It’s easy to think that the only costs associated with owning a Border Collie are just the initial purchase price. However, there are many other hidden costs that you should be aware of before you buy one of these beautiful creatures.
Before you start shopping around, you may want to know how much do border collies cost!
The average price range of a purebred Border Collie is about $800 – $2,000. However, that’s not always the case since multiple factors can usually affect how much you’ll pay to buy a Border Collie puppy from a breeder or rescue organization.
In this article, we will explore what you should know before buying one, so you don’t get taken advantage of or find yourself with an expensive problem on your hands!
Other expenses when purchasing a Border Collie puppy
When you buy a Border Collie puppy, there are many initial costs that you should be prepared for. The cost of the dog itself shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision; here are some common expenses involved with buying a new pup:
Spaying/neutering
If you consider spaying or neutering your Border Collie, you should probably have that in mind before buying your dog. The cost of spaying/neutering your dog will typically run between $120 – $250, depending on where you live and if it’s done at a private veterinarian or a shelter clinic.
Spaying or neutering your Border Collie is important for many reasons. It can help reduce the risk of cancer, which is very common in the breed. Also, spaying or neutering your dog at a young age will stop hormonal behaviors common in most breeds of dogs before they become an adult.
Medical Costs
Other medical costs such as vaccination, deworming, heartworm prevention, and flea/tick treatment are typical costs that are standard for all breeds of dogs.
You should expect to pay about $360 – $420 in initial medical costs for your new pup, depending on the number of visits to the vet, frequency of prescription medication, and other factors.
Insurance
Insurance for your new pet can be a good idea if you cannot cover the high cost of emergency veterinary visits. A super active dog like a Border Collie is more prone to getting into accidents or being exposed to other dangers that can cause health problems.
If you are unable to afford the high cost of veterinarian visits on your own, insurance might be a good idea.
The average monthly premium for new puppy coverage is about $40 – $60 per month depending on your pup’s age, breed, and other factors. Most policies include a maximum of about $5,000 – $7,500 in coverage that must be paid before your insurance provider starts paying out claims.
In many cases, dog owners end up spending more on monthly premiums than what is covered by the policy they purchase if their pet incurs a large veterinary
Microchipping
Having your dog microchipped is a good idea if they are prone to getting lost or running away from home.
A microchip can help you recover your pet. In many cases, dogs who get lost will end up in animal shelters where they can be scanned and reunited with their owners.
The average cost of implanting is between $25 – $50, including registration on the database. It can be done at any local veterinarian’s office or animal shelter.
A microchip is relatively inexpensive to implant but can end up being very costly if you are unable to recover your pet.
Dog toys
Dog toys are typically considered an essential expense for any pup. If you don’t want to end up with chewed shoes or ripped cushions, you’ll probably want to invest in several chew and tug toys and other play options for your dog.
The average toy budget is about $50 – $100 per year, depending on the size of your pup, frequency of play, and other factors.
Having a few toys around can prevent boredom and destructive behavior, which ultimately saves you money in the long run.
Costs of Owning a Border Collie
Food Cost
The predictable cost of feeding your Border Collie their daily meals is about $15 – $20 per month.
Having a few healthy snacks and other treats can add up quickly, though. While you should avoid feeding your dog human food because it can cause health problems over time, the occasional treat is good for their mental health and well-being.
Training
Many owners end up spending anywhere from $800 – $1,000 or more per year for dog training to teach their pups basic obedience commands before they get older.
While it is best to start training your dog while they are still young, it can be done at any age so long as the dog isn’t too old or stubborn to learn new tricks.
Grooming
Grooming costs are typically higher for medium to long-haired breeds of dogs like the Border Collie.
The average cost is between $35 – $60 per month depending on your dog’s coat, how often you visit the groomer and other factors.
Many dog owners end up learning how to do basic grooming like brushing and cleaning your pup’s ears and paws at home to save time and money in the long run.
Dog Walker
Many people typically see dog walkers as a luxury, but they can be quite beneficial for pet owners who want to give their pup plenty of exercise every day.
The average cost is about $20 – $35 per walk, depending on the size of your dog and the frequency of the walks.
Dog Sitter/daycare
Doggy daycare is an excellent option for any dog owner who works long hours and doesn’t want their pup to get bored or feel lonely at home.
The average cost is about $20 – $40 per day, depending on how many days of the week you would like your dog to attend and other factors.
A few hours every day at the local doggie daycare is a great way for basic socialization and exercise.
Dog boarding
Dog boarding can be very expensive if you need to leave town for an extended period and won’t take your pet with you.
Average boarding costs are about $25 – $50 per day, depending on the location, size of your pet’s enclosure, and other factors. It can be an expensive option if you don’t have a friend or family member who will be able to check in on your dog while you are away.
Cost of feeding a Border Collie
The cost of feeding a Border Collie depends on many factors like the type of food they eat, the size of your BC, and how much you feed them on a daily basis.
While most dog owners spend between $15 – $20 per month for their pup’s food, some spend significantly more than that amount.
A puppy Border Collie
A puppy will eat more than an adult dog and will need to eat several times a day.
A large bag of puppy food can cost anywhere from $40 – $100, depending on the brand, meal size, and other factors.
An adult Border Collie
An adult Border Collie will eat more food than a puppy will.
A large bag of dog food can cost anywhere from $35 – $70, depending on the brand, nutritional value, and other factors.
The best way to save money on pet food is by comparing prices at several different stores before you buy in bulk.
A senior Border Collie
The cost of feeding a senior dog is generally less expensive than feeding an adult or puppy. Since your old BC is not as active, they will need less food.
A bag of dog food for older pups typically costs between $20 – $35, depending on the nutritional value, brand names, and other factors.
Dog food brands
One brand of dog food is not always better than another.
Some brands are more expensive but promise higher quality ingredients or nutritional value. Others are less expensive per bag and aim to provide the same benefits at a way lower cost.
When shopping for your pup’s food, the best thing to do is compare different brands before you buy one in bulk.
A bag of food could be $2 – $5 cheaper per week if you compare the best deals at different pet stores.
Overtime Average cost of owning a Border Collie
The total overtime average cost of owning a Border Collie is about $12.5 – $25 per week, and $50 – $100 per month depending on the specific factors for each dog owner, which translates to an average of $600 – $1200 per year.
The costs of giving your pup everything they need to feel safe, secure, and happy can quickly add up.
Combine this with the time it takes to groom, train, walk, feed, and play with them constantly- it’s no wonder why owning a Border Collie can be an expensive responsibility.
How to save money on a Border Collie?
The best way to save money on dog food is by comparing prices at several different stores before you buy in bulk.
Check to see if any discount clubs or brands offer lower costs per bag to their members. Buy your pup’s food using coupons or look for sales to get the best deals possible.
You can contact your vet to see if they give their customers coupons or discounts for pet food. This simple step could make a difference in how much you spend each month on your pup’s diet.
Buying in bulk will save you money in the long run, but only if you can use all of the food before it expires.
Where to find Border Collies
The best place to get a Border Collie is from a breeder.
Contact local breeders and ask them questions like where they purchase their dogs, what age they breed their litters, and whether they own both parents.
Buying from a responsible breeder will ensure you get a healthy pup with no behavioral or genetic conditions.
You can also find Border Collies in shelters, but this is not the best way to get one. Shelters are crowded with lots of pups, so it can be challenging to find the right one for you among all of the barking and chaos.
There are more benefits to buying from a breeder, but make sure you do your research on which ones are responsible.
Responsible breeders guarantee their pups and take care of any medical issues if the pup develops a hereditary illness.
Conclusion
The price range of a Border Collie is between $800 and $1200, and the average cost of owning a Border Collie over time is roughly $600 – $1200 per year depending on many factors, including age, size, dietary needs, and other costs associated with each dog.
I hope this article has taught you a lot about the costs of owning a Border Collie over time and how much do they cost to feed, depending on what factors are specific for each pup.
