---
title: "Border Collie Breed Guide: Size, Lifespan, Health Problems and Costs"
url: https://pawmultiverse.com/border-collie-breed/
description: "Border Collie: PDSA figures for size, lifespan (over 12 years), health problems to watch, exercise, grooming and cost, with the questions owners ask."
source: Paw Multiverse (https://pawmultiverse.com), free to cite with a link
---

# Border Collie: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care

Published by Paw Multiverse (A.I.T. Multiverse Consulting Ltd) · Last updated 7 November 2026

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](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## 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](https://pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/border-collie).

## 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](https://pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/border-collie).

## 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](https://pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/border-collie).

## 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](https://pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/border-collie).

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## 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](https://pawmultiverse.com/annual-cost-of-owning-a-dog/) and [puppy first-year costs](https://pawmultiverse.com/cost-of-a-puppy-first-year/). Source: [PDSA, Border Collie breed information](https://pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/border-collie).

## 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](https://pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/border-collie), read 7 November 2026.

## Related pages

[All breed guides](https://pawmultiverse.com/dog-and-cat-breeds/), [everything for dog owners](https://pawmultiverse.com/dogs/), [human foods dogs can eat](https://pawmultiverse.com/human-foods-dogs-can-eat/) and [pet emergency: what to do now](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Keep reading

- [Cavalier King Charles Spaniel](https://pawmultiverse.com/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-breed/)
- [Cocker Spaniel](https://pawmultiverse.com/cocker-spaniel-breed/)
- [Boxer: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/boxer-breed/)

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