Before you bring home a black and white bundle of energy, it is important to think through all aspects of the Border Collie price. The Border Collie is considered by many people to be the smartest dog breed in the world! Consequently, there are some extra cost considerations that go along with owning a true canine genius.
For example, many Border Collie owners keep their dogs enrolled in advanced obedience classes or advanced canine activities (like agility) much longer than the average dog owner.
Border Collies also need a variety of interactive toys and brain games to keep their minds engaged.
If you work long hours, you might need to bring your Border Collie to a doggie daycare during the day.
Border Collies will not be happy lying around the house all day waiting for you to get home from work. They need a lot of interaction and mental stimulation.
In this article, we will explore all of the components of the Border Collie price. Below we will cover topics such as adoption fees and breeder fees, as well as the cost of food, training, grooming and medical care.
Is A Border Collie a Good Match for You?
Before you start calculating the Border Collie price, you should first determine if the Border Collie is the right breed for you.
Understanding the Border Collie Temperament
Border Collies are wonderful dogs. They are loyal, attentive, and highly trainable. They make great working partners and pets.
However, the Border Collie temperament is not the right choice for everyone.
Border collies are extremely intelligent and driven. They are high-energy working dogs. They need an outlet for their stamina and drive.
Read our article on exercises for dogs for ideas.
In fact, Border Collies are still widely used as herding dogs on farms to this day. If you are not going to use your Border Collie as a working dog, you will need to come up with some other “job” for them.
Border Collies excel in many arenas including herding, agility, nosework, Frisbee, competitive obedience, search and rescue, freestyle, flyball, jogging and hiking.
If you live an active lifestyle, a Border Collie will be a great fit for you.
However, if you live in a small city apartment or you lead a quiet life, think carefully about whether you have the time, space and energy to care for such a high-energy breed.
The Cost of Purchasing a Border Collie Puppy from a Reputable Breeder
If you decide to work with a breeder, the average Border Collie puppy price will be between $1000 and $1500. However, the price can go up for certain traits or bloodlines.
If you decide to go the route of a breeder, you will need to do your research to find a responsible breeder.
A good breeder is dedicated to improving the health and quality of the breed. A bad breeder is only interested in making money.
You can contact the Border Collie Society of America for a list of recommended breeders in your part of the country.
Once you have a breeder (or two) in mind, set up an appointment to meet the breeder in person and view their operations. This will allow you to see for yourself that you are working with an ethical breeder and not a puppy mill.
A good breeder will welcome your visit and will eagerly show you medical records and AKC papers for their breeding dogs. They can provide references of happy customers, and they will likely have a waiting list to get a puppy from them.
If a breeder does not want you to visit their location, this is a big red flag.
Never buy Border Collie puppies over the internet or from a pet store. Always make sure you see where your puppy is coming from.
You may have to travel to a different region to find a top-quality breeder, so you will have to also factor in the cost of travel and accommodations.
The Cost of Adopting a Border Collie from a Rescue Group or an Animal Shelter
If you are looking for a way to cut costs, one good option to explore is the option of adoption.
There are always Border Collies that are looking for new, loving homes.
Most Border Collies end up in rescue situations through no fault of their own. They are nice dogs whose owners can no longer keep them for one reason or another.
When you adopt through an animal shelter or rescue group, the Border Collie price goes way down.
Most adoption fees are between $75 and $300 depending on the organization. The adoption fee usually includes basic medical care such as spay/neuter, vaccines, and a microchip.
You can find a Border Collie for adoption by visiting your local animal shelter or humane society and putting your name on file.
You can also search for adoptable Border Collies through websites such as Facebook, Petfinder, Adoptapet, or Getyourpet.
When you adopt a Border Collie, you can save money and save a life! It is a win-win situation!
The Cost of Border Collie Care
The initial cost is only a small fraction of the true Border Collie cost. Once you get your new pet home, there are still plenty of expenses in your future.
The Cost of Feeding a Border Collie
Border Collies are energetic dogs with a high metabolism.
Be prepared to budget between $30 and $40 per month on a high-quality dog food.
Talk with your vet about the best nutrition for this active breed.
Do not forget to stock up on training treats, dental chews, and enrichment items (like busy bones).
The Cost of Training a Border Collie
Training classes are a great way to provide an outlet for your Border Collie’s brainpower.
Although it’s feasible to train your dog yourself, it is ideal to do at least one class with a professional trainer.
Many Border Collie owners end up enjoying their training classes so much that they sign up for more advanced classes.
Obedience classes usually cost between $100 and $200 for 5 or 6 weeks of classes.
Helpful Do It Yourself (DIY) Dog Training Resource:
For help with training your dog, you should take a look at The Online Dog Trainer by Doggy Dan. Doggy Dan is an expert Dog Trainer based in New Zealand. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog.
The Cost of Border Collie Grooming
Border Collies require regular brushing and bathing, but this is something that most owners can do at home for minimal cost.
Border Collies come in two varieties—short coat and rough coat.
If you have a rough coat Border Collie, your dog will need occasional haircuts and sanitary trims.
You can either learn to do this yourself (read our article on 10 steps to successful grooming) or pay a professional groomer to do this a few times per year.
Other Border Collies Expenses
Get ready to spend a lot of money on toys! Border collies love toys—especially interactive toys such as Kongs, food puzzles, and work-to-eat toys.
If you own a Border Collie, you will also need to stock up on training supplies for all of the training that you are going to do. You may want to purchase a clicker, and you will definitely want a treat pouch.
A crate is another item that you will probably want to procure. A crate will keep your curious Border Collie safe (and your shoes safe!) when you have to leave your dog home alone.
The Cost of Border Collie Medical Care
Veterinary care is one of the biggest expenses for all pet owners. Border Collies are no exception.
Routine Medical Costs
Your Border Collie will need to visit the vet at least once per year for an annual checkup and vaccinations.
The cost of a yearly checkup is generally between $100 and $250 depending on the veterinary practice and what services you request. Bloodwork and dental care will increase the price.
Your Border Collie will also need monthly prevention for fleas, ticks, and heartworms. Price varies depending on the brand that you select, but you should budget at least $20 to $30 per month for these medications.
Emergency Medical Costs
You will also want to set aside some funding for the purpose of medical emergencies.
If your Border Collie needs an emergency procedure such as an orthopedic surgery or a foreign body surgery, that will cost thousands of dollars.
Supplements
Border Collies are prone to hip and joint issues, such as arthritis and hip/ elbow dysplasia. Therefore, it is a smart idea to start your Border Collie on a joint supplement, such as Glucosamine, from an early age.
Glucosamine supplements cost about $20 per bottle and a bottle will usually last about one month.
Talk with your vet about other medical costs associated with this particular breed.
Conclusion: Are you Ready for the Border Collie Energy and the Border Collie Price?
If you are considering getting a Border Collie, it is important to think long and hard about whether you are prepared to handle the Border Collie energy and intellect.
It is equally important to make sure that you are prepared to handle the Border Collie price and all of the expenses that could arise throughout your dog’s life.
Border Collies definitely have some special needs due to their high intelligence and activity level.
Allie has worked in the field of animal welfare for over ten years and as a freelance writer the space for many years. She has had many different kinds of dogs (and cats) throughout her life—all adopted. She currently shares her home with a lovable pit bull mix named Huckleberry.
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