On the hunt to find out how much a Border Collie will cost you?
Great! As in the Digdoggy.com guide, you will learn:
- The initial and ongoing costs of owning a Border Collie
- How to save money when buying
- What to look for in a good ethical breeder
- Where to find Border Collies for sale
- And much more!

How much do Border Collies cost? Depending on the age and location you purchase, you can expect a border collie to cost between $600 and $1,200. Puppies will be more affordable than grown dogs but expect to spend maintenance costs of between $1,700 and $2,800 for the first year.
A breeder’s reputation also matters, and show-quality borders can set you back over $4,900. However, you can save some cash if you buy from an animal rescue and adoption facility.
Costs to Consider When Buying a Border Collie
A few costs that you’ll want to consider are breeders’ fees, adoption fees, medical care training, grooming, insurance fees, or the cost of food.
Lucky for you, this guide covers just that!
What Are the Initial Costs of Owning a Border Collie?
Some of the costs that you may incur right away include:
- Shipping and transportation
- Certification
- Shelter
- Training (e.g. obedience, agility)
- Accessories + Essentials (e.g. bedding, crate, feeding utensils)
- Pet Insurance
what is the Typical Border Collier Price Range?
For a pet companion, you can get a puppy for between $600 and $1,200. These pups are bred as pets and cannot become working dogs.
What factors that effect the price you pay for a Border Collie?
- Purebred Or mixed dog
- Registration papers/pedigree
- Age
- Training experience
- Color and markings
- Location
- Breeder
Additional inclusions such as vet exams, health guarantees, or American Kennel Club registration, will reflect on your purchase price.
A Border Collie’s price will also vary depending on the dog’s attributes or the breeder and your location. If you’re not selective of bloodlines, colors, or the purpose of your pet, you can buy a non-AKC registered working line collie for anything between $250 and $685.
Worker dogs tend to require further training that will then reflect in their cost, and depending on how long they’ve been trained; they’ll cost up to $7,600.
Female Border Collies are often marked up by 10% – 20% due to their breeding capabilities and show dogs will set you back of around $1000 – $1500
When sourcing for this breed, you’ll find that females cost more than males, usually at 10 or 20 percent. A show-quality puppy or an adult Border Collie can cost between $1,000 and $1,500.
Older borders, often found in rescue shelters or adoption homes, can come at a price below $250.
The most vibrant market for these genius pets is online, with some listings having over 500 dogs priced at $400 to above $1,500. A registered AKC breeder will charge anything from $1,500 up to $2,000 or more for a trained 12-week old puppy.
While experienced breeders will sell puppies or adult dogs whose dewclaws get removed at birth, such listings will offer;
- Deworming
- Vaccination
- Microchip insertion
- DNA testing for CEA or Collie Eye Anomaly, Ceroid Lipofuscinosis, and TN or Trapped Neutrophil
For specific Border Collie bloodlines or genetic traits, the breeder’s price can go anywhere. Despite the expense, the availability of up-to-date records of vet exams and vaccines given offers a health guarantee for your pet.
Dogs registered with AKC have OFA or an orthopedic foundation for animal DNA test results.
How much does adopting a Border Collie from a Rescue centre cost?
Adopting your pet will dramatically reduce the cost of your purchase. Rescue groups and adoption centers, depending on the organization, will charge fees in the range of $75 to $300.
This cost includes the basics of doggy medical care such as:
- Vaccination
- Microchip
- Neutering or spaying
You’ll find an adoptable border through the internet, or you can visit your local humane society or animal shelter to enquire.
However, in some cases, you may be required to join an adoption candidate’s list which is just a waiting list for an adoption agency.
How much will shipping and transporting a Border Collie cost?
Distance (miles) | Average Cost |
---|---|
300 | $120 – $250 |
500+ | $270 – $500 |
Your new border collies breeder may make arrangements for transporting or shipping the dog to your home or business address. Some breeders will take care of all the necessary paperwork and airline fare for you to pick up at a designated point.
Certification Costs
Breeders get their pups registered to the AKC on a limited basis before selling them on. You as the new parent must then fully register your Border Collie with the AKC which costs a fee of $25.
The American Border Collie Association (ABCA) has two options where you can pay an annual $15 fee or buy a lifetime membership at $150. However, the Border Collie Society of America (BCSA) offers a joining fee of $50 for individual members.
How much Does shelter cost?
Product | Price Average |
---|---|
Dog Crate | $20 – $300 |
Dog Bed | $20 – $200 |
Borders may be outdoor dogs but they still sleep inside with the rest of the family.
A dog kennel for your Border will cost between $20 – $350 depending on how secure or extravagant you want to get.
Read Also: >> Are Border Collies good to have with small children?
What is the cost of Traning A Border Collie?
In order to have the best behaved, smartest, and most caring dog they will need to be trained. Types of training you may consider include:
Type Of training | Cost |
---|---|
Obedience training | $120 – $175 |
Private Home Training | $600+ |
Agility training | $20/per session or $635 per 6-week course |
Search and rescue | $100 – $400 per session |
Scent detection + Tracking | $1500 per enrollment |
Are you going to need all of this training for a domestic Border Collie? In my personal opinion, not really! However, I recommend you do your due diligence before deciding on what training is best.
That said, I do believe obedience training and agility are essential to the success of a happy and healthy Border collie.
How much does it it cost a month to own a Border Collie?
Regular expenses of maintaining an adult Border Collie include:
Expense | Average Cost (per year) |
---|---|
Food & treats | $400 |
Grooming | $350 (around $58 per session) |
Medical | $600 |
How much does food cost for a Border Collie?
You can feed your pet on dog food exclusively or supplement their feeding with a variety of meals. Depending on her size, level of physical activities, or metabolism, your collie should ill eat an average of 2 cups of kibble each day.
If the plan is to feed your pet on regular dog food, you might not feel the price pinch. Food prices, depending on its brand, can start from £2 to $47.
High-grade meals can be priced as high as $70, and the quantity can range from a 12.5 lbs can to a 44-lbs pack.
Read Also: >> How do you know when you are overfeeding your Collie?
How much does Grooming a Border Collie cost?
Expense | Cost |
---|---|
Professional Grooming Session | $40 – $75 |
Grooming Kit | $20 – $80 |
Dental Supplies | $20 |
Shampoo and Conditioner | $20 |
Brushes and Combs | $25 – $40 |
Total cost | $125 – $235 |
Grooming is especially important for double-coated dogs as they tend to shed seasonally warmer, thicker, or finer cooler hair.
To maintain healthy growth, grooming is recommended every 4 – 8 weeks with a quick brush 2 -3 times weekly to remove loose hair and untangle knotted or matted fur.
Of course, there’s always an option to save cash by home grooming, but you may find a few sessions with a professional first will help you do a better job later.
What are the Cost of Medical Care for Your Border Collie?
This is an expense that would regularly recur in many dog breeds. The breed generally has stellar health, and besides common canine ailments that affect most dogs, better breeding can promote disease-free lifespans.
Cost | |
---|---|
Full physical exam | $35 – $55 |
Recommended vaccines (Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Canine Influenza, and Lyme Disease) + Dewormings + Heartworm preventatives | $75 to $100 |
Rabies vaccine | $15 – $20 |
DAPPV vaccine (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza) | $20 – $30 |
The total price of veterinary expenses: $100 (does not include service fees, charges, and taxes)
What are the common health problems that Border Collies experience?
Common health problems that border Collies experience are:
Helth problem | Treatment Cost |
---|---|
Canine Displaysia | $350 – $3,900 |
Minor Health issues (progressive retinal atrophy, seizures, osteochondritis dissecans, lens luxation, hypothyroidism, patent ductus arteriosus) | $200+ |
Cancer | $500 – $8,000+ |
Allergies (food or environmental) | $100+ per year |
Eye Abnormalities (Colobomas or Collie Eye Anomaly) | $150 – $200+ |
Your dog is an outdoors marauder and will collect all sorts of nasty parasites like heartworms, fleas, and ticks. You must frequently deworm a border collie, and the cost will range from $12 to $60.
To provide your Collie with the best level of protection, you can spend an additional $20 – $36 to help increase immunity with vitamin vaccinations.
Keep in mind that traveling with your pet can also bring in further unexpected expenses including medical care abroad in the case of an event.
Calcium supplements are a great way of helping to maintain healthy bones for your Collie which can be bought at around $20 per 1 month supply.
Other Costs Border Collie Keepers Should Keep in Mind
No matter how much you plan, something just always seems to pop up. Life ey… That said, there are a few things that commonly show up over others that are listed below.
Accessories for Your Border Collie’s Stimulation
Apart from the necessary leashes, collars, and whatnot, Borders don’t require much in terms of accessories. A couple of mentally stimulating toys also act to keep your highly energetic pet busy.
A no-frills dog collar costs a low price of $4.50. One that offers functionality and high quality, however, will leave you $100 short. These innovative collars give your pet flea cover, while others come with built-in dog tracking devices.
An excellent dog leash comes for between $9.59 and $33.50. Toys for your collie won’t cost a lot, with many prices below $10.
- Dental Products: $10 – $30
- Toys: $50 – $100
- Collars and Leashes: $10 – $30
- Bowls: $5 – $25
- Total Border Collie price for equipment, toys and accessories: $415 – $1025
Read Also: >> What toys are best to buy for a Border Collie?
Pet Insurance Costs for Your Border Collie
Buying pet insurance for your border is up to you, but it’s advisable to mitigate any unplanned medical expenses and the financial risk they carry.
You can choose from various types of cover that usually consist of:
- Accidents
- Illnesses
- Hereditary and Congenital Conditions
- Behavioral Issues
- Chronic Conditions
- Prescription Medication
- Prescription Food & Supplements
- Microchip Implantation
According to the Compare the Market, the average cost of pet insurance is $240 to $720 every year.
To shop for the best health policy for your dog, consider the insurer’s deductible amount and type, whether it’s per year or accident. Take a close look at the reimbursement limits and percentages, plus the included services such as;
- Hospitalization
- Medicines
- Emergency vet visits
- Specialists like cancer oncologists
- Surgery
- Pre-existing condition treatment
What affects the cost of Border collie Pet insurance?
The cost of insurance will depend on factors like your border collies, age, location, and the policy selected.
Alternatively, you can seek out a community-based pet insurance strategy where members help pay each other’s vet costs. While you never pay more than $40 or $65 each month, your pet’s expenses for illness, accident, or routine care get reimbursed. You’ll be saving an average of 50% in comparison to traditional coverage costs.
Final Thoughts On the Cost Of a Border Collie
A border collie dog as a pet is a responsibility backed with costs, from buying, training, feeding, and the occasional vet visit.
This guide should provide you with extensive knowledge on exactly how much you can expect to spends along with any unforeseen expenses that you may not ha been aware of.