Border Collie
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Border Collie. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | moderate | Present despite athleticism; OFA screening expected from breeders. |
| Collie eye anomaly | moderate | Congenital eye defect; DNA testing prevents affected pairings. |
| Epilepsy | moderate | Idiopathic seizures occur at elevated rates in the breed. |
| MDR1 drug sensitivity | moderate | Some Border Collies carry the mutation; test before administering ivermectin-class drugs. |
| Deafness | low | Congenital deafness occurs occasionally, particularly with excessive white markings. |
Pet insurance for a Border Collie
Insurers price a Border Collie from the breed's documented claims profile — here, a clean bill of health with no dominant high-risk hereditary condition. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Border Collie is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 30–55 lbs and a grooming score of 3/5, the Border Collie sits around the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Border Collie
The Border Collie was shaped on the Anglo-Scottish border into the world's premier sheepdog and tops every canine intelligence ranking. It learns commands faster than any other breed — which cuts both ways, because an under-stimulated Border Collie herds children, chases cars, and dismantles furniture. This dog needs two-plus hours of exercise and a real job: agility, herding, frisbee, or advanced obedience. Without that outlet it is genuinely hard to live with; with it, few breeds are more rewarding. Not a beginner or couch-potato dog.
Origin: United Kingdom (Anglo-Scottish border)
Temperament
Related reading for Border Collie owners
Border Collie FAQ
How long do Border Collies live?
The typical Border Collie lifespan is 12–15 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Border Collie?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Border Collie carries no dominant high-risk hereditary condition, which keeps it near or below that average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Border Collie a good apartment dog?
Conditionally. The Border Collie can live in an apartment, but its 5/5 energy level means you'll need a consistent daily exercise routine.
What health problems are Border Collies prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Hip dysplasia, Collie eye anomaly, Epilepsy. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.