03/22/2026
This is such a huge problem that I see in all breeds, but Border Collies are meant to be active athletes. The only thing that I don't like about this is the picture that says skinny, should probably say ideal instead.
A BIG ISSUE: Today our breed expert Carol Price considers
WHY BEING FAT IS NO FUN FOR DOGS
One of our followers recently sent us this ‘mock up’ chart of Border collies ranging in weight size. And while somewhat more simplistic in design (it’s missing, for instance, a more ‘ideal' weight, which I’d put at somewhere between the first two examples here of ‘skinny’ and ‘no shape’), it brings home how huge some collies can get if their food intake is not more carefully monitored, and they are not given enough physical exercise daily.
DENIAL
Many owners genuinely do not seem to understand what an overweight collie looks like, as they are so used to seeing fatter dogs now, everywhere they go. (Note – we will be re-posting our own ideal weight criteria for collies in comments). Or they get defensive about it and go immediately into denial (‘it’s just coat’, ‘he hardly eats a thing’, ‘the vet said he was fine’ and so on). Because as long as they do not admit their dog has got a weight problem, they do not have to do anything about it.
But unfortunately, the one who stands to suffer most from this approach is your dog. For there is no getting round the reality that fat dogs face serious, chronic health issues which persistently undermine their life quality and also ultimately shorten their lives.
A LITANY OF SUFFERING
These include the following:
1. JOINT AND MOBILITY ISSUES. Extra weight puts immense strain on a dog’s bones, muscles and joints and also causes an increased risk of arthritis and ligament ruptures or tears.
2. RESPIRATORY DISTRESS. Excess fat leads to breathing difficulties due to the way it restricts the lungs and diaphragm.
3. HEART AND CIRCULATION. Fat dogs are far more prone to higher blood pressure and heart conditions. Persistent excess strain is also put on the heart of any overweight dog.
4. DIABETES AND OTHER ORGAN DISEASES. Diabetes, kidney disease and liver disease are all more common in overweight dogs.
5. CANCER. Obese dogs have a significantly higher risk of developing a range of different cancers.
6. ANAESTHETIC AND SURGERY. Fat dogs are at greater risk of complications in surgery or from anaesthetics.
7. SHORTENED LIFESPAN. Fat dogs often lead shorter lives, as a result of the complications caused by their excess weight.
It is also ultimately healthier for a dog to be slightly underweight than overweight.
CHANGING
Every time I am out and see a fat Border collie, waddling and struggling along, when they should be the arch, lean athlete of the canine world, I just want to cry. For nothing can ultimately change about this dog’s health or life until an owner makes the decision to change it. There is so much help around now – including from your vet - for people who find the will and motivation to make their dog healthier by reducing their weight and giving them more exercise.
Change can be hard, but it can also be a wonderful thing, if it gives you back a healthier dog, with a much higher chance of leading a longer and better life.
All text ©Carol Price 2026
