Border collie at a glance
| Adult weight | 14 to 20kg |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Typical lifespan | About 13 years |
| Grooming | Brushing at home; no regular groomer |
| Health | Some known breed problems |
What a border collie costs
| First yearIncluding a £1,000 puppy, kit, vaccinations, spaying and training | £3,334 |
|---|---|
| Each year after | £1,504 |
| A month, after year one | £125 |
| Over about 13 years | £21,382 |
| With a dog sitter 3 days a weekAt £90 a week | +£4,680 a year |
These assume a girl puppy, about £38 a month of mid-range dry food for a 17kg adult, a week of kennels a year and no daycare. The calculator above shows every line.
Health problems to know about
Border collies are known to be prone to:
- Eye problems (collie eye anomaly)
- Hip problems
- Epilepsy
Ask the breeder for health test results for both parents. Not every border collie will have these problems, but they’re why insurance matters: a long-term condition can cost hundreds or thousands of pounds a year.
Insuring a border collie?
Look for lifetime cover with at least £6,000 a year for vet fees, and check what it says about eye problems.
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Next steps
- Check which insurance a border collie needs
- See how big your border collie puppy will get
- Work out how much to feed a border collie puppy
- Check a border collie breeder before you pay a deposit
Questions
How much does a border collie cost a month?
About £125 a month after the first year, for insurance, food, flea treatment, grooming, boosters and small vet bills. Daycare or a dog sitter is extra.
How much does a border collie cost in the first year?
About £3,334, including a £1,000 puppy price, kit, vaccinations, spaying, training, insurance and food. Breeders’ prices vary a lot, so put in yours.
How much is insurance for a border collie?
Our starting figure is £40 a month for lifetime cover for a young border collie, but quotes vary with where you live and the policy. Look for a vet fee limit of at least £6,000 a year.
How long do border collies live?
About 13 years on average.
Cocker spaniel £1,790 a year
French bulldog £1,492 a year
English springer spaniel £1,576 a year
Staffordshire bull terrier £1,444 a year
Bulldog £1,744 a year
Beagle £1,360 a year