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Border Collies are among the most popular dog breeds worldwide because they’re intelligent, energetic, and active. If you are thinking about getting one and would like to know how much they cost, you can expect to spend between $1,500 to $3,000 for the dog from a reputable breeder and $100–$250 monthly. Keep reading as we discuss adoption, breeders, grooming, healthcare, insurance, and more to help you determine if one of these adorable dogs will fit into your budget.
Bringing Home a New Border Collie: One-Time Costs
Bringing home a new Border Collie can be an exciting experience, but there are several one-time costs that you’ll need to cover. These include purchase price, vaccinations, and spaying or neutering your pets. By budgeting for these expenses ahead of time, you’ll be better prepared to ensure that your new puppy has a good start in life.
Free
There might be occasions where you can get a free Border Collie, but many times, it is a sign that the dog has not received proper medical care, socialization, or training. For instance, many people try to give away a dog that they can’t control or that is unhealthy. This can lead to expensive training and vet bills, so research the situation before accepting a free dog.
Adoption
- $150–$400
Adopting is a great way to provide a loving home for a dog that needs one, and it’s often less expensive than purchasing from a breeder. The fee can vary depending on the rescue organization and the dog’s age, health, and history, but you can expect the adoption fee for a Border Collie to be $150–$400.
Breeder
- $1,500–$3,000
The purchase price of your Border Collie can vary significantly depending on several factors, like the breeder’s reputation and the dog’s pedigree. Your travel distance to each other can also increase the cost, so most owners should expect to spend $1,500–$3,000 for their new pet. It’s important to search for a reputable breeder even though the cost may be higher because you are more likely to receive a healthy dog free of genetic problems.
Initial Setup and Supplies
- $770–$2,495
When bringing home a new Border Collie, you must consider the initial setup cost, including the crate, food and water bowls, bedding, a collar and leash, toys, and grooming supplies. In total, you should expect to spend $770–$2,495 on your initial setup, depending on the quality and quantity of the items that you purchase. Also, remember that a few of these items, especially the toys, will need to be replaced over time.
List of Border Collie Care Supplies and Costs
| ID Tag and Collar | $5–$15 |
| Spay/Neuter | $100–$500 |
| X-ray Cost | $75–$250 |
| Ultrasound Cost | $150–$500 |
| Microchip | $25–$50 |
| Teeth Cleaning | $300–$800 |
| Bed/Tank/Cage | $50–$150 |
| Nail Clipper (optional) | $10–$30 |
| Brush (optional) | $10–$20 |
| Toys | $5–$50 |
| Carrier | $30–$100 |
| Food and Water Bowls | $10–$30 |
How Much Does a Border Collie Cost Per Month?
- $195–$660 per month
The cost of your Border Collie can vary depending on the dog’s age, health, location, and personal preferences. Many things can affect the price, including food, treats, veterinary visits, grooming, and toys, so you can expect the monthly cost to range from $100 to $250. Even if you spend a little less in some months, it’s still important to budget so you have the funds on hand when you need them.
Health Care
- $50–$100 per month
Regular veterinary care is crucial for maintaining your Border Collie’s health, including routine check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention. You should expect to spend $50–$100 per month on vet visits, depending on your location and the level of care that your dog requires. Healthcare costs are usually higher when the dog is still a puppy and when they become a senior but can remain fairly low as an adult if they don’t have any health issues and aren’t accident prone.
In those cases, you can use a vet telehealth service, which are usually much cheaper, and a vet will tell you if and when your dog’s issue warrants an in-person visit.
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Food
- $30–$60 per month
The cost of food will depend on the brand and quality that you choose, along with the size and activity level of your Border Collie. On average, expect to spend $30–$60 monthly on food.
Grooming
- $10–$50 per month
Border Collies have a thick double coat that requires regular brushing and grooming to prevent matting and shedding. The grooming cost can vary depending on whether you do it yourself or take your dog to a professional groomer. We recommend budgeting $10–$50 monthly on grooming supplies or professional services.
Medications and Vet Visits
- $50–$100 per month
Routine vet visits will usually cost $50–$100 per visit, and you must go at least once a year when your dog is an adult. They may also need medications that can cost $10–$100 monthly.
Pet Insurance
- $25–$100 per month
Pet insurance can help manage the bills in the event of unexpected veterinary expenses due to an illness or accident. The insurance cost can vary depending on your dog’s age and the type of policy that you choose, but owners should expect to spend $25–$100 per month on pet insurance.
Environment Maintenance
- $10–$200 per month
Border Collies are active dogs that require a great deal of exercise and mental stimulation, which can impact their environment. It can take a toll on the yard, for example, and you may need to invest in additional fencing if the dog likes to explore. You may also need to purchase pet-safe cleaning supplies to clean up after your pet when they shed or have an accident.
| Cleaning Supplies | $5/month |
| Yard Maintenance | $5/month |
| Professional Cleaning | $10/month |
Entertainment
- $20–$50 per month
A monthly subscription to a dog toy box is a great way to keep your Border Collie entertained and stimulated throughout the year, improving their mental and physical health. The cost of these boxes can vary considerably depending on the brand that you choose and its contents. On average, though, you can expect to pay $20–$50 per month to receive one of these boxes.
Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Border Collie
- $195–$660 per month
Based on these estimates, the total monthly cost of owning a Border Collie can range from $150 to $250 per month. Note that unexpected expenses, such as emergency veterinary care or repairs to your home or yard, can also arise, increasing the monthly cost significantly. By budgeting carefully and planning for these potential costs, though, you can ensure that you can have a budget and still provide the best possible care for your Border Collie.
Additional Costs and Ways to Save
Additional Costs to Factor In
- Boarding or Pet Sitting: If you plan to travel without your Border Collie, you must pay for boarding or pet-sitting services that range from $30 to $75 per day, depending on your location and type of housing.
- Repairs or Replacement of Household Items: Border Collies are active dogs that occasionally damage items while running and playing. There might also be damage to the household furniture and rugs.
- License and Registration: Many states, including Pennsylvania and Delaware, require you to get a license for your pet. Other states, such as Idaho and Indiana, leave the licensing requirements to counties or even municipalities. We recommend checking with your local authorities to see if you need a license before purchasing your Border Collie. If so, you can expect to spend $10–$50 annually to keep it current.
- Fees and Deposits: Many apartments require a deposit or monthly pet fee for tenants to keep a dog. If you have been living in the same place for a while, it can be a good idea to check with the landlord to see if they require a fee or deposit before you purchase your Border Collie.
Saving Money on Border Collie Care
- Check out second-hand stores and buy used or discounted supplies.
- Learn how to train your dog yourself, as this can save you money on a professional dog trainer and enable you to bond better with your pet.
- While traveling, consider asking a friend or family member to watch your pet instead of paying for expensive boarding services, which can also be more stressful for your dog.
- Take advantage of free resources. Join online forums and social media groups that connect with other Border Collie owners so you can learn from their experiences.
Owning a Border Collie on a Budget
- Adopting a Border Collie from a shelter or rescue group is often less expensive than buying one from a breeder. There’s also a good chance that the shelter already provided basic veterinary care, including shots, and may have spayed or neutered the dog, saving you even more money.
- Getting your supplies in bulk can help you reduce costs in the long run.
- Grooming your dog at home can save you considerable money. Professional groomers are expensive, and while they can help with dental cleaning and nail clipping, brushing is fairly easy and what’s most frequently needed.
- Making sure your dog gets plenty of exercise can help prevent them from becoming overweight, which can lead to several health issues that can be quite expensive to treat.
- Make your own toys using household items like old socks and cardboard boxes. Doing so will help you cut costs, and your dog will enjoy playing with them just as much as with commercial brands.
Conclusion
Your new Border Collie puppy will likely cost you $1,500 to $3,000 if you purchase them from a breeder, but you might be able to get one for significantly less by visiting your local animal shelter. The shelter may have also provided the shots and vaccinations that the dog needs, and they might even spay or neuter the dog, saving you even more money. After your initial setup, which can cost $770–$2,495, you can expect to spend $195–$660 monthly on maintenance and upkeep to keep your Border Collie happy and healthy. You can reduce your monthly expenses by shopping in bulk and using coupons and sales to buy items at a lower cost.
Featured Image Credit: Julia Zavalishina, Shutterstock
