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Pet Insurance for Border Collies

Find out all about Border Collies and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 15th, 2023       

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Price range

$1,500–$3,000

Height

51cm - 61cm

Weight

23kg - 34kg

Personality

Intelligent, obedient, energetic

Coat length

Medium to long

Exercise needs

Very high

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

10 - 17 years

Border Collie

Overview

The Border Collie, hailing from the border regions between England and Scotland, is one of the most intelligent and agile dog breeds in the world. They are regarded as the best herding dogs for sheep, and are used as working dogs on farms worldwide. They have an intense stare they use to control sheep, fearlessly herding them with great skill and agility. They have a medium-length double coat that is waterproof, which is ideal for working in wet conditions, but it does require very regular grooming.  

Border Collies are known for their loyalty, work ethic, herding abilities and overall intelligence. They excel in dog sports and are very trainable. However, these dogs are best suited for highly active families as they require a great deal of exercise and mental stimulation, and are happiest when they are given a ‘job’ to do. They have been known to run over 80kms a day when working sheep without tiring, so they are not the type of dog that will be happy with a quick walk around the block once a day. However, they make loyal and loving family pets who are always willing to please as long as their owner can keep up with their high energy level and need for intellectual stimulation. 

Common diseases and conditions of Border Collies

  • Hip Dysplasia: This is a common orthopaedic condition affecting the joint's development. It can lead to discomfort and mobility issues. Responsible breeding practices and regular veterinary check-ups are essential to prevent and manage this condition. 
  • Elbow Dysplasia: Another common orthopaedic condition that affects the elbow joints and can lead to lameness and mobility issues.  
  • Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA): Collie Eye Anomaly is a very common congenital hereditary eye condition in Border Collies. It is caused by a genetic mutation in chromosome 37, and this mutation is thought to be present in more than 70% of the world's Collie population. It can result in vision impairment or in the worst scenario, blindness. Responsible breeding practices and screening aim to reduce the risk of CEA in the breed. 
  • Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can affect Border Collies. It may lead to seizures. Medication and close monitoring by a vet are typically necessary to manage this condition. 

Breed-specific issues:  

The high intelligence of Border Collies means they require constant mental engagement, and they may become bored and engage in destructive behaviours if not provided with activities and tasks. They can be known to bark excessively and dig if not given sufficient mental and physical stimulation.  

How much does pet insurance cost for a Border Collie?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Border Collie, including the following:

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Border Collies

Are Border Collies suitable for first-time dog owners?

Border Collies are best suited for experienced dog owners due to their high energy and training needs. First-time dog owners may find them challenging as Collies are very sensitive and will respond to the slightest hand or face movement or sound.  

Do Border Collies get along with other pets?

With proper socialisation, Border Collies can get along with other pets, but their strong herding instinct may lead them to chase smaller animals, which your cat or rabbit may not appreciate. They are generally friendly towards other breeds of dogs. 

Do Border Collies shed a lot?

Yes, Border Collies have a thick double coat and shed moderately year-round, with heavier shedding during seasonal changes in spring and autumn. Therefore, they need regular brushing to keep their coat shiny and healthy.  

What colours do Border Collies come in?

Border Collies now come in various different coat colours other than the traditional black and white. This can include red and white, tricolor, blue merle, and sable, among others. It is also possible to choose either a long-haired or short-haired version of the breed. The long-haired version is often known as a Rough Collie.

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Border Collie

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