The average purchase price of a border collie puppy is around $700 USD, although prices range from $300 -$1,000. Costs vary according to:
- the breeder’s reputation
- the puppy’s pedigree
- its coat color and markings
- the health screenings and vaccinations they’ve already received
- whether they’ve been partially trained and socialized.
- age – older pups tend to be lower in price than younger ones.
Owning a border collie involves considerable expense beyond the original purchase. First-year costs are typically the highest, but you’ll need a budget for every year of your dog’s life – and border collies typically live 12-14 years.
The average lifetime cost of owning a border collie has been calculated at $20,635.
Here are just some of the expenses you can expect:
| Average Cost
1st Year |
Average Cost Subsequent Years | Comments | |
| Supplies and equipment | $410 | $185 | Beds, crate, bowls, leashes, grooming equipment, car safety barriers, etc. |
| Medical expenses | $595 | $580 | Routine only – including vaccinations, etc. |
| Spay/Neuter | $250 -$350 | – | |
| Training | $175 | – | 5 x 1-hour classes |
| Health insurance | $565 | $565 | Accident-only option: $190 |
| Food | $160 | $210 | Good-quality dry food. Puppy: 140 pounds. Adult:230 pounds. |
| Treats | $240 | $240 | Assuming daily treats |
| Grooming | $160 | $160 | Professional grooming including ear cleaning, toe-nail clipping, etc. |
Other possible costs include dog walking ($20-$50 per 1-hour group walk), boarding kennels ($45-$85 per day), microchipping ($40), and more.
The estimated cost of owning a border collie in the first year will be, on average, around $2,500, and then $1,400 for subsequent years. This doesn’t include optional costs such as boarding kennels and pet-sitting. In addition, if you don’t take out pet insurance, non-routine veterinary expenses can also run into thousands of dollars.
