Cost of Owning a Border Collie (2026): Purchase, Vet Bills, and More

The exact price of a border collie depends on the breeder, location, and the dog’s pedigree. Border collies are a popular choice thanks to their high energy levels and intelligence.^[1] You’ll also have to cover a number of ongoing costs as a pet owner, including veterinary care, pet insurance, and more. This is important to consider before deciding to purchase a border collie.

Here’s what you need to know about the different costs involved in owning a border collie so you can determine whether this breed is the right fit for your family and budget.

How much does a border collie cost?

A border collie is a medium-sized dog that originated from the Anglo-Scottish border. The dogs were originally sheep-herding dogs and have successfully competed in competitive sheepdog trials.^[2]

Regularly listed as one of the world’s smartest dog breeds, border collies are intelligent. They’re eager to please and highly trainable, making them a great family dog. But border collies have a lot of stamina and energy, so you need to have the time to devote to proper training and giving them the mental stimulation they need.^[3]

The price of a border collie can range from $300 to $3,500, depending on whether you purchase a border collie from a breeder or adopt one from an animal shelter. A well-trusted breeder generally costs more than an animal shelter, though the exact price you pay will depend on the dog’s age and pedigree, as well as the breeder and location.

Buying a border collie from a breeder: $800 to $3,500

The average cost of a border collie from a reputable breeder typically ranges from $800 to $1,500, but you could pay up to $3,500 for a top-tier pup.^[4]

Purchasing your puppy from a breeder has many advantages, including health screenings and ongoing support during the adoption process. A responsible breeder makes sure that the puppy is a perfect match for you and your lifestyle, though it’s important to do prior research to see which breeder has the best reputation. Keep in mind that adopting from a breeder is pricier, and you may have to pay additional costs for the puppy’s training.

Adopting a border collie from a shelter or rescue group: $300 to $700

The process of adopting a border collie from a shelter is the more affordable option. Costs range from $300 to $700, depending on the dog’s age and the organization you adopt from.^[5] The shelter fee usually covers the dog’s initial vaccinations, spaying and neutering, and microchipping.

An advantage of adopting a border collie from a shelter is that you’re giving them a loving home. But shelters don’t typically screen for health issues. Because rescue dogs can arrive at a shelter without a medical record or past history, underlying health concerns and behavioral issues may go undetected.

Costs of owning a border collie

Once you get past the initial costs of buying a border collie, you’ll still have to pay for ongoing expenses. These will vary depending on your location and your dog’s needs, but the following table shows the estimated average costs of some essentials.

Expense	Average Cost
Vaccinations	$15–$78 per year
Vet visits	$70–$174 per year
Food	$40–$100 per month
Toys and supplies	$20–$50 per month
Grooming and maintenance	$50–$115 per session
Training	$30–$80 per class (group training) $70–$150 per session (private class)

Vaccination and vet visits

The average annual cost for a vet visit can range from $70 to $174. The average annual cost for vaccinations ranges from $15 to $78. These costs include annual checkups, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and dental care. You’ll pay more during the first year of your dog’s life since puppies require multiple rounds of vaccines.^[6]

Food, toys, and supplies

Border collies are one of the most active dog breeds, and you’ll pay around $40–$100 per month for food. They’ll need toys and treats to keep them mentally stimulated, which typically cost between $20 and $50 per month. You’ll also need to invest in a crate, carrier, and bedding when you first get the dog.

Grooming and maintenance

Border collies have a double coat and need regular grooming and maintenance to keep their coat healthy and prevent matting. Professional grooming sessions cost an average of $50–$115 per session, and you’ll need to invest in grooming tools like shampoo, conditioner, brushes, and nail clippers.

Training

Border collies are highly intelligent and work closely with people, which makes them one of the easiest breeds to train. Border collie puppies can start obedience training at 3 to 4 months of age. The average cost for a group class can range from $30 to $80, while a private session costs anywhere between $70 and $150.

Pet insurance for a border collie

Pet insurance is an up-front monthly payment that can help offset some of the unexpected costs that come with pet ownership. You can also add on a wellness plan, which will cover a portion of the costs associated with routine checkups and vaccines.

The average cost of pet insurance for a border collie is $46 per month, or about $552 per year, which can cover various accidents and illnesses.

Factors influencing the price of a border collie

Many different factors can influence the price of a border collie, including the breeder’s location and the dog’s coat color, age, and gender. Understanding how these variables influence the price will help you find a dog that fits within your budget.

Where you purchase from

Where you purchase your dog from makes a big difference when it comes to price. A certified, trustworthy breeder is always going to be the most expensive option since they prioritize things like health screenings and breed standards. You’ll pay anywhere from $800 to $3,500 to buy a border collie from a breeder.

Adopting from a shelter or rescue group will be cheaper, usually costing between $300 and $700, depending on the border collie’s age and the shelter you adopt from.



Coat color

The American Kennel Club identifies 17 different coat colors for border collies, but the most common variation is a black-and-white coat. Unusual coat colors, like blue merle or lilac, may come with a premium cost since these dogs are rare and in higher demand.



Age and gender

Age and gender also affect the price of border collies. Puppies are in higher demand than adult dogs, so they’ll come with higher prices. Female dogs are often more expensive than male dogs, especially if they haven’t had a spaying procedure and still have breeding potential.

Common health issues in border collies

Overall, the border collie is a pretty healthy breed, but it can face certain genetic conditions.^[7] Here are the most common health conditions to watch out for in border collies:

• Collie eye anomaly (CEA): CEA is a genetic mutation that results in many layers of the eye and can cause vision loss or blindness.

• Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a deformity of the hip that occurs while dogs are growing. The ball and socket don’t grow at equal rates, causing a loose hip joint. This condition can result in degenerative joint disease (DJD) or osteoarthritis.

• Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in dogs that causes recurring seizures.

• Early-onset adult deafness (EOAD): EOAD causes progressive hearing loss in dogs that can show up as early as 4 months of age. You can confirm this condition with a clinical Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test.

• Border collie collapse (BCC): BCC is a nervous system disorder that usually occurs within five to 15 minutes of strenuous exercise. The side effects are disorientation, staggering, and a choppy gait.

Comparing costs: Border collie vs. other breeds

If you’re still deciding whether a border collie is right for you, you can consider similar breeds.

Although the border collie is cheaper than several similar breeds, the Australian cattle dog is the only dog that costs less on average than a border collie.

Here’s how the border collie compares:

Dog Breed	Average Cost
Australian cattle dog	$500–$1,500
Border collie	$800–$3,500
Australian shepherd	$1,500–$2,500
Bearded collie	$1,500–$3,000
German shepherd	$2,000–$4,000

Border collie FAQs