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The Border Sheepdog is an alert dog who makes a great, active companion. Learn more about living with this fairly new designer breed!
The beautiful Border Sheepdog breed is a crossbreed from mixing the Border Collie with a Shetland Sheepdog. He goes by the names Sheltie Border and Border Sheltie.
As expected, this medium-sized offspring is intelligent because the two purebred parents are among the smartest dog breeds that are easy to train.
The Border Collie-Sheltie mix prefers to go for a run rather than curling up on the couch as he has a boundless energy to spend. With the right fur parent, this stamina fits an active lifestyle.
Not much is known about why he was purposely bred and for what function. Nevertheless, it resulted in an energetic and playful canine companion that fits in with families of all sizes.
Today, the Border Collie and Shetland Sheepdog mix enjoy growing popularity as an affectionate furry friend who likes nothing more than to be with the whole family so he could keep an eye on them.
The American Kennel Club does not recognize the breed. Since he is not truly a breed of its own, he can’t be AKC registered.
Border Sheepdog Breed Standard
Since the Border Sheepdog does not appear in the registry, there are no standards that Border Sheepdog breeders are aiming for. Looks and sizes are not as certain as those of purebreds.
Crossbreeds don’t offer this predictability so it can be hard to envision which parent they’ll take after in terms of appearance or temperament.
The following characteristics do not apply to all Border Sheepdog puppies that you will find on the internet nowadays.
Height and Weight
The Border Sheepdog breed varies in growth patterns. There is no agreed size but the following information is what organizations recognize.
Combining the Border Collie and Shetland Sheepdog parents, you can expect the Border Collie-Sheltie mix to be medium in size.
He may range from 16 to 22 inches tall and weigh between 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown depending on their genetics.
Coat
Typically, in medium-length and straight, the hair comes in various colors including black, cream, and sable with a merle pattern.
Usually, the coat is solid and sometimes with white and tan markings.
Border Sheepdog Family Life
With herding dogs as parents, the Border Collie and Shetland Sheepdog mix is a smart pooch who's an advocate of family togetherness. He is eager to please his family and thrives on human connection.
Like a herding breed, he is protective of his people and property. This pup makes an excellent watchdog as he is alert and quite vocal about anyone who approaches your door.
Both the Border Collie and Shetland Sheepdog are generally not aggressive, so you can expect the offspring to be the same.
Still, he may tend to nip at or bump people because that’s how the parents were wired to herd.
He is not meant to loaf around the house so he prefers playtime over cuddles. If not in a dog park, a fenced yard will do for him to run in along with other activities to keep him occupied.
This fur baby is the happiest on family hikes and in games of fetch making him ideal for active families. He loves to hang out with his people and can get very attached to his owner.
When left on his own, this doggo is not likely to have separation anxiety since he is independent. It’s the boredom of being alone that can cause the behavioral issue.
He is not naturally fond of other animals but he does well with other household pets if properly trained and socialized early.
This fluffball is a loving family member and can play with kids although he may prefer to be around older children or adults who know how to play gently.
Like all breeds, no matter the size, always teach children how to approach and treat dogs.
The Border Sheepdogs can be great buddies but no matter how friendly, you should never leave them all by themselves with a child.
Border Collie-Sheltie Mix History
Being such a new designer breed, only limited information is known about the Border Sheepdog breeds, not even when or where they were developed. Their popularity is still on the rise, so there is no breed club or organization in existence.
Even the International Designer Canine Registry has no information yet on their website about the Border Collie-Sheltie mix. That means you may enter your pup into the registry for a chance to be documented in the breed history.
While not recognized by AKC, The American Canine Hybrid Club acknowledges the Border Sheepdog as a modern and recently created crossbreed.
We can conclude that the Border Collie and Shetland Sheepdog mix may have existed naturally over the years and was born for active homes who want to share their outdoorsy lives with special fluffballs.
Border Sheepdog Breeds Health
The Border Sheepdog inherited some of the best traits from his parent breeds, along with good health. Therefore, he is generally healthy but there is no guarantee that he will not inherit ailments.
Von Willebrand's Disease
It is caused by a deficiency in the protein needed to help platelets form clots in sealing broken blood vessels. Prolonged bleeding can raise suspicion of the disease.
Collie Eye Anomaly
This condition is a genetic eye disease. A qualified Board-Certified Ophthalmologist examines puppies’ eyes to check this condition that could be present at birth.
Dogs with this disorder have blood vessels in the retina that do not properly develop. This leads to vision problems, or worse, blindness.
Researchers have identified the genetic mutation that causes the condition. This allows breeders to screen and carefully select to avoid CEA.
RELATED: Eye Infections in Dogs
Patent Ductus Arteriosus
This is a heart defect that happens when the ductus arteriosus does not close at birth forcing the left side of the heart to work harder in pumping blood with each heartbeat to meet the demands of the body.
Eventually, it leads to congestive heart failure The signs may include difficulty in breathing, abnormal pulses, and a loud heart murmur.
How to Care for Border Sheepdogs
Exercise
The Border Sheepdog breed needs sufficient exercise every day as he is prone to weight gain.
This fur baby requires 30 minutes to an hour-long walk daily. Brisk walks will do but you may either jog or go for a hike since he is an enthusiastic pooch who is all set for escapades.
Active play sessions are also recommended. Playtime in the backyard including frisbee, chase, and other activities will be essential to keep his interest and attention.
He is sharp-witted and lively, so your pet needs to get involved in physical and mental stimulation. Otherwise, he becomes bored, anxious, and depressed.
His bad mood results in undesirable traits such as digging and chewing on your furniture.
Training
Early training is crucial to curb any bad habits and instill canine manners in Border Sheepdogs.
The earlier you start, the more likely your Border Sheepdog puppy to be cheerful and willing to approach in public.
Since they are independent, they can be willful and stubborn at times. You need to act consistently in enforcing the rules that they must obey.
Their intelligence gives you the upper hand as they are quick to learn and easy to teach. They respond best to positive training methods, especially with praises and dog treats being dished out.
Learning tricks and games will be in their best interest since Border sheepdog breeds love to challenge their minds and bodies.
Early socialization pays off for them to happily interact with other animals. If you remain firm with your commands, they will grow up to be well-rounded dogs with polished social skills.
Their intellect, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports such as the wide range of activities held by the AKC Canine Partners.
Grooming
Each Border Sheepdog has an undercoat that can be time-consuming to groom. Brushing two to three times a week will do to avoid matting.
You may need to invest in an undercoat rake, a pin brush, and a slicker brush to remove the shed and any tangles while smoothing and shining the coat.
He is a moderate shedder with some heavy fur loss twice a year. Bathe him only when needed to prevent losing the natural oils which keep the coat shiny and strong.
Your main concern may be maintaining his oral health. Brush the teeth regularly for dental hygiene which will have a positive impact on his overall health.
Check their ears for redness and pests, and clean them as recommended by your vet.
Trim nails once or twice a month, as long as you don't hear them clicking on the floor.
Diet and Nutrition
The Border Sheepdog breed tends to gain weight if overfed, so limit giving treats. Divide the food into two meals as opposed to once a day.
Your pet’s ideal diet should be intended for a medium breed with a high energy level. Nutritious dog food with protein and fiber should give him the best chance for a long healthy life.
Consult your veterinarian for recommendations to find out the nutrients needed at different stages of life.
Ideal Owner of the Border Collie-Sheltie Mix
This adorable doggo is best suited for homes with fenced yards to play in, as he has a lot of energy to burn. This means apartments are not his ideal living situation.
Because of the long coat, the Border Collie-Sheltie mix might do better in colder temperatures than in hotter weather. Take extra care to prevent him from overheating.
He requires a lot of effort to keep him happy and healthy, so he is not the best choice for a novice dog owner.
What’s best for the Border Collie and Shetland Sheepdog mix is to be taken care of by someone that can handle him.
FAQs about Border Sheepdog Breed
Are Border Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs the same?
No. These fluffy herding dogs might look similar but they are not the same.
Border Collies are happy when given tasks while Shelties are content at playing and keeping you company.
How much are Border Sheepdogs?
The price can vary widely but the average cost of a puppy is $1,350. Depending on where you are looking, you may find different amounts.
Are Border Sheepdog breeds good pets?
They make excellent family pets and are easily trained. Their loyalty and affection to their owners make them great protectors of their homes.
Border Sheepdog Summary
If you want pets that are tireless and make fine pals for your active lifestyle, the Border Collie and Shetland Sheepdog mix could be the right canine companions for you!
With your athletic side, you can do robust exercises to satisfy both of your cheerful high spirits.
These mixed-breed dogs value the attachment of their people making them compatible with owners who are ready to spend lots of time together.
Also, they are constantly on the go to keep up with you for all types of activities and adventures.
Not just in fun are they alert but also watchful of any potential dangers. If you are an avid outdoorsman, these furry friends will provide you with companionship that is loving, protective, and fun!
So, are they the dogs that you desire?
People purchase Border Sheepdog breeds without the ability to commit to the lifetime of these animals. If you want to bring a dog home, consider adopting one.
There are many Border Collie-Sheltie mixes in need of fostering.
Still, gather more information before getting a puppy of your own to see compatibility with your lifestyle.
You may visit various breeders and see the dogs yourself. Find a reputable breeder who will show health clearances to prove that they are clear of health conditions.
Though, it may be hard to find a specific rescue for this breed. You may try Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes if you are considering adding Border Sheepdogs to your home.
