Border Collie pet insurance at a glance
Border Collies are intelligent, energetic dogs that can be prone to hereditary conditions like epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and eye disease. Explore their health risks, care needs, and how RSPCA Pet Insurance may help cover eligible accidents, illnesses, and ongoing treatment.
Quick facts
About Border Collies
Border Collies are highly intelligent medium-sized dogs with a distinctive athletic build and expressive, alert nature. Bred for herding livestock across rugged terrain, they’re generally energetic and thrive when given both physical activity and mental stimulation. Known for their remarkable trainability and problem-solving ability, Border Collies are often regarded as the world’s smartest dog breed.
By providing them with plenty of exercise, mental stimulation and opportunities to learn, you can help your Border Collie thrive and enjoy a happy, fulfilling life.
Temperament
Temperament
Highly intelligent, loyal, and intensely people-focused. Border Collies form deep bonds with their families and thrive when given purpose, structure, and daily stimulation. Best suited to active households that can match their energy and mental drive.
Exercise needs
Exercise needs
Exceptionally high. Border Collies need at least two hours of physical activity and mental enrichment every day, including running, training, games, or agility work. Without adequate mental and physical stimulation, they may be unable to express natural behaviours, which can lead to stress, anxiety and poorer welfare outcomes. These conditions can lead to behavioural challenges, including destructive or compulsive behaviours.
Training
Training
Outstanding. Widely regarded as the world’s most intelligent dog breed, Border Collies learn quickly and excel in obedience, agility, and advanced training. Like most dogs, they respond best to consistent, positive reinforcement and enjoy having tasks to master.
Grooming
Grooming
Moderate maintenance. Their thick double coat sheds year-round and benefits from regular brushing to reduce loose hair and prevent matting. During seasonal shedding periods, more frequent grooming may be needed.
Common Border Collie health conditions
Border Collies are generally a hardy breed with a longer-than-average lifespan, but they do carry some health risks that pet parents should be aware of. Select a condition below to learn more.
A hereditary eye condition present from birth that affects the development of the choroid, retina, and sclera, ranging from mild to severe.
Gradual degeneration of the retina, leading to vision loss. Genetic testing can identify carriers before breeding.
Less common than in larger breeds, but still present in the Border Collie population, particularly in lines bred for appearance rather than working ability.
Idiopathic epilepsy occurs in Border Collies more than many other breeds and typically requires lifelong medication.
Some Border Collies carry a gene mutation that causes severe reactions to common medications including certain antiparasitics. Always inform your vet.
Border Collies with a merle coat pattern may be at increased risk of certain hearing and eye conditions, including microphthalmia (abnormally small eyes).
A quick tip
Genetic testing for CEA, PRA, MDR1, and TNS is widely available and recommended for all Border Collies. There is also testing available for the merle gene (M locus). Responsible breeders will have test results available, so be sure to ask.
Why pet parents choose RSPCA Pet Insurance
Your premium helps support animals in need
Customise your cover to suit your Border Collie and budget
Annual cover options up to $35,000
Zero excess option
Protection with purpose
Did you know: every RSPCA Pet Insurance policy contributes to vital RSPCA animal welfare initiatives. Protect your Border Collie and support animals in need across Australia.
Frequently asked questions
Border Collies are generally healthy, but for those who suffer from conditions like epilepsy, management alone (which requires lifelong anticonvulsant medication and regular vet monitoring) can cost hundreds of dollars a year. Eye conditions, hip issues, and injuries from their active lifestyles also make insurance well worth considering.
Yes, our policies cover illnesses including neurological conditions like epilepsy, subject to PDS terms. Epilepsy that develops after your policy begins (and isn’t pre-existing) can be claimed. We recommend reading our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or calling 1300 777 220 for more details.
Yes, Border Collies are incredibly intelligent and energetic dogs, which means boredom and lack of stimulation can sometimes lead to unwanted behaviours. While consistent training, enrichment, and regular exercise can make a big difference, some behavioural conditions may still require professional treatment. With RSPCA Pet Insurance, optional cover for behavioural conditions is available, subject to applicable terms and conditions. For a quick, commitment-free quote, click here.
Yes! If you insure more than one pet with RSPCA Pet Insurance, you’ll enjoy a 10% discount on all subsequent pets, helping you keep all your pets protected without stretching your budget.
