Border Collie - Dog Breed Information

Information about Border Collies

Border Collie breed information
Should I get a Border Collie?
Border Collie personality
Taking care of a Border Collie
Commonly claimed health conditions for a Border Collie
The cost of insuring a Border Collie
Why pick Everyday Pet Insurance?
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Border Collies are a mixed breed between Roman herding dogs and Viking Spitz herding dogs. The Border Collie originates from the Anglo-Scottish border, where it was born and developed. Originally bred to be a sheep dog, they are also very playful in nature.

Interested in learning about this breed? Here’s some information about Border Collies and whether they’re a match for you.

Border Collie breed information

If you’d like to get to know the breed a little more closely, here are a few key traits and facts about the Border Collie:

How long do Border Collies live?

Border Collies usually live for up to 12 to 15 years.

How big do Border Collies get?

Border Colliess are medium dogs at maturity. Border Collies males stand between 48 and 55cm tall and usually weigh around 18 and 25kgs. Females stand at around 45 and 51cm tall and usually weigh about 14 and 20kg

Do Border Collies shed?

The Border Collie coat comes in black, fawn, and gold, and just as with most dog breeds, their final coat colour is not revealed until the puppy coat has shed. Border Collies frequently shed large amounts of fur, so occasional brushing is recommended.

Should I get a Border Collie?

A Border Collie’s instinct is to graze or explore rather than simply enjoying being with its family. Socialising Border Collies early with positive exposure to different people and pets is important to help them grow into good family dogs and to help them befriend other pets.

The Border Collie is usually a dog for active owners. Border Collies tend to excel at agility, obedience, rally, and chase competitions, as well as dog sports like flyball.

Generally, Border Collies do not like being alone. Going on walks and letting them roam around may not be enough for this dog breed, who would prefer having someone to run around with them.

Border Collie personality

Border Collies are usually loyal and loving family dogs and tend to work very intelligently and instinctively. They are vibrant, energetic, kind, and friendly dogs. Their high intellect also means that they need a lot of stimuli.

A Border Collie's intellect and manageable nature means they are usually easy to train. As they were originally bred as herd dogs, they generally need an owner that can put the time and energy into their training.

Taking care of a Border Collie

Grooming

The Border Collie’s medium structure and a short and dense undercoat provides excellent insulation and weather protection. It also tends not to be matted or entangled. An occasional brush to get rid of old hair is recommended.

Exercise

The energetic and athletic Border Collie generally requires daily exercise as well as walking around the blocks.

Diet

A Border Collie’s diet should be tailored to the age of the dog (puppy, adult, or elderly). It would need to be tailored as needs change with age under the supervision of your veterinarian. Be aware of your Border Collie's calorie consumption and weight, as some dogs are prone to obesity.

Commonly claimed health conditions for a Border Collie

Just like us, our pets can be affected by different illnesses, health conditions and unexpected accidental injuries. Here are some of the more commonly claimed conditions^{^} that a Border Collie can experience.

Conditions	Symptoms can include^~	Highest cost for a single treatment^>>
Arthritis	Lameness or limping on affected limb(s) Stiffness on rising Reluctance to jump, use stairs Swelling on legs	$7,657
Skin conditions (including infections and allergies)	Scratching, biting, or rubbing the skin Signs of irritation including red skin, scabs, bleeding, pustules, or weeping Hair loss, flaky skin, texture changes, lumps or an unusual or unpleasant smell	$3,086
Gastrointestinal tract condition	Diarrhoea, vomiting or constipation Blood or mucus in stool/vomit Increased frequency/urgency passing stool Weight loss Loss of appetite and interest in food May seem more tired than usual	$8,549
Traumatic accidents (including bite injuries, wounds and broken bones)	Wounds, scratches, pus, bleeding, swelling, heat, pain Limping, changes to movement Behaviour changes Broken claws Pain/tenderness	$15,579
Ear conditions (including infections and allergies)	Scratching, rubbing, or pawing at one or both ears Head shaking Odour or discharge from the ears Ears may be red or warm to the touch	$4,030

The cost of insuring a Border Collie

If you’re thinking about getting pet insurance for your Border Collie, factors like age and location could affect the cost of your premium. Everyday Pet Insurance offers Basic, Standard, Comprehensive and Comprehensive Plus cover that helps protect you and your furry friend. Check what each insurance cover includes.

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Comprehensive Plus annual limit.#

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Important Information

text

^{^} Pre-existing conditions and certain illnesses may be excluded. Policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, benefit limits, sub-limits, annual condition limits and excess may apply. For details, please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

^~ Symptoms listed are indicative only, others can apply.

^>> As at 31/12/2023 based on the previous 12 months of PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd claims data.

text: ^#Policy Terms and Conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Benefit limit amounts vary by level of cover.

text: * Limits, waiting periods, exclusions and excesses may apply.

text: ^‡ Cover is available for the life of your pet provided you renew your policy each year without any break, lapse or change in the level of Cover. This means once your pet is insured with us and as long as we continue to offer the product, you will be able to renew your policy for that pet for life and your cover level will not be reduced as your pet ages provided you continuously maintain the cover. Cover is subject to the terms and conditions of your renewing policy. See details in your PDS.

text: = The gap is defined as the difference between the vet's invoice and the claim benefit under your policy. Policy terms and conditions apply. GapOnly^® is only available at participating Vets. Please visit GapOnly^® to search for GapOnly^® enabled vets. GapOnly^® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (PetSure) (ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183).

text: Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time prior to 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436 (Hollard), arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by Hollard’s Authorised Representative (AR) Woolworths Group Limited ABN 88 000 014 675, AR 245476 (Woolworths). Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time on or after 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, Woolworths. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at insurance.everyday.com.au/pet-insurance.

Border Collie dog breed information