Border Collie Characteristics
Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
Adult weight: 35 – 50 lbs.
Adult height: 22 – 28 in.
Origin – Scotland
If you search for the smartest and the most intelligent dog breed in the world, you will find Border Collie topping almost all the lists. And that is the perfect introduction for this Collie which was bred on the borders of England and Scotland. But a surprising fact is that these are descendants of neither a Scottish breed nor a British breed but a Roman herding breed and a Viking Spitz-variety herding breed.
Highly trainable, great at search and rescue operations, and master herders, Border Collies are world-record holders for several things. Chaser, a Collie, holds a world-record for recognizing over 1,000 objects, and Striker, another Collie, holds one for opening a car window in record time. Apart from being intelligent, these dogs are also very playful, lovable, loyal, and energetic. They can also be very demanding and stubborn at times and may end up chasing cars and other moving objects due to their working-breed nature.
What is the price of a Border Collie puppy?
These dogs have gained massive popularity for their intelligence and companionship. Hence, finding one for adoption shouldn’t be very difficult. When it comes to expenses for owning a Border Collie, we will break down the price by categorizing it by initial buying/adoption costs, vaccinations, diets, healthcare, and grooming.
Buying: $700 – $2000
The average price to buy a Border Collie dog is about $700. However, if you go to sources like the AKC marketplace, the cost can be in the range of $1500-$2000. It is always a good idea to research the breeder before you buy your puppy. Some breeders may ignore the health of the dog and overbreed them. Some factors affecting the price of a Border Collie puppy include its age, if it’s a mixed breed or pure breed, location, and color. Blue merle Border Collie’s price can be as high as $4500. A pup with a champion bloodline would be cost more than the average price range. A red and white Collie can be around $2000 and a lilac one can go up to around $1600.
Another option to get a Border Collie dog is to adopt one from a shelter or rescue organization. There are plenty of trusted platforms online which can help you adopt a Border Collie. Many Collies end up in shelters as they require homes with lawns, which is a place for running and engaging their brains while moving their muscles. You can expect to pay around $100-$300 to adopt from a shelter which usually covers the cost of care provided to the dog before adoption.
Monthly costs for a Border Collie
Diets: $60-$80
Given their high energy levels and active nature, their food requirements are a bit on the higher side. They need to be fed high-quality, vet-recommended dog kibble. An average adult that weighs 30 to 55 pounds should be fed 1 to 2 cups of dry food daily. This could cost you around $30-$60 per month. You can add eggs, cottage cheese, fruits, and vegetables once in a while to their diet.
Grooming: $50-$80
There are 2 types of coats available for this breed. A rough, feathered coat with a medium length, and a smooth, short, and coarse coat. The grooming requirements are about the same for both coats. Brushing with a pin brush once or twice a week to help keep the coat free of dirt, debris, and mats, regular nail trimming, teeth cleaning, and a bath once a month would suffice. The price for this could be around $50 for the brush, shampoos, and other items if you are grooming at home. A professional grooming session could be around $50-$80 which is recommended 2-3 times a year.
Medical Costs: $400-$700
During the first years, it is recommended you take your pet to the vet about 3-4 times annually. Vet fees can range from $100 to $300, and could include things like annual wellness exams and blood tests among other recommended preventive care treatments. Other examinations and tests could cost you another $300-$400.
After the first year, these initial costs may go down. Like all breeds, Border Collies are at risk of developing health conditions during their lifetime. These can include conditions like hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and Collie eye anomaly to name a few. The cost of treatment for these conditions could be -
Hip Dysplasia - $2000-$2500
Epilepsy - $500-$600 per year
Collie Eye Anomaly - $600-$900
Training $30-$50
This breed is highly trainable so less time training can be spent on this breed compared to some others. However, training can become necessary as they tend to bark a lot and are known for destructive behaviors when bored. Puppy classes for agility, discipline, or even flyball training can help. These could cost you $30-$50 per session.
One-time costs for a Border Collie
Initial Costs: $400-$500
There could be several things that you will have to set up in your house before you bring home your dog. A bed, toys, ID tag, crate, carrier, food and water bowls, leash, collar and a harness are some of these items. Getting these items could cost you around $400-$500.
Vaccinations: $280-$300
There are certain core vaccinations that a Border Collie would need. These include distemper, parvovirus, Adenovirus, type 1, Adenovirus, type 2, and rabies. All of these could cost you around $150-$200.
There are certain non-core vaccinations as well that are recommended by most vets for a Border Collie. These include parainfluenza, Lyme disease, and leptospirosis. The cost of these vaccines can be around $130-$150.
Microchipping: $40-$60
The average cost of microchipping is around $50, but may vary from state to state. Along with a dog license, it could cost an additional 10-20 bucks. Spot pet insurance highly recommends every pet parent get their pets microchipped as it can help increase the chances of finding a lost pet.
Miscellaneous: $80-$100
Dog clothes, urine cleaner, poop scooper, poop bags, dog walkers & sitters, are among some of the expenses that may come up over the course of your dog’s life. These could cost another $100 depending on the quality of the things you purchase.
Lifetime Border Collie Price
You can expect to spend around $1000-$1200 in the initial years and then around $700-$800 every year after that. These expenses include the estimated costs of food, grooming, training, medical costs, the initial buying/adoption cost and miscellaneous expenses. Overall, Border Collie’s can cost around $12,000-$15,000 over its lifetime.
How can Spot Pet Insurance help?
Spot accident & illness pet insurance plans offer a wide variety of coverages from microchip implantation to surgeries and prescription food and supplements prescribed to treat your pet’s unexpected accidents and illnesses. (Prescription food and supplements used for general health or weight maintenance are not covered). For an extra cost, Spot plans offer preventive care coverage add-ons to help cover the costs of certain routine vaccinations, annual wellness exams and other preventive care treatments. You can view the add-on preventive care coverage options. Get in touch with us to know more!
Conclusion
Whether it is a purebred Border Collie or a mixed one like a Bordoodle/ Borador, a red merle, a lilac, or a black and white one, the costs can feel like an investment towards the priceless love, loyalty, happiness and affection that this dog can give you for its lifetime. Border Collies are not meant for small houses or for people who prefer staying indoors. If this requirement checks your boxes, then go ahead and get this beautiful dog home. And don’t worry much about the costs because with a Spot plan, you have help covering up to 90% of your eligible vet bills for covered conditions!
Happy Parenting to you and Lots of Love to your Pup!
