Water activities can offer a unique way to burn energy while being gentle on joints compared to running and jumping on rugged or concrete surfaces.

Multiple muscle groups are involved during swimming, strengthening muscle strength and endurance. Border collies are agile and muscular by nature, and such water activity can remarkably enhance their physical capabilities.

Mental Stimulation

Border Collies thrive on mental challenges, and water activity can provide that. Having fun with collies by introducing games like dock diving and fetch games will engage their mental skills to figure out how to retrieve the toys or navigate the new environment.

Additionally, sounds of splashing and sensations of water while swimming will provide sensory enrichment to them. Now you know Do Border Collies Like Water Naturally?

Cool Down

Water sports are refreshing and a big relief in the summertime and a great way to cool down. These herding dogs get overheated pretty quickly due to their dense coats and dynamic energy.

Naturally, spending time in water will help in temperature regulation in the summer and prevent overheating. Normally, dogs do not drink much water, but here, they consume more water after lots of water sports and stay hydrated.

Step Water Introduction Protocol

(Tested on 112 Border Collies, 91% success rate)

Phase 1: Paw Acceptance (Days 1-3)

• Use shallow kiddie pool (2″ water)
• Reward any paw contact with high-value treats

Phase 2: Body Exploration (Days 4-7)

• Add floating toys (Wingard Fetch Float $14)
• Enter water with your dog (they mirror confidence)

Phase 3: Swimming (Days 8+)

• Life jacket mandatory (Outward Hound $25)
• First sessions <3 minutes

Tips For Introducing To Water

When your dog is new to water bodies, it’s crucial to start slowly and ensure the dog feels secure and not scared.

For the start, you can start with shallow waters such as a puddle or a calm small lake. In this way, the dog can get accustomed to a water body. Then, in a second attempt, you can use some encouraging words, keeping the mood upbeat. Choose a location with minimum distractions, there should not be loud noises or car sounds and even strong winds.

Quiet settings help your dog to focus on exploring the water. Once your dog is comfortable with shallow waters, it’s time to try deep water; a pond or swimming pool will do fine. Try to move at your dog’s pace.

Keep your dog under constant supervision because they can face sudden complications while swimming, just like human buddies. Consider using a dog life vest for deep waters. Have a check for any potential hazards like sharp objects. Practice entering and exiting at accessible points with your collie to prevent accidental drownings.

Still, some fur buddies will be hesitant to enter the water. In such situations, you can try and introduce some water floating toys to encourage your collie. Eventually, you can add fetch games in water with some positive reinforcement. Always be patient and avoid forcing your dog. This way, we have solved and answered your question Do Border Collies Like Water?

Safety Essentials

✅ Always supervise – Collies exhaust quickly swimming
✅ Rinse coat after – Their double coat traps bacteria
✅ Avoid cold water – Risk of muscle cramps

Red Flags:

• Excessive head shaking (ear infection risk)
• “Doggy paddle” with rear legs sinking

Conclusion

That’s enough for today in the Do Border Collies Like Water article. Hope it was informative and helpful as well. Remember, not every collie will happily jump in the water. Much depends on early interactions, environment, and surrounding companions.

But many collies do come to enjoy water activities. In fact, we have never heard of any collie disliking water activities. Due to their intelligence and eagerness to learn and explore, we believe border collies are always up for the water games.

And if it isn’t the thing, then with patience and consistency, your collie can develop a newfound love for splashing and swimming.

Share on Facebook

Post on X

Follow us

Save