Do Border Collies Like To Cuddle? What You Need To Know.

Border Collies are the most intelligent breed of dog there is. They’re known for their incredible work ethic and herding abilities.

With that said, one question that many potential owners may have “do Border Collies like to cuddle”.

While every dog is unique and may have their own preferences, there are some general traits and behaviors that can help answer this question.

According to sources such as Pet Educate and Dog Advisory Council, Yes. Border Collies do like to cuddle. They’re incredibly affectionate and responsive to their owners and often crave human contact and enjoy spending time with their family members. Everything from cuddling, snuggling, and simply being close to their loved ones, is high on their lists of priorities.

However, it’s important to note that Border Collies may not be as cuddly with strangers or new people they meet.

They may need time to warm up to someone before they feel comfortable getting close and showing affection.

In this article though, we’ll be looking into answering this question, with more detail, so that you can get an idea of what to expect when it comes to Border Collies and cuddling in particular.

Understanding Border Collies

Border Collies are a highly intelligent dog breed that was originally bred for herding.

With that said, they’re known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners and are considered what is called a “velcro dog” due to their “adhesiveness” to their owners and other humans.

As herding dogs, Border Collies have a lot of energy and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They’re active dogs that love to play and work, which can make them less cuddly than some other breeds some of the time.

Even so, because of the fact that they’re so in tune with their human counterpart because of their intelligence, it’s easier to foster bonds with them.

And what better way of expressing love for another, than cuddling, caring and caressing?

Each Border Collie has their own personality and preferences though, so some may be more affectionate and cuddly than others, while some may prefer to be more independent.

Spend time with your Border Collie and get to know their likes and dislikes to build a strong bond with them.

Having a happy and healthy Border Collie that you can cuddle with, is well worth the effort.

Border Collies and Affection

Natural Temperament

Border Collies were naturally bred for herding jobs and other jobs.

However, they are also very affectionate dogs. They’re naturally pleasant to be around, calm and collected, although they can sometimes be a bit hyperactive especially when they’re young.

They love to be around their owners (they make great pets) and are always eager to please them and are overall, very friendly and outgoing.

Bond with Owners

Border Collies are very loyal dogs and form strong bonds with their owners.

They are known to follow their owners around, like to be close to their owners and crave human contact.

Border Collies are happiest when someone is around to whom they can attach themselves to, they’re generally speaking always looking for a leader that they can look up to and can even get anxiety when left alone.

Velcro Dogs

Border Collies are one of the few breeds of dogs that are often called “velcro dogs”.

They’re called this, because of their strong attachment to their owners. They can sometimes be a bit, how to say it?, “Clingy”.

They crave attention and love to be around people, they’re affectionate dogs and yes, they do love to cuddle.

Some are very stubborn and independent, though, so not all Collies are the same. Each Border Collie has its own personality and preferences and some will like to cuddle more than others.

All in all, Border Collies do love to cuddle and bond with their owners, so if you’re looking for a dog that will be your constant companion and provide you with unconditional love, this breed is a great choice.

Cuddling Behavior in Border Collies

Physical Contact and Health

Cuddling and physical contact with your Border Collie can have a positive impact on its health.

Petting and snuggling with your dog can help reduce stress and anxiety, and it can also lower your dog’s blood pressure and heart rate, which can lead to improved overall health.

Not only that, but mentally stimulating your Border Collie and developing a friendship with it, is essential for the well-being of the dog.

Collies are social creatures, and talking to, snuggling, petting and cheering on your dog, keeps the dog healthy and happy.

Cuddling and Age

Cuddling behavior in Border Collies can change as they age.

• Puppies may have a higher need for physical contact and cuddling than adult dogs.
• Adult dogs might need physical contact a little less often, and maybe in abundance in specific situations like depression, going into heat, neutering and other traumatic events.
• Elderly dogs might not really respond to cuddling or affection as much as before, and so their need for physical contact may decrease. In this case it’s important to pay attention to your dog’s behavior. 

So do Border Collies like to cuddle? Generally speaking, they do! All ages and sizes.

However, each dog has its own personality and preferences, so it’s important to pay attention to their body language.

Although nobody hates a good cuddle, some days your dog might not be in the mood, so you’ll want to adjust your cuddling habits accordingly.

Training Border Collies to Cuddle

If you want your Border Collie to be a cuddly companion, training them to cuddle is possible.

This section will cover one main essential aspects of training Border Collies to cuddle (which you can also use to teach them to do other things), and that is: Positive Reinforcement.

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is the Hail Mary of training strategies, which is founded in psychology and biology.

It’s an effective training technique that rewards desired behavior. When your Border Collie cuddles with you, reward them with treats, praise, and affection.

Over time, they’ll associate cuddling with positive experiences and will be more likely to want to cuddle in the future.

Biologically speaking though, cuddling is already a rewarding experience for most mammals. It favors social interactions, and reduces aggression between animals of the same group (as long as there’s trust involved). 

So in a sense, it’s already something that’ll be easier to learn than most other things.

As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to use positive reinforcement immediately and consistently.

If you wait too long to reward your Border Collie, they may not associate the reward with the desired behavior. Similarly, if you only reward them occasionally, they may become confused and less motivated to cuddle.

Socialization

Socialization is another crucial aspect of training your Border Collie to cuddle and to be a functioning member of the tribe, whatever that tribe may be.

This involves exposing them to different people, animals, and environments from a young age, getting them used to being around others.

By doing so, you help them develop positive associations with new experiences, including cuddling and playing.

Socialization can also help your Border Collie become more comfortable with physical touch. You do not want a dog that’s been ostracized and doesn’t fit in anywhere.

Start by touching and petting them gently, gradually increasing the amount of contact as they become more relaxed.

This can help them feel more comfortable with cuddling and physical affection.

Overall, training your Border Collie to cuddle requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. By using these techniques and socializing your dog from a young age, you can help them become a cuddly and affectionate companion.

Miscellaneous: Exercise and Activity Needs

Need for Physical Activity

Keeping your dog in shape, isn’t directly related to cuddling, but in the case of Border Collies, it’s as important as diet or sleep.

Border Collies are highly active dogs that require a lot of physical activity to stay healthy and happy, and without proper exercise, they can become destructive and develop behavioral problems.

A recommended 1 to 2 hours of exercise each day to release any pent-up energy in your Border Collie, should be fine.

Walking is an easy way to get your dog moving and can be done anywhere. You can also take your Border Collie on hikes or runs to provide more intense physical activity.

All in all, keeping your pup in good shape, helps with their mood, their health, and it helps them become more receptive to your orders.

Outdoor Activities

Border Collies love outdoor activities and playtime. They enjoy games like fetch, frisbee, and agility courses.

These activities not only provide physical exercise but also mental stimulation, which is important for their well-being.

It’s important to note that Border Collies are active dogs and require a lot of outdoor activity.

Your Border Collie lives in an apartment, or don’t have a lot of outdoor space, it may not be the best breed for you.

They need plenty of space to run and play to stay happy and healthy.

Adopting a Border Collie

Ready to get a Border Collie, but would rather adopt than buy?

If so, it’s important to do your research to ensure that this breed is a good fit for your lifestyle and family.

Here are some things to consider when adopting a Border Collie.

From a Breeder

If you’re adopting a Border Collie from a breeder, find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.

Look for a breeder who conducts health screenings on their breeding dogs and provides a clean and safe environment for their puppies.

When adopting from a breeder, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the puppy’s parents and get a sense of their temperament.

This can be helpful in determining if a Border Collie is the right breed for you. Keep in mind that puppies from a breeder can be more expensive than those from a shelter.

From a Shelter

Adopting a Border Collie from a shelter or rescue organization can be a great way to give a dog a second chance at a loving home.

Shelters often have a variety of dogs available, including Border Collie mixes.

Many shelters will conduct behavior assessments to determine if a dog is a good fit for a particular home, but do note that rescue dogs may have some behavioral issues that will require patience and training to overcome.

No matter where you adopt your Border Collie from, it’s important to be a responsible owner. This means providing your dog with proper nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care, as well as training and socialization.

With the right care and attention, a Border Collie can make a wonderful companion, regardless of its circumstances.