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Border Collie pet insurance
Discover why Border Collies make great pets and why pet insurance is a smart way to protect their health
Border Collie breed overview
Border Collies are clever and active dogs. They were first bred to help farmers to herd sheep. They need lots of exercise to keep their minds busy, so they do well in busy homes. With training and care, Border Collies can be loyal and well-behaved pets.
Keep reading to learn more about the Border Collie breed and how Co-op Pet Insurance can help you care for your dog’s health and wellbeing.
Border Collie key facts
Lifespan
Border Collies typically live for 12 years or more.
Border Collie
They are medium-sized dogs, usually weighing between 14 and 20 kilograms.
Coat and Colour
They have medium-length coats that come in a variety of colours.
Exercise needs
They need very high levels of exercise, ideally more than 2 hours each day.
Shedding and grooming
They shed moderately and benefit from regular grooming.
Temperament
They are intelligent, energetic, and highly focused, making them excellent working dogs.
Learn more about Border Collies
They are highly intelligent
Border Collies are one of the smartest dog breeds. They’re quick learners and love solving problems. Without enough mental stimulation, they can get bored and start unwanted behaviours. Training and puzzle toys are a must.
They have lots of energy
These dogs were bred to herd sheep, so they have lots of energy. They need plenty of daily exercise, like running, hiking, or agility games, to stay happy and healthy.
They are loyal and focused
Border Collies form strong bonds with their families and are very alert. They often become very attached to one person. Because of their active lifestyle, pet insurance can help cover the cost of any injuries or joint problems that may come up.
Common health conditions in Border Collies
Border Collies can live long and happy lives, but they are prone to several health conditions. Here are six to be aware of:
Collie eye anomaly
This is an inherited eye problem that affects how parts of the eye develop. Some dogs have mild vision issues, while others may go blind. It usually shows up when dogs are still puppies. There’s no cure, but testing can help prevent it in future litters.
Epilepsy
This is a brain disorder that causes seizures in dogs. Seizures can look like shaking, drooling, or collapsing. Some dogs have mild episodes, while others may have more serious ones. Medicine can help control it, but dogs usually need treatment for life.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to a loose or unstable fit. This can cause discomfort, reduced mobility, and difficulty with activities like walking or running.
Progressive retinal atrophy
Progressive retinal atrophy is a genetic eye condition that gradually leads to vision loss. It typically begins with night blindness and can progress to complete blindness over time.
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
A rare brain disease that affects movement, behaviour, and vision. It gets worse over time and often starts when the dog is young. A DNA test can check for it.
Deafness
Some dogs are born deaf or lose their hearing as they get older. Deafness can be caused by genes, injury, or illness. With training and care, deaf dogs can still live happy lives.
Care tips
Why do you need dog insurance?
Dog insurance is there to cover your dog if they have an accident or illness and will cover the costs of the treatment needed, minus any excesses.
Some of the key reasons to buy dog insurance are:
Cost of vet fees
Vet fees can cost thousands of pounds depending on the type of treatment and the size and breed of your pet.
Peace of mind
Knowing that you are covered for what can be a large unexpected bill.
Lifetime cover
If you choose a lifetime policy, any illnesses or accidents insured will continue to be covered for the whole of your pet's life.
Compare our cover types
Compare the difference between the two types of Co-op Dog Insurance.
|
Cover |
Lifetime |
Time limited |
|---|---|---|
Vet fee cover | up to £16,000 | up to £5,000 |
Lifetime cover for recurring illness
| Lifetime cover for recurring illness included | Lifetime cover for recurring illness excluded |
Dental treatment | Dental treatment included | Dental treatment included |
Third-party liability cover
| Third-party liability cover included | Third-party liability cover included |
Pay monthly at no extra cost | Pay monthly at no extra cost included | Pay monthly at no extra cost included |
Advertising and reward
| up to £2,500 | up to £1,000 |
Loss of pet
| up to £3,000 | up to £1,000 |
Lifetime
Vet fee cover
up to £16,000
Lifetime cover for recurring illness
for example if your pet is insured and you keep renewing, cancer treatment is covered for life
Dental treatment
Third-party liability cover
dogs only
Pay monthly at no extra cost
Advertising and reward
if your pet goes missing
up to £2,500
Loss of pet
due to theft or if they are lost
up to £3,000
Time limited
Vet fee cover
up to £5,000
Dental treatment
Third-party liability cover
dogs only
Pay monthly at no extra cost
Advertising and reward
if your pet goes missing
up to £1,000
Loss of pet
due to theft or if they are lost
up to £1,000
For more details on what is and isn't covered, read our policy documents.
