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 up to $2500 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

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

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 $800– $2,500 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

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 $150–$500 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

How Much Does a Border Collie Cost 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

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.

Food

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

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

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

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

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.

Entertainment

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

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

Saving Money on Border Collie Care

Owning a Border Collie on a Budget

Conclusion

Your new Border Collie puppy will likely cost you $600–2,500 if you purchase them from a breeder, but you might be 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 $150–$500, you can expect to spend $100–$250 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.

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Featured Image Credit: Julia Zavalishina, Shutterstock