After spending a little time perusing her TikTok account, no one would ever accuse Mal the Border Collie of being a shrinking violet. From frequent zoomies to sassy vocalizations — to one instance of chucking her dad’s shoes down the stairs — Mal keeps things interesting. She also seems to really enjoy the life she’s made with her human after he rescued her as a puppy. This is especially evident in the following clip of Mal blissfully rolling around in her outdoor cot and rejoicing enthusiastically for all to hear.
Mal seems to sing with glee, giving us a few throaty “a-woooo’s” from her relaxing corner on the deck. Her handle might be @itsmalcontent, but there’s nothing dissatisfied about this pooch.
And Mal’s adoring fans agree. “Now, that’s a happy baby,” comments one.
“I LOOOOOOVVVEEE HERRRRRRR SO MUCH!!!!” proclaims another.
“Mal for President,” demands a third.
People can’t get enough of Mal and her zest for life. I, for one, want to be like her when I grow up.
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The Energizer Collie
Border Collies like Mal are extremely high-energy, yes, but it’s their superior intelligence and need to be constantly busy that can turn even the sweetest dog into a mischief maker if left idle for too long. Border Collies were bred to be working dogs, always herding livestock and assisting their humans with important tasks. Therefore, without a job to do or enough stimulation to exhaust them mentally, dogs of this breed can resort to bad behavior simply out of boredom. However, in the right situation that provides them with all the physical and mental activity they require, dogs like Mal make dynamic pets.
Most Border Collies need at least one to two hours of exercise every single day, especially in their younger years. Even Border Collies who’ve never set paw on a farm are herders at heart. It’s not uncommon for them to “organize” other pets in the household — or even attempt to herd the kids. That’s why early socialization, positive reinforcement training, and consistent mental challenges are so important with this breed.
Mental stimulation doesn’t have to be complicated, either. Simple games, puzzle toys, and training sessions go a long way. That said, many Border Collies truly shine when given a more demanding outlet, like agility training, playing frisbee, or even herding competitions. Give them something to focus on, and you’ll have a happier, calmer, very satisfied dog on your hands.
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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Jan 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.