The unfair reality of owning a dog is that they have a much shorter lifespan than you’d like. The good news for Border Collie owners is that these dogs have relatively healthy genetics. Before discussing the Border Collie lifespan, let’s talk about how this pristine, seldom tinkered-with, medium sized dog breed got here in the first place.

History

Before we get into the specifics of the Border Collie life expectancy, let’s learn about the history of this beloved canine first. The Border Collie dog breed has a long history as a versatile working dog who nowadays make excellent family members. Their story goes back to first century B.C. It is thought that when the Roman empire invaded Britain they had dogs with them to herd livestock.

Eventually, the empire disbanded and Vikings, who were also know to travel with dogs, cross-bred their smaller canines to create the more athletic Border Collie. This new herding breed would serve them well in the chilly highlands of The United Kingdom.

They created somewhat of a super dog. They were originally appealing because of their unparalleled autonomy. With a large capacity to learn commands and tasks within seconds, people did not have to monitor them for hours on end.

This herding dog would handle livestock duties with little guidance and they had the ability to work long hours in unpleasant terrain.

Rest assured, Border Collies have not lost their jobs. Farmers around the globe continue to employ these furry fellows to herd sheep and cattle around their grounds. They’re also considered top show dogs because of their strength, agility, intelligence, learnability, and balanced physical attributes.

Lifestyle

Most people don’t have rolling hills with cattle and sheep for Border Collies to spend their energy on. As a Border Collie owner, it is important to find other outlets for your border collie pup to exhaust these furry little balls of energy. When the Border Collie puppy does not receive proper mental and physical stimulation, it not only leads to destructive behavior it can lead to medical conditions that drastically shorten their lifespan. Daily vigorous exercise is necessary to keep this herding breed happy and healthy for years to come.

Health Conditions That May Shorten Lifespan of A Border Collie

There’s no dog breed that doesn’t come with its own particular set of common health problems. While the Border Collie definitely has certain problems they are prone to, overall they are considered a very vital breed who maintains their integrity well into their later years compared to other dog breeds.

Potential conditions include canine hip dysplasia, Collie eye anomaly, hypothyroidism, osteochondritis dissecans, lens luxation, canine idiopathic epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy in dogs, and patent ductus arteriosus. Usually, when they do suffer from a debilitating condition it is tied to genetics, and can sometimes be detected early on by professionals.

Border Collie Lifespan Average

The average life expectancy of a Border Collie is 12 years. Their average overall range is between 10-14 but in some cases, they can live to be around 17. The leading cause of death is cancer at 23% and old age at 17%.

As previously mentioned, many of the health concerns of a Border Collie stem from hereditary factors. A helpful way to determine their potential for health concern is by looking at their family medical history. Responsible breeders keep a thorough history and should be able to answer how long family members lived and what they died from.

Tips For A Long Life

Diet

Try to avoid big brand supermarket pet food. It’s usually chock-full of additives and by-products that can lead to a health problem down the road. Look for grub with high-quality protein and rich in omega fatty acids.

Explore mixing whole foods and natural supplements like CBD for dogs into his kibble, such as lean proteins, eggs, veggies, and fruits. Consult a professional and do some research before you make any dietary adjustments or choose any type of CBD for pets.

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Avoid Chemical Products

Most likely your Border Collie is going to spend time outside, so don’t use chemicals on your lawn. Also, avoid household cleaners with harmful chemicals because Collies are curious fellas who will get their faces in every nook and cranny of the house.

Exercise

This can’t be stressed enough. The Border Collie dog breed needs exercise, exercise, and more exercise. Frustration and pent-up energy lead to depression and destructive behavior which can quickly lead to physiological problems.

Get To Know Your Vet

The vet can be expensive, but regular visits will keep your vet familiar with your dog. This increases your chances of identifying any health concern, behavioral changes, or genetic predispositions early on and will give you peace of mind that rover’s not hiding any secret health problems.

No matter how long they’re part of your family, Border Collie’s provide joy, fierce loyalty, and companionship. There’s a lot you can do to give them the best quality of life possible, but above all never underestimate the power of love. Affection, engagement, and attention keep the mind stimulated and the heart happy!