Border Collie Puppies: Pictures, Adoption Tips, and More!

Whether working a herd of sheep, surfing a wave, or flying through agility equipment, border collies are known for being brilliant and athletic dogs. However, just because these frisbee fiends are fun and adorable, it doesn’t mean they’re great additions to every household. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about border collie puppies, including pricing, adoption advice, and training tips.

Considering Purchasing or Adopting a Border Collie Puppy?

According to the American Kennel Club, border collies are intelligent, loving herding dogs that weigh 30-55 pounds and typically live 12-15 years. Easily trainable and often affectionate, these energetic pooches are known as perfect family dogs. However, when considering adding a border collie to your household, it’s important to understand that these vivacious Rovers will require regular exercise and mental stimulation throughout their lives. If you’re looking for a couch potato pup, a border collie isn’t it!

The Pawfect Purchase: Finding an Ideal Border Collie Breeder

If you’re passionate about ensuring your pup is as healthy as possible or interested in a working dog, you may want to consider purchasing from an ethical breeder. But how can you distinguish between an ethical breeder and a puppy mill?

First, ethical breeders are highly committed to the health and future of their pups. Unlike puppy mills, this isn’t all about the money. These breeders commonly keep the litter in their home and encourage you to visit, even before the pup’s pickup date. Responsible breeders also begin house training and required vetting. Additionally, ethical breeders can provide complete and accurate health records for their puppies and several generations in the family lineage. This ensures they do not continue producing potentially dangerous health conditions through their breeding lines.

Finally, most ethical breeders will want you to return the puppy to them should anything happen in the future that prevents you from being able to care for the dog. This ensures the dogs they’ve bred are always in a loving home and do not end up in shelters or rescues without a family. If you’re unsure how to get started or where to look, there is also a puppy marketplace on the AKC website where only AKC-registered litters can be advertised.

Save a Life – Consider Adoption

While ethical breeders can provide great advice regarding the temperaments and health of their available border collie puppies, that doesn’t mean breeders are the only option. According to the ASPCA, approximately 3.1 million dogs enter U.S. animal shelters annually. Adoption is a great option when welcoming a new pet to your family if you do not need strong working lines and are willing to take a small gamble on their health.

If you’re interested in trying the adoption route, the website Petfinder is a useful resource when looking to expand your family by four paws. Their search feature allows you to filter by distance, breed, gender, age, and even if they’re great with other pets and small children. There are also breed-specific rescues across the country that focus entirely on placing dogs in loving homes. Check out this article on tips for welcoming a rescue dog into your home (and hearts!)

Furry Finances 101: The Cost of Border Collie Puppies

Many variables contribute to the cost of a border collie puppy. First, adopting through a shelter or rescue will save you some cash upfront. On average, the United States’ adoption fees range from $50 to $350. However, if you purchase through an ethical breeder, you’re more likely to spend $600-$2,000.

Additional expenses remain to consider once you’ve welcomed your new bundle of furry joy to the family. First, you’ll want to schedule an initial exam with your vet and any mandatory vaccines or booster shots. Additionally, you’ll have to invest in any new dog supplies you don’t already have, such as food, treats, toys, beds, and crates. Finally, many pet parents are researching various pet insurance options to support them throughout the life of their new family member. Read more about the 2023 costs associated with border collies here.

What to Look for in a Border Collie Puppy

Today’s the day! You’ve loaded the car, and you’re on the way to the breeder or shelter to hopefully select your next pooch. What should you keep in mind when picking a border collie puppy? Puppy fever is difficult to overcome, but don’t let their big eyes, wet noses, and wiggly bodies cloud your judgment. It’s important to determine what will be a good fit for your family first. Take the following into consideration before bringing home your new pup:

Independent vs. Social

Are you an active family with several children or a solo bachelor looking for your new best friend? Watch the puppy’s interaction with others in the litter or perhaps other pups at the shelter/rescue. This will allow you to help match a pup’s temperament to what your household can provide.

Outgoing vs. Shy/Nervous

A nervous puppy isn’t your best option if you welcome a new pet into a lively household with excitable children. Instead, consider a more outgoing pooch. Conversely, a shyer pup would best thrive in a patient home with adults and older children.

Desire to Please vs. Stubborn

While most border collie puppies enjoy training and are eager to please, some pups have a more stubborn streak. Bring treats when meeting any new puppy, and try teaching some very basic commands, such as sit, to gauge how quickly and efficiently they take to training. If you’re newer to dog training and don’t plan on committing to regular obedience classes, avoiding the more stubborn pups in exchange for those eager to please may be best.

Border Collie Puppy Health and Care

Setting your border collie puppy up for a life of success starts on day one. From a great diet to regular exercise and mental stimulation, the health and happiness of your puppy are crucial. Keep these important topics in mind when planning to care for your beloved pooch.

Health First

As mentioned, scheduling an initial checkup with your vet is important once you bring your new puppy home. Even if you’ve purchased from an ethical breeder confident in their breeding lines, you’ll want to catch any potential health problems as early as possible. Fortunately, border collies are generally very healthy dogs. However, annual checkups are still recommended.

Provide an Appropriate Diet

Because border collies are incredibly active dogs, feeding them a diet that will fuel them properly is important. When purchasing from an ethical breeder, try to continue feeding the same food they provided, at least to start. If you switch your puppy’s food, avoid doing so abruptly to prevent any digestive upset. Click here to check out our recommendations on dog foods specifically for border collies.

Canine Cardio 101 – The Importance of Exercise

Herding breeds are conditioned to work long, hard days, and border collies are no exception. While a puppy doesn’t have the stamina to keep up with an adult dog, it’s still important to provide your pooch with daily exercise, or they could instead become a master of mischief! Start slow with easy, short walks and playing fetch with a favorite toy. Avoid strenuous running or any high-impact jumping to prevent damage to their developing joints and muscles. Eventually, your new furry family member will be ready for more challenging fun, such as hiking, paddleboarding, or various available dog sports.

Nurture Their Noggins – Training and Mental Stimulation Are a Must

Even at a young age, working a border collie puppy’s brain every day is crucial. If they become bored, your pooch will find something to amuse itself, which may mean inappropriate chewing or other undesirable behavior. Be patient and consistent. Provide plenty of positive reinforcement and keep training sessions short and fun. Consider letting your pup work on a puzzle toy or snuffle mat (with supervision) for exceptionally busy days. Or, consider turning your daily walk into a sniffari!

Shake It Off – The Importance of Grooming

Border collies are double-coated dogs that shed moderately. To reduce dog hair tumbleweeds in your house and on your clothes, your beloved pooch will require brushing at least once or twice a week. Additionally, you’ll want to trim their nails monthly and bathe them every few months. Getting your new puppy accustomed to grooming early is crucial so they do not become difficult to handle when they’re older and larger. In addition to keeping your pooch clean, regular grooming allows you to check for any new lumps or bumps you may want to discuss with your vet.

Planning for the Long Run – Growth and Milestones

Finally, planning for your border collie puppy’s future is important. These zany dogs can last up to 15 years and will need your love and support every step (or paw) of the way. Check out our article outlining these beloved herding dogs’ full growth progression and life milestones.

Embark on a Lifetime of Tail-Wagging Adventures

Border collies are energetic Einsteins with fur and can bring so much joy to a family. Whether you adopt or purchase a border collie puppy through an ethical breeder, your household will overflow with entertainment and joy. Get ready to take on the world with your new furry friend.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © otsphoto/Shutterstock.com