Border Collies make wonderful pets in the right homes. However, we frequently see them given up to Battersea. This is because people often underestimate the complexities of the breed, and whether they are compatible with their lives.
What you need to know
- Average lifespan: 10-14 years
- Size: Medium (15-25kg)
- Time: You’ll need to dedicate a lot of time every day to training, exercise and active play. Border Collies are high-energy dogs that can get frustrated without enough mental stimulation and exercise.
- Cost: In addition to day-to-day costs, you should consider investing in training classes as Border Collies particularly benefit from structured guidance. You’ll need an insurance plan or sufficient savings to cover unexpected veterinary treatments as Border Collies are prone to some health conditions.
Behaviour, training and exercise
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You’ll need to be physically capable and prepared to give your Border Collie plenty of exercise.
Border Collies are known for having a lot of energy and can express frustration if they don’t get enough. A healthy, full-grown Border Collie will typically need 60 to 90 minutes of exercise a day (depending on their age and health).
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You’ll need to provide plenty of active play, training and mental stimulation - without this they can get frustrated.
Border Collies need an outlet for their herding instincts and intelligence. If they don’t get a way to use this energy positively (like food puzzles or agility), they may start chasing and herding people or other animals. They also benefit from brain games to help them burn off mental energy and relax between walks.
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You’ll need to socialise and train your Border Collie to help them become familiar with different people, places and sounds.
This will boost their confidence, prevent anxiety in new situations and can stop unwanted chase behaviours towards traffic, joggers and cyclists.
Good to know
While a dog’s breed may influence how they behave, their behaviour will be shaped by all kinds of factors, from their age to their life experiences.
Health
Epilepsy is seen more commonly in Border Collies, and they can experience seizures (also called 'fits').
Treatment and costs
Epilepsy can often be managed with medication, but it may need expensive tests to diagnose. Medication can be a lifelong cost, and sometimes seizures can’t be fully controlled.
Border Collies can develop problems that affect their bones, muscles or joints, including hip dysplasia. This is where the hip joint doesn’t form properly and causes pain over time.
Treatment and costs
Bone and joint problems need lifelong management and treatment. This can include regular vet visits and medication to manage mobility, pain and quality of life. Expensive surgery or hydrotherapy/physiotherapy may also be needed.
This is an inherited eye disease which can vary from mild to serious, sometimes causing complete blindness in both eyes. Responsible breeders often test parents to reduce the chance of passing it on, so it’s good to ask the breeder about this issue.
Treatment and costs
Treatment depends on how serious the condition is. Severe cases can be costly to manage and may not have a cure.
Good to know
Some reputable breeders will screen parents for certain health issues to reduce the chance of puppies developing them.
Costs to consider
The cost of owning and keeping a dog healthy and happy is a long-term financial commitment. For an estimated breakdown of cost considerations for a Border Collie, check out this calculator from the RSPCA.
As there are common medical issues associated with Border Collies which can be expensive to treat, it’s important to consider how you would fund this. Pet insurance doesn't always cover all medical treatment, so you may need to pay some costs yourself.
Good to know
If you're considering getting a puppy from a breeder, it’s important to choose a reputable one. Check out this helpful guide on what to look for in a breeder and questions to ask.
