How Much Does A Border Collie Cost – Border Collie Price
Are you considering adding a Border Collie puppy to your family? A Border Collie comes with several expenses aside from the price of the puppy that you need to budget as a future owner.
These include food, treats, toys, grooming, and cleaning items. So, how much does a Border Collie cost?
On average, a Border Collie puppy costs between $300 to $1000. If you choose to adopt a Border Collie the price will be on the lower end but if you want a purchase a high-quality puppy the price will be higher.
This article will give you more information on the costs involved in owning a Border Collie puppy.
The Average Border Collie Price
The price of a Border Collie puppy can be affected by certain factors such as the breeder’s reputation, location, AKC papers, and bloodline.
So, how much does a Border Collie Cost? Expect to pay on average $700 for purchasing a Border Collie puppy. Adopting a Border Collie from a rescue shelter could cost as low as $300 while a quality breed puppy will cost around $1000.
The Border Collie price can go up to $4500 if the puppy is premium with breeding rights, papers, and a superior lineage.
If you get a Border Collie who is already trained, the price can be as high as $7500 because of the effort and time the breeder has put to train the dog.
The initial expenses that you will incur include food, vaccines, grooming, supplies, microchip, license, and many more. You have other optional expenses as well such as insurance, pet groomer, and pet walking.
Factors That Can Affect Border Collie Price
The price of purchasing a Border Collie puppy can vary depending on the following factors:
Breeder Reputation
Reputable breeders invest a lot of money in taking care of puppies and breeding dogs compared to other breeders.
They do health checks for puppies before they switch homes and will register the puppies to the AKC. The prices of puppies from a reputable breeder are higher than others.
AKC Papers – Purebred vs. Mixed
American Kennel Club is the most famous club for dog certification and registration. If the puppy is registered to AKC, the buying price will increase.
Purebred puppies are expensive while mixed- breeds are cheap.
Dog Bloodline
If the puppy is known to come from a bloodline of champions and show dogs, the Border Collie price will be higher.
A dog’s bloodline provides more information about the genetic disorders and health conditions that may be passed down to the puppy. If the puppy has health conditions, the price will be lower compared to a healthy puppy.
Gender & Coat Color
Gender can also affect the price of a Border Collie puppy. Typically, female puppies are more expensive than male puppies because they have the potential of breeding.
However, male Collie puppies can be expensive if they participate in competitions and shows.
The trends of coat color can change quickly as some colors can be more popular than others but trends can be temporary.
Puppies become expensive if the interest for a certain coat color increases, causing an increased demand and higher market price. Border Collies with rare colors and markings are expensive.
Age & Location
The price of young puppies is higher than older dogs because most people want to get their dogs at a younger age.
Puppies also need more attention compared to adults. Puppies also need vaccinations, spaying, or neutering, making their price higher.
Puppy prices can be affected by the local demand and supply. In metropolitan areas, the price of puppies can be higher because the demand is always high. It is worth looking at the prices in a different location but ensure that the breeder is reputable.
Vaccines & Medical Expenses
If the puppy has been vaccinated, the price can be higher. Reputable breeders have their puppies tested or evaluated for certain health conditions.
They will also do deworming and microchip implantation before selling the puppies. The medical check-ups will reduce the risk of disease in the puppy but also increases the price.
Where To Buy A Border Collie Puppy
The following are the places you can buy a Border Collie puppy:
Adoption & Rescue Shelter
You can get a Border Collie puppy from most animal rescue centers and shelters. You will be required to pay an adoption fee of between $200 to $400 which covers the rescue costs and primary care.
This fee varies depending on the rescue center, medical care the puppy needs, and location.
The adoption fee usually includes the cost of spaying or neutering, deworming, microchip, flea treatment, and other veterinary examinations and treatments. Some rescue centers and shelters may provide basic obedience training at a discounted price.
Adopting a Border Collie is the most affordable option compared to other sources because the main purpose of rescue centers and shelters is not to make money but to find a home for puppies.
Reputable Breeder
Another place to get a Border Collie puppy is a reputable breeder which requires a lot of research to ensure that you get a healthy and happy puppy.
Border Collie puppies from reputable breeders cost around $1000. These puppies have a weekly evaluation of their social, physical, and intellectual needs to ensure that they have the highest standards.
A reputable breeder will take their time in getting to know you and ask a lot of question to assess whether you home is suitable for the puppy.
They will also arrange visits for you to meet the puppy with their mother and littermates to ensure that you are compatible.
Reputable breeders are willing to provide you with any information you need and answer any questions that you may have about the puppy.
They will also provide you with genuine registration AKC papers of the puppy, vaccination certificates, health test results, and microchipping.
Ensure that you take your time in researching the breeder before settling on getting a puppy from them.
Backyard Breeder
The main interest of a backyard breeder is to make as much money as possible while spending less to make more profits.
This leads to irresponsible breeding where the welfare of the dogs is not important leading to poor quality puppies.
Backyard breeders often have good intentions and believe that lots of puppies can give a great experience to other people.
However, they do not follow the guidelines and best practices for ethically breeding dogs. Puppies from a backyard breeder may have health issues that may not be disclosed to you when buying them.
The cost of a Border Collie puppy from a backyard breeder can cost between $600 to $800.
Pet Stores
You can buy a Border Collie puppy from a pet store that sells other animals apart from dogs.
Puppies sold in pet stores come from commercial breeders, puppy mills, and irresponsible breeders. Border Collie puppies from pet stores are cheap and you have access to more puppies.
However, most puppies come from parents who have not been tested for any medical conditions and you are not able to see the parents. Seeing the parents can give you an idea of how the puppy will turn out to be as an adult.
Pet stores can give you false registration papers because they try to avoid the requirements needed by the American Kennel Club.
Most puppies from pet shops are hyperactive, nippy, and noisy because they were separated from their mother before 7 weeks and are raised in cages and not allowed to play like normal puppies.
A Border Collie puppy from a pet store can cost you between $400 to $800.
Initial Costs Of Border Collie Ownership
Apart from the adoption or puppy cost, there are other expenses that you will incur when getting a Border Collar puppy. These initial expenses are necessary to make the transitioning of your puppy from the breeder to your home smooth.
You can find most of these items in a pet store or online stores dealing with pet items.
| Type Of Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Puppy Dog Food | $70 |
| Treats | $20 |
| Dog Bed | $35 |
| Dog Crate | $40 |
| Toys | $50 |
| Dog Collar & Leash & Bowls | $40 |
| Grooming Supplies (Shampoo, Brush, Nail Clippers) | $35 |
| Cleaning Supplies (Waste Bags, Carpet Cleaner, Popper Scooper) | $40 |
| Microchip | $35 |
| Initial Vaccines | $150 |
| Dog License | $35 |
| Total | $550 |
First-Year Expenses Of Owning A Border Collie Puppy
On average, the cost of owning a Border Collie in the first year is about $2950. There are expenses that you will incur in the first few weeks of owning your puppy such as the cost of the puppy, food, treats, toys, grooming, vaccinations, and vet visits.
Once the puppy is grown, other expenses come up such as spaying or neutering and insurance. Below is a list of the expenses you will incur in the first year of owning a Border Collie:
| Type Of Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Border Collie Puppy | $700 |
| High-Quality Dog Food | $700 |
| Initial Expenses | $550 |
| Treats | $130 |
| Toys | $220 |
| Grooming Supplies | $150 |
| Spaying & Neutering | $250 |
| Veterinaran Visits & Vaccinations | $250 |
| Total | $2950 |
Monthly Expenses Of Owning An Adult Border Collie
After the first year, the cost of owning a Border Collie reduces. There are monthly expenses and long-term purchases that you will incur.
Monthly purchases include dog food, treats, and insurance. Long-term purchases include toys, dog supplies, grooming supplies, and training classes. These costs vary depending on your budget and lifestyle.
Below is a list of the expenses you should expect to incur as your dog grows:
| Type Of Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Dog Food | $70 |
| Treats | $15 |
| Toys | $20 |
| Dog Supplies | $15 |
| Grooming Supplies | $20 |
| Pet Insurance | $30 |
| Training Clases | $150 |
| Dog Walking | $50 |
| Total | $370 |
Cost Of Feeding A Border Collie Puppy & Adult
Border Collies do not require a special diet like other breeds, and it is up to the owner to decide the type of food to buy whether it is wet, dry, or even raw meat.
You should your breeder the type of food your puppy eats before taking them home. You should also stick to the same food and feeding schedule to avoid upsetting your puppy’s stomach.
Consult the vet first before making any changes in your puppy’s diet. A puppy who is less than 6 months should be fed 4 times per day and 3 times per day until when they are adults, around 12 months old.
Once your Border Collie reaches adulthood, they need to be fed adult food twice per day. Always feed your dog high-quality foods and consider their size, age, physical activity, and metabolism when choosing food for them.
A border collie who is fully grown needs about 1400 calories per day while seniors need between 700 and 1000 calories per day.
The average cost of feeding a Border Collie puppy is between $105 to $220 per year for around 140-pound of dry food and $115 to $360 per year for adults for a 230-pound dry of dry food.
Optional Border Collie Expenses
The following expenses are optional to Border Collie Owners but can be very useful for the dog:
Spaying & Neutering
When your Border Collie grows older, you need to speak to your vet about spaying or neutering them. Spaying for females and neutering for males involves the removal of reproductive organs through surgery mainly to prevent breeding for males and pregnancy for females.
These procedures can cost between $150 to $450 depending on the clinic you go to. Typically, spaying is more expensive than neutering.
Training
Your Border Collie does not necessarily needs private professional training, but group lessons for basic obedience and socialization purpose are recommended. This can cost between $150 to $200 for a 1-hour session per week for five weeks.
Even if your Collie is manageable, a training class is less expensive and a good idea to help them develop a harmonious and good relationship with the rest of the family.
Border Collies tend to be sensitive and shy but are smart dogs. They easily bond with one person but need to be encouraged to socialize with the whole family that is why group lessons are necessary.
Grooming
If you choose to, you can groom your Border Collie at home, but you can also hire a professional if you do not have time to do it.
The cost of a session for professional grooming is around $40 to $55 and it is recommended that you groom your puppy 6 times a year.
The price depends on your puppy’s size, behavior, and coat condition as well as the groomer and the services offered.
A professional dog grooming session involves shampoo and bath, teeth brushing, nail trimming, ear and eye cleaning, hair brushing, removal, and styling.
You can find grooming kits on amazon for around $75.
DNA Testing
Doing a DNA test for your Collie especially for the MDRI gene mutation (Multiple Drug Sensitivity Screening) is useful especially if your puppy’s parents have not been tested.
This is because it will provide you with information that you need to know before prescribing certain medications to your dog and doing any surgical procedures. This often costs between $55 to $65.
A DNA test will also help you pay attention to and even prevent certain health conditions that may be hereditary to your dog.
Dog Walker & Dog Sitter
Since Border Collies are energetic dogs, they need plenty of exercise to keep them healthy and active.
If you are busy and do not have the time to walk your Collie, it is recommended that you hire a dog walker which can cost you $15 to $25 for a 30-minutes group walk or $20 to $50 for a 1-hour group walk.
A dog sitter can cost you around $10 per hour.
Is Border Collie Insurance Worth It?
Getting insurance for your Border Collie will help reduce the financial risk that comes with unplanned medical expenses.
Pet insurance companies have different prices and coverages, but on average, the insurance cover for both illnesses and accidents costs about $565 per year while one that covers accidents only costs about $190.
Pet insurance is necessary because come health conditions are expensive to treat such as heart disorders and cancer. Price is an important factor when deciding on pet insurances, but there are other factors including:
- Reimbursements limits and percentages.
- Deductible amount and type.
- Start date of the coverage.
- Services included such as hospitalization, emergency visits, medications, surgery, cancer treatments, specialists, or pre-existing conditions.
- The price of the insurance cover will depend on certain factors like location, dog’s age, and the type of plan.
Border Collie Common Health Issues & Treatment Cost
The following are the health conditions that Border Collies are genetically predisposed as a breed as well as their treatment costs:
Collie Eye Anomaly – this eye disease is inherited and affects development in both eyes. It leads to poor eyesight and may eventually cause total blindness for your Border Collie.
There is no cure for this condition but if detected early, your vet can perform surgical reattachment of the retina which can cost around $1000 per eye.
Epilepsy – Border Collies are prone to getting seizure disorders compared to other dogs.
Epilepsy starts manifesting when your puppy is around the age of 6 months and can continue throughout his life. There is medication to reduce the episodes in terms of frequency and intensity which can cost between $500 to $5000.
Elbow Dysplasia – with this condition the elbow joint does not form properly and can cause plenty of discomforts when weight is put on the limb.
This condition affects your Border Collie greatly because they like the outdoors and are naturally sporty. The cost of diagnosing and treating this condition can range from $1500 to $4000 depending on your dog’s size, age, and severity of the condition.
Hypothyroidism – even though it’s a rare condition, it can affect your Border Collie.
This happens because of low levels of thyroid hormone which affects several body functions such as temperature control and metabolism for energy production.
Final Words
This article is a guide to all the primary expenses and other costs involved in ensuring that your Border Collie puppy is comfortable, happy, and healthy.
Before purchasing or adopting a puppy, ensure that you do enough research on the breeder and understand all the costs involved.
A dog should not be a financial burden to you, so ensure that your budget meets all the expenses required in owning a Border Collie.
