As a Border Collie owner, are there any particular health concerns that should be on your radar?

Hip Dysplasia – This is a condition that can affect mobility and lead to lameness if left unchecked.

Collie Eye Anomaly – This is a hereditary eye condition that is specific to Border Collies.

Epilepsy – Border Collies are prone to brain disorders such as Epilepsy which can become apparent as early as six months old. This condition can be controlled with medication.

This breed has a double coat that is long and thick and requires weekly maintenance, but the good news is you can manage most of your Border Collie’s grooming requirements yourself at home. Twice weekly brushing is advisable to keep the coat under control during shedding season. A six weekly appointment with a professional groomer will keep your dog’s coat in check.

This breed was developed to work the fields all day herding sheep so it’s no surprise they require a lot of exercise. It is recommended that Border Collies have around 2 hours of exercise per day, but the good news is that this can be in a variety of forms. For example, if you like running or hiking, your Border Collie is only too happy to join you and burn off some energy. If you can’t commit to giving your Border Collie this much exercise, you may want to explore other breeds as Border Collies can become destructive if they don’t get the mental and physical stimulation they require.

A Border Collie falls into the working dog category and is one of the fastest breeds around and they can reach up to 30 miles an hour when they run. They are a naturally agile and athletic dog. 

Border Collies love nothing more than to have a purpose so when it comes to training, they respond well. It is easy to assume that training this breed is a doddle, after all, Border Collies are among the most intelligent dogs in the world, but it is usually trickier than you imagined as this breed is notoriously eager to learn yet overly enthusiastic.

Of course, as a pet owner, your pet’s growth and development are a top priority. Border Collies reach full maturity around 15 years of age, but every dog is different and some dogs are fully grown at 12 months. If you are wondering if your pet is a healthy height and weight or if you are simply wondering when your pet will stop growing, a size chart can tell you everything you need to know and help you monitor your pet’s development.

Having a poorly pet can be a daunting experience but pet insurance can help ensure you are prepared for anything. Find out more about choosing a pet insurance policy here.