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A Border Collie comes with several expenses that a future owner will want to budget. This includes vet fees, training costs, food-related expenses, supplies, grooming and much more. To help with financial planning as a family welcomes a Border Collie into their home, we have designed a detailed cost calculator. A Border Collie puppy is likely to cost between $300-$1,000 with the average price being $700. First-year expenses are around $2,500 and will be about $1,395/year (or $116/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Border Collie is $20,635. These figures account for essential expenses, such as supplies, training, medical costs, food, treats, grooming costs, license, microchip, and the like. Additionally, optional costs like insurance or dog walking services are not included. If you spay/neuter your dog, enroll in a pet insurance plan, use a boarding facility for one week every year and require a dog walker for 50 weeks of the year, the total cost of ownership is likely to rise to the $86,325 to $225,105 range! The higher end of the price range is applicable for better quality products and services, particularly if you are living in expensive areas, with the lower end of the spectrum indicating prices in less expensive areas. Below, we delve into these different costs, offer professional opinions from a dog trainer, a veterinarian, a certified groomer as well as a dog walker and share tips on saving as you raise your Border Collie. At the bottom, you will also find a cost calculator that lets you apply your unique situation and requirements to generate a much more accurate, personalized estimate of the cost of owning and raising a Border Collie. Quick Links What is the price of a Border Collie puppy? Our team has combed through more than 500 ads from sources like the American Kennel Club and PuppyFind, to find the average price of purchasing a Border Collie puppy to be $700, with 80% of prices ranging from $300 to $1,000. For a purebred with documents, the price goes up to $1,900. Puppy CostRangeAverage CostBorder Collie$300 - $1,000$700 Adoption might be a more affordable alternative, with rehoming fees ranging from $50-$500. And you would be saving an animal. If you are actively looking for a dog, we strongly recommend doing some research and finding a reputable breeder or shelter. This will make a big difference in terms of your Border Collie’s health and well-being. WONDERING HOW AND WHERE TO FIND A BORDER COLLIE PUPPY TO BUY OR A DOG TO ADOPT? Our Guide will help you find a dog near you. We share the 24 best places to find your perfect pet. Puppies Price RangeAds Reviewed$100 - $400129 $401 - $700 175 $701 - $1,000 166 $1,001 - $1,300 26 $1,301 - $1,600 15 $1,601 - $1,900 2Total 513 This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget's team. "As a veterinarian, I think Border Collie breeding dogs should be evaluated or tested for the following conditions prior to and throughout their breeding years: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye examination by an ophthalmologist annually until the age of 7 years, collie eye anomaly (DNA test), multiple drug sensitivity (MDR1 mutation DNA test), congenital deafness (BAER test). Buyers should ask the breeder about health screening tests performed."Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian What supplies do you need for your dog? We have listed all the essential items a new dog owner will probably have to buy and analyzed over 250 best seller prices from Walmart, Amazon, and PetSmart to get an accurate estimate of the cost of supplies. A Border Collie owner should budget between $185 and $790 the first year and $75 to $330 every year after that when it comes to supplies for a medium-sized dog. Prices can vary depending on store, brand, location, and product quality. Supplies PricesRangeAverage CostFood & Water Bowls$5 - $40$15Dog Collars (x2) $10 - $40 $20Leash $5 - $20 $10ID Tag with Phone Number $5 - $20 $10Dog Bed (36" or 42") $20 - $85 $50Dog Crate (36" or 42") $30 - $120 $55Plastic Poop Bags (900-1080) $15 - $110 $55Pooper Scooper $10 - $30 $20House Training Pads (75-100) $15 - $45 $25Stains and Odors Removal Spray $5 - $20 $10Toys $30 - $100 $60First-Aid Kit $15 - $50 $30Brush $5 - $45 $15Shampoo $5 - $20 $10Tooth-brushing Kit $5 - $15 $10Toenail Clippers $5 - $30 $15 A new dog owner will need to buy most items on the list before welcoming the new pet, hence the higher initial investment of $410 on average. After that it will only be necessary to replace or replenish a few things lowering yearly expenses to about $185. This accounts for new toys, changing the bed and replenishing poop bags, shampoo, toothbrush, and toothpaste. Total Supplies CostRangeAverage CostFirst Year$185 - $790$410Subsequent Years$75 - $330$185 Other items are not included in this list. For example, you might consider buying a harness, a muzzle, dog clothing, fences for the yard or add gates inside the house. For a more accurate estimate, you can add these expenses in the supplies section of the cost calculator at the end of the article. A simple way to save a lot on supplies is to buy from previous dog owners on second-hand websites or visit second-hand stores. Does a Border Collie need training? Private professional training is not a necessity for a Border Collie according to Alexa Diaz, PhD, dog trainer and animal behaviorist. Nonetheless, she would recommend group lessons for socialization purposes and basic obedience. This generally cost $150-$200 for five weekly 1-hour sessions. Training CostRangeAverage CostBorder Collie$150 - $200$175 Even with easily manageable dogs, consulting a dog training book is always a good idea and a very inexpensive way to help build a harmonious relationship between a dog and the rest of the family. "Border Collies are smart and tend to be shy and sensitive. They bond with one person more than a family and often need to be encouraged to socialize. Group lessons are great for this." Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist The medical costs for a Border Collie Experts like licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks, DVM, agree that dog owners should account for medical expenses in their pet budget. On average, a Border Collie owner can expect first-year medical expenses to be around $595. Additionally, spay/neuter and possibly, a DNA test prior to the procedure might be considered. These cost $50-$450 and $55-$65, respectively. For each subsequent year, expect to spend about $580 to cover trips to the vet, as well as some of the additional medication that may be required, such as heartworm or flea prevention. Medical CostRangeAverage CostFirst Year Vet Cost$395 - $795$595Spay/Neuter (optional)$50 - $450$250DNA Test (optional)$55 - $65$60Adult Year Vet Cost$330 - $825$580 Vet cost for a Border Collie puppy during the first year Dr Brooks recommends a minimum of three visits to the vet over the course of the puppy’s first year under your care, with the first session at roughly 8 weeks of age. Each trip ranges from $65-$170 and takes care of the puppy’s overall health (physical exams, essential vaccines, fecal examination, flea, and heartworm prevention). Additionally, she also suggests pursuing heartworm (to prevent development of heartworm disease, especially in the Southeast US where this disease is rampant) and flea prevention medication for the rest of the year, which are likely to cost $10-$15 per month each for a puppy. Moreover, your dog may require vaccines that depend on lifestyle and activities. Leptospirosis is a common problem if the dog is exposed to wildlife or taken on camping/hiking trips often ($15-$25 but is sometimes already included with essential vaccines). Influenza medication is required if the dog is boarded or kept in a daycare for extended periods of time ($70-$90 for two doses). Finally, Lyme vaccination is necessary if the dog is exposed to ticks when hiking, camping or being in the woods or on a farm ($60-$80 for two doses). As the Border Collie begins to grow older, a neutering or spaying procedure may be considered, with the price being $150-$450 depending on the clinics in your locality (some charge as low as $50-$100 for the procedure). Generally, spays (female) are slightly more expensive. Dr Brooks would also recommend a DNA test for the MDR1 gene mutation (Multiple Drug Sensitivity screening). This is good information to know prior to any surgical procedure and prescribing certain medications throughout the dog’s life. It usually costs $55-$65 and is especially useful if the dog's parents have not been tested for it. Border Collie veterinary expenses for subsequent years Each year after the first one requires one annual trip to the veterinarian. They usually range from $125-$265 at Leslie Brooks’ clinic and include a physical exam, vaccinations, and heartworm test. Blood work could be recommended for middle aged and senior dogs to detect any hidden medical condition and make sure nothing is wrong with the Border Collie. Dr Brooks also recommends continuing heartworm and flea prevention medicine, which usually fall in the $65-$150/year and $140-$250/year respectively for a dog of this size. Booster shots for optional vaccines (Lyme, Influenza, Leptospirosis) could also prove to be necessary and cost $15-$45 each. Finally, fecal examinations may be required in some cases, adding another $40-$50 to the total cost. Some known Border Collie potential health issues The table below sums up some conditions that may affect a Border Collie during its life as well as an estimate of the costs to treat them. The information was provided by licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks, DVM. Health ProblemLikelihoodTreatment Cost EstimateJoint AbnormalitiesMedium$350 - $3,900Cancer (different types)Medium$500 - $10,000Allergies (food or environmental)High$100 - $2000 per yearEye Abnormalities (Colobomas or Collie Eye Anomaly)Medium$150 - $200* * For diagnostics as there is no treatment. Joint abnormalities, with cranial cruciate ligament rupture being the most common for middle to older aged dogs, but it can also happen to younger dogs (1-3 years old). The ideal treatment recommendation is usually surgical repair which can come to $2,000-$3,500 on top of diagnostics prior to surgery, such as x-rays and blood work that cost between $200 and $400. Also know that 50% of dogs who tear a ligament in one knee, will eventually tear the ligament in their other knee, which would double those costs. If the owner elects to avoid surgery, and just provide pain management, physical therapy, and rest instead, one can expect to pay $50 to $300 per month for 3 or 4 months. In such cases, it takes longer for the dog to get back to his normal activity level and it could develop more severe arthritis in the knee later, with associated costs. Cancer: The cost really depends on the type of cancer and if an owner pursues aggressive therapy and all the recommended treatments, versus if they elect to just keep the pet comfortable with medications. Allergies: This depends if the pet has allergies throughout the year or just 1-2 flare ups per year. It would also depend on the owner’s decision to proceed with allergy testing and injections. Note that the pet may also need to be fed prescription food, which can easily be as high as $100 per month. "Border Collies are very active dogs that can be prone to injuries, so it is best to have money set aside throughout their life for instances of leg or foot injuries, such as lacerations, that may happen unexpectedly when playing outside."Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian Pet insurance price The North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report states that the average price of insurance for both accident and illness coverage is $565 per year for a dog, while accident only plans cost $190. Getting a pet insurance is totally up to the dog owner and can help mitigate the financial risk coming with unplanned medical expenses. Contact pet insurance companies to know more about the coverage and prices. The cost to feed a Border Collie Border Collies grow to be 45 lb. on average (usually 30 to 55 lb.). Owners can expect to spend $105-$220/year for a puppy (for about 140 lb. of dry food) and $115-$360/year for an adult dog (for about 230 lb. of dry food). These cost estimations were made using prices of some of the most popular brands including Purina, Pedigree and Blue Buffalo. Yearly Food CostRangeAverage CostPuppy$105 - $220$160Adult Dog$115 - $360$210 Most dog owners will also feed their furry friend treats daily. They can be as expensive if not more than dog food itself. Once again, this is based on prices from PetSmart, Amazon, and Walmart best sellers. Treats CostRangeAverage CostYearly Treats$115 - $335$240 Four dog food brands compared The following table compares the price of 140 lb. of puppy dry food from four popular brands. Puppy Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Puppy Chow36 lb.4$27.78 (Walmart)$111.12Purina One - Smart Blend Puppy16.5 lb.9$21.98 (Walmart)$197.82Pedigree - Puppy36 lb.4$25.83 (Walmart)$103.32Blue Buffalo - Puppy30 lb.5$44.08 (Amazon)$220.40 An adult Border Collie owner will need to buy around 230 lb. of dry food every year. Adult Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Dog Chow50 lb.5$22.98 (Walmart)$114.90Purina One - Smart Blend40 lb.6$40.36 (Walmart)$242.16Pedigree - Adult50 lb.5$25.83 (Walmart)$129.15Blue Buffalo - Adult30 lb.8$44.98 (Amazon)$359.84 Additionally, dog food is perishable, but can be stored for extended periods of time. So, consider bulk-purchasing food for your dog to save money. You should also consult with your veterinarian to decide the most appropriate diet for your Border Collie. Example for a more expensive premium brand Royal Canin - Size Health NutritionQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PriceMedium Puppy30 lb.5$65.99 (PetSmart)$329.95Medium Adult30 lb.8$64.99 (PetSmart)$519.92 This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food. Grooming prices for Border Collies According to Corryne Smith, certified dog groomer, maintaining a Border Collie’s coat is easy enough that most owners should be able to groom the dog themselves if they choose to. If they prefer leaving this task to a professional, she suggests around 6 visits every year. Each session would probably range from $40 to $55 depending on the groomer, the services paid for and the dog itself (size, coat condition, behavior, etc.). Usually a professional dog grooming session includes a bath and shampoo, nail trimming, teeth brushing, eye and ear cleaning as well as hair removal (if needed), brushing and styling. Yearly Grooming CostRangeAverage CostBorder Collie$0 - $330$165 Grooming kits can be bought for about $75 on Amazon or at Walmart and PetSmart (prices found range from $25 to $290$). Additional costs to consider Additional CostsRangeAverage CostLicense$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40 Dog Walking (per walk) $20 - $50 $35 Dog Boarding (per day)$25 - $85$40 License Licenses usually fall in the $10-$20 range in the USA, depending on location. If your dog is not spayed or neutered, the cost is likely to be a little bit higher. Getting a license for your dog is strongly recommended, as it can be illegal, depending on state, to own an unlicensed dog. Moreover, it makes identification and locating in the case of emergencies that much easier. Microchip Microchips create a unique identification for your dog, allowing them to be on medical and emergency databases. Microchips are required in many U.S. states and will range from $25-$50. Dog walking Border Collies are very energetic dogs, and so, need an outlet to tire themselves out and keep from becoming frustrated or bored. Dog walkers like Tamaria Reddick would recommend hiring a professional to take the dog out at least once a day if owners do not have the time to dedicate themselves. With such a high exercise need, it is probably better to consider 1-hour long walks. Thankfully, finding a good dog walker is easy thanks to apps like Rover and Wag. Expect to be charged $20-$50 for 1-hour group walks and $15-$25 for 30-minute group walks. If the dog is not properly socialized, it might need private walks which are more expensive. Traveling In the case of extended travel plans, dog boarding services are available, provided you plan. They usually cost between $25-$85 a day, depending on location and time of year. During particularly busy stretches of the year, such as the holidays, you will need to book a dog boarding service in advance, as you are likely to increase your chance to find availability and get better rates. If you are on a tight budget, checking with friends or family members to see if they would be willing to host your dog is a good idea, as bills can add up very quickly. Finally, you might be able to take your dog with you, as many airlines and train companies offer special provisions to help move your pets. You will have to submit a formal request ahead of time. Moreover, the cost varies drastically, as it depends on several variables. Yearly and monthly cost of a Border Collie The cost of the first year with a puppy The total first year expenses that come with raising a Border Collie averages out at $2,500, with the spectrum ranging from $1,285 to $3,740. Keep in mind that many of the essential expenses that come with raising a puppy fall within the first weeks. First Year CostsRangeAverage CostPuppy$300 - $1,000$700Supplies$185 - $790$410Training$150 - $200$175Medical$395 - $795$595Food & Treats$220 - $555$400Grooming$0 - $330$165License$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40First Year Total$1,285 - $3,740$2,500 The dog owner might also want to take into consideration the following costs. Optional First Year CostsRangeAverage CostSpay/Neuter$50 - $450$250DNA Test$55 - $65$60Insurance$350 - $780$565Dog Walking (1 hour per day)$20 - $50$35Dog Boarding (per day)$25 - $85$40 With a spay or neuter procedure, pet insurance and other miscellaneous services, such as dog walking (five times a week for 42 weeks) and boarding services (assuming the dog is boarded for a week), these amounts can add up easily, putting your expenses in the $6,115-$16,130 range through the course of the puppy’s first year only. Potential First Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$1,740 - $5,035$3,375With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$6,115 - $16,130$11,005 Yearly and monthly cost with a Border Collie for the following years After the first year, the annual cost of owning a dog does go down marginally and will run you anywhere between $645 and $2,200, with an average cost of $1,395. This puts your monthly expenses in the $54-$183 range. Adult Year CostsRangeAverage CostSupplies$75 - $330$185Medical$330 - $825$580Food & Treats$230 - $695$450Grooming$0 - $330$165License$10 - $20$15Adult Year Total$645 - $2,200$1,395Estimated Monthly Cost$54 - $183$116 Again, you might also want to consider additional services that could drastically change your budget like buying insurance and/or hiring a dog walker 5 times a week for 1-hour walks and leaving your dog in a boarding facility for a week while going on vacation. Potential Adult Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Insurance$995 - $2,980$1,960With Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$6,170 - $16,075$10,990 Total cost of ownership for Border Collies On average, Border Collies live for 14 years (usually 12 to 15 years). Using the metrics and figures above, we estimate that the total cost of owning a Border Collie falls within the $9,670-$32,340 range, with a $20,635 average. Total Cost of Ownership (14 years)RangeAverage CostBorder Collie$9,670 - $32,340$20,635 Adding spay/neuter as well as pet insurance, the average cost of ownership will be around $28,855. Finally, with 1-hour professional walks five times a week all year long (except for two weeks) and a week in a dog boarding facility on top of that, the total cost of ownership can be as high as $86,325 to $225,105 averaging $153,875 for the 14 years spent raising a Border Collie. Potential Total Cost of Ownership (14 years)RangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$14,675 - $43,775$28,855With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$86,325 - $225,105$153,875 Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips. PetBudget Border Collie cost calculator https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XicAjpS5ykQ&t=12s The cost of a Border Collie – A summary in 7 questions 1- How much is a Border Collie puppy? On average a Border Collie puppy will cost $700 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $300 and $1,000. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location as well as the dog’s bloodline, color, and age among other things. 2 – How much are dog supplies? A new owner can expect an initial investment between $185 and $790 in supplies when welcoming a medium-sized dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $75 and $330. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality. 3 - Does a Border Collie need training and how much will it cost? Having a Border Collie professionally trained is usually recommended (group training) and should cost around $150 to $200. For this breed, training should mainly focus on basic obedience and socialization. 4 - What is the cost of preventive medical care for a Border Collie? Preventive medical care should amount to around $395 to $795 for a Border Collie puppy during the first year and around $330 to $825 every adult year. This does not include a spay or neuter procedure (usually between $150 and $450). 5 - How much food does a Border Collie eat and how much will it cost? A Border Collie puppy will eat around 140 lb. and an adult close to 230 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $105 and $330 for a puppy and $115 to $520 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs. 6 - How often should a Border Collie be professionally groomed and how much will it cost? Grooming a Border Collie is easy enough that most owners should be able to do it themselves. Those who prefer having their dog professionally groomed can expect up to 6 visits to a salon every year. Each session should cost from $40 to $55 depending on the dog and services needed. 7 – Are there any other expenses to expect? In the United States, a dog license usually costs between $10 and $20. The cost could be slightly higher if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Having the dog licensed is mandatory almost everywhere. A dog microchip costs $25 to $50 on average in the US and is generally implanted during a medical appointment. It is placed under the skin usually between the shoulder blades. Dogs adopted from a shelter or bought from a breeder sometimes already have a microchip. According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report, the average annual price is $566 for accident and illness coverage plans or $190 for accident only plans. Dog walkers usually charge $15 to $25 for 30 minutes group walks and $20 to $50 for 1-hour long ones. Prices vary mainly depending on location. Private walks are more expensive. A dog owner should budget $25 to $85 per day for dog boarding services. Prices vary depending on location, time of the year, and the level of service among other things. To help you out, this guide contains all the primary expenses that are necessary to ensure your future dog's well-being. Make sure to take these considerations seriously before adopting or purchasing a Border Collie, as they are imperative to your dog leading a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your home. Moreover, the dog should not be a financial burden on you or your family, so make sure to carefully read through each section to better understand the expenses that come with raising a Border Collie. Figures provided in this article are for informational purposes only. A dog owner should always find the actual costs applicable to his own situation before making any decision. References and Resources Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal BehavioristCorryne Smith – Dog GroomerTamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet SitterOrthopedic Foundation for AnimalsThe American Kennel ClubNorth American Pet Health Insurance AssociationAssociation of Professional Dog Trainers This article is original content from PetBudget.

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