Border Collie: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care
Quick answer
PDSA, the UK veterinary charity, puts the Border Collie at about 53 cm tall and 25-30 kg, living over 12 years. It suggests at least 2 hours a day, and lists 9 health problems to watch, including hip dysplasia and collie eye anomaly. Minimum running cost: at least £80 a month after buying and setting up, and over £13,000 over a lifetime.
From PDSA, the UK veterinary charity. Not veterinary advice. Worried about your own pet? See who to call.
On this page (7 sections)
Key facts
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Average height | 53 cm |
| Average weight | 25-30 kg |
| Average lifespan | Over 12 years |
| Exercise | At least 2 hours a day, spread over several walks with off-lead running in a secure area |
| Grooming | Brushing a couple of times a week; sheds, more in spring and autumn |
| Cost | At least £80 a month after buying and setting up, and over £13,000 over a lifetime |
Source: PDSA, Border Collie breed information.
Health problems to watch
PDSA lists these for the breed. A higher risk does not mean every animal will be affected; where a screening scheme or test exists, ask the breeder for the parents' results.
- hip dysplasia
- collie eye anomaly (testing available)
- epilepsy
- Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome (cobalamin malabsorption)
- MDR1 sensitivity to some medicines
- ceroid lipofuscinosis (testing available)
- sensory neuropathy (testing available)
- goniodysgenesis, a predisposition to glaucoma (BVA/KC screening)
- trapped neutrophil syndrome (testing available)
Source: PDSA, Border Collie breed information.
Exercise and grooming
PDSA suggests at least 2 hours a day, spread over several walks with off-lead running in a secure area. Grooming: brushing a couple of times a week; sheds, more in spring and autumn. Source: PDSA, Border Collie breed information.
Temperament
PDSA describes the breed as highly intelligent, very active, with a strong herding instinct; may herd children and other pets. PDSA says they are not usually the best choice for first-time owners, do not do well left alone, and need a large, secure garden. Source: PDSA, Border Collie breed information.
Cost
PDSA's figure: at least £80 a month after buying and setting up, and over £13,000 over a lifetime. These are minimums that leave out buying the animal and vet bills for illness or injury. More: annual cost of owning a dog and puppy first-year costs. Source: PDSA, Border Collie breed information.
Questions people ask
How long do Border Collies live?
PDSA gives an average lifespan of over 12 years.
How much exercise does a Border Collie need?
PDSA suggests at least 2 hours a day, spread over several walks with off-lead running in a secure area.
What health problems do Border Collies have?
PDSA lists hip dysplasia; collie eye anomaly (testing available); epilepsy; Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome (cobalamin malabsorption); MDR1 sensitivity to some medicines; ceroid lipofuscinosis (testing available); sensory neuropathy (testing available); goniodysgenesis, a predisposition to glaucoma (BVA/KC screening); trapped neutrophil syndrome (testing available).
How much does a Border Collie cost?
PDSA's estimate: at least £80 a month after buying and setting up, and over £13,000 over a lifetime.
Sources
- PDSA, Border Collie breed information, read 7 November 2026.
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