Click here to see full benefit table
Click here to see full benefit table
Why we love Border Collies
Known as the nation’s favourite sheepdog, Border Collies are highly intelligent and full of life. This breed would be well suited to a family with enough space for them to run around. This could be a big garden or just a local green space where they can expend some of their boundless energy.
Originally found between the border of Scotland and England in the 1800s (hence Border Collie)
Known to be a farmer’s favourite companion
If they’re left understimulated, don’t be surprised to find them rounding other animals in the house…or even small children!
Border Collie facts
| Lifespan | 12-15 years (some live up to 17) |
| Average price | £610.26 |
| Size | Medium (18 - 22 inches) |
| Weight | 25 - 30kg |
| Colours | Black and white, black white and tan, blue, brown, cream, red, seal or a combination |
| Coat and grooming | Double-coated fur that needs to be brushed several times a week and groomed every 1-2 months. |
| Personality | Full of energy and affection, friendly and curious, intelligent and eager |
| Exercise frequency | Over two hours per day |
Common health problems for Border Collies
Border Collies are known to be quite sturdy dogs, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to occasional health issues, and there are a few that the breed is more prone to. The following conditions can affect Border Collies, however, your own Collie may not experience any or all of them. This list is not exhaustive, and any concerns you have for your pet's health should always be raised with a vet.
Epilepsy
Seizures can be tricky to spot in dogs, as sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between what may just be a shiver or a muscle tremor. Some seizures can affect the body and brain, which would look as if your dog's body is shaking while they are unaware or seemingly unconscious. However, other seizures only affect parts of the body, so they may still be alert and responsive while their body shakes.
Signs to look for:
A shaking body Muscle twitching Collapsing Jerking Stiffening |
Loss of consciousness Drooling Chomping Tongue chewing Foaming at the mouth |
What to do:
If you are concerned your Collie may have epilepsy, it can be helpful to video your dog during one of these episodes so you can show your vet. Seizures can happen for a variety of reasons, including illness, infection or an underlying condition. Your vet will be able to determine whether a seizure is a one-off symptom or whether they are caused by a condition such as epilepsy.
What does John Lewis Pet Insurance include?
Pet insurance could give you peace of mind should your Border Collie become unwell. John Lewis Pet Insurance offers six different vet fee cover levels, ranging from £2,000 - £12,000 per year.
Our pet insurance includes:
Annual Online Health Checks
From home, or wherever you choose, you can hold an annual consultation with a vet expert at vetfone™. It’s a convenient service that complements your normal vet check-ups. The vet experts can help you spot any potential health issues with your pet.
Learn more about annual health checks
Lifetime cover
If your pet develops a long-term illness, there’s no limit to how long you can claim for their treatment. As long as you renew and there's no break in cover, you can continue to claim.
Learn about lifetime cover
24/7 vetfone™ helpline
Got a question about your pet's health or behaviour? For expert advice call the vetfone™ helpline. It comes as part of your policy and you can use the service as often as you want.
Read more about vetfone™
Dental treatment
John Lewis comprehensive Pet Insurance provides cover for accidental dental care and illness. This includes tooth decay, gum disease and post-illness teeth removal.¹
If you are an existing customer, check your policy document to see if this benefit is included.
| Vet fees - treatment limit per year | Up to chosen vet fee limit |
| Lifetime cover2 | ✔ |
| vetfoneTM helpline - 24 hour advice from veterinary nurses | ✔ |
| Behavioural treatment3 | up to £300 |
| Treatment food3 | up to £300 |
| Complementary treatment - such as physiotherapy3 | up to £1,500 |
| Third party liability (dogs only) | up to £2m |
| Boarding kennel and cattery fees | up to £1,500 |
| Dental cover1 | Up to chosen vet fee limit |
| Lost or stolen | up to £1,500 |
| Multi-pet discount | 10% |
What's not included with John Lewis Pet Insurance?
Treatment for any pre-existing medical conditions
Vet fees following an accident in the first 48 hours of your cover start date
Changes to your pet's health or behaviour in the first 14 days of your cover start date
Pet Insurance with six levels of vet fee cover
We understand that every owner’s situation is different. But this shouldn’t affect the quality of care for your pet. You can choose a level of vet fee cover that suits your pet's needs when you get a quote. Whatever level you choose, you will still receive the full range of benefits.
There are six levels of vet fee cover options available:
Plus, there are multiple excess options to suit your budget. This can help reduce your premium costs without any loss of cover:
- Increase your excess on claims you can choose an excess fee (ranging from £60 to £500) to pay each time you claim. By paying more when you claim, it enables us to bring your annual premium down.
- Contribute to your vet fees - if your pet is under nine years old, there is a voluntary option to pay 10% or 20% of the vet treatment costs. This is in addition to your chosen excess amount and it can reduce the cost of your premium payments.
Looking for insurance for your Border Collie?
Pet insurance could give you peace of mind if your furry companion were to become unwell. John Lewis Pet Insurance offers six different vet fee cover levels, ranging from £2,000 - £12,000 per year.
Common questions about Border Collies
Yes, Border Collies have two coats of long hair which means they can be frequent shedders.
Border Collies are enthusiastic and full of energy which can mean they enjoy running around after children. However, this energy can make them unintentionally boisterous, so ensuring your Collie is well-trained can be helpful with smaller children in the house.
Every Border Collie is different, but the majority will reach their full size by the time they are 15 months old. Some larger Collies may continue to grow until they reach 18 months.
This article is for promotion or information purposes only. You must not rely on it for advice.
Pet breed guides
Pet Insurance through John Lewis is subject to eligibility. Terms and conditions apply.
The data in this article is provided by RSA.
¹For dental care up to your chosen vet fee limit we will pay;
1. For teeth or gums damaged in an accident,
2. If an underlying illness causes tooth decay or gum disease, or
3. To remove teeth as treatment of an illness which is not gum disease or tooth decay.
If your pet has a dental check every 12 months: once it has had its first check and your vet has done any necessary work, additionally we will pay;
1. If your pet suffers from tooth decay or gum disease before the next 12 month check.
2. If tooth decay or gum disease is found at the time of the next check.
2As long as you renew your policy with us and there is no break in cover
3Cover forms part of vet fees
John Lewis Money, John Lewis Finance and John Lewis Insurance are trading names of John Lewis plc. Registered office: 1 Drummond Gate, Pimlico, London SW1V 2QQ. Registered in England and Wales (company number: 233462).
John Lewis plc is an appointed representative (firm reference number: 416011) of Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd.
John Lewis Pet Insurance is underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd (company number: 93792). Registered in England and Wales. Registered office: St. Mark's Court, Chart Way, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1XL. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (firm reference number: 202323).
vetfone is provided by Vetsdirect Ltd. Vetsdirect Ltd is not authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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