Greyhound Border Collie mixes have an athletic physique and sharp minds. Not only that, these dogs excel in various activities and training. They are affectionate and devoted to their families, while also maintaining some independence. With their unique blend of athleticism, intelligence, and loyalty, the Greyhound Border Collie mix brings joy and excitement to any household or working environment.
Characteristics of a Greyhound Border Collie Mix
When crossbreeding a Border Collie and a Greyhound, the resulting hybrid is often called a Border Grey. It can inherit a combination of traits from both parent breeds.
The Border Collie brings its high drive, loyalty, and intelligence, making the Border Grey a highly trainable and energetic dog. They may exhibit sensitivity to noise and strong alertness to their surroundings.
On the other hand, the Greyhound contributes its affectionate nature, making the Border Grey a loving companion, potentially suitable for families with children.
It’s important to provide these dogs with mental and physical stimulation, as well as a calm and understanding environment. This breed requires patient training and socialization to thrive as a well-rounded and contented pet.
| Size | Roughly stands at 20 to 28 inches with weight ranging from 35 to 70 pounds |
| Coat | May be wavy, straight, long, or short |
| Coat Colors | Typically includes white, gray, brown, and black |
| Eye Colors | Can sport hazel, blue or brown eyes |
| Lifespan | With proper care, about 10 to 15 years |
| Activity Level | Needs constant exercise as well as mental stimulation |
| Intelligence | Excels in mental activities |
| Trainability | Easy but needs positive reinforcement and patience |
| Temperament | Independent, loyal, and affectionate |
| Exercise Needs | Regular exercise schedule is required |
| Sociability | Great but needs early socialization |
| Good with Children | Ideal with children after being trained for socialization |
| Good with Pets | Ideal with pets after being trained for socialization |
| Potential Health Issues | Bloating, hip dysplasia, cancer of certain types |
| Grooming Needs | Calls for regular brushing from the owner and occasional clipping or trimming |
History of Greyhound & Border Collie
The Border Grey inherits this rich heritage, blending the working abilities of the Border Collie with the ancient allure of the Greyhound.
The Border Collie, originating from the British Isles, has a long history as a diligent and hardworking sheepdog. Its legacy was further solidified by Queen Victoria’s fondness for the breed in the mid-1800s. On the other hand, the Greyhound boasts an ancient lineage, with archaeological evidence dating back 8,000 years to the Middle East. Highly favored by the ancient Egyptians, the breed spread throughout Europe and was brought to the Americas by Spanish explorers in the 1500s.
Appearance
Border Grey, exhibits a unique blend of physical characteristics. The Border Grey inherits the lean and agile body of the Border Collie, typically weighing up to 45 pounds. It can have a smooth or rough double coat in various colors and patterns, often resembling the black-and-white or tricolor patterns commonly seen in Border Collies.
Additionally, the Border Grey inherits the Greyhound’s aerodynamic and elegant physique, with a long, narrow head, muscular neck, and slender yet strong legs. Their ears may be folded back but become semi-erect when excited. The Border Grey embodies a striking combination of athleticism and grace.
Size, Height & Weight
Border Grey can have a range of sizes influenced by both parent breeds. Males of the Border Grey typically stand between 19 and 22 inches tall and weigh 35 to 45 pounds, while females stand between 18 and 21 inches tall and weigh 30 to 40 pounds, inheriting the size traits from the Border Collie.
In terms of the Greyhound influence, there are two types, with racing Greyhounds usually measuring 25 to 29 inches tall, and show Greyhounds slightly larger at 26 to 30 inches. Males of both types typically weigh 65 to 85 pounds, with females weighing 50 to 65 pounds, leaning towards the lower end for racing dogs.
The size of the Border Grey may vary within these ranges, reflecting the mixed heritage of its parent breeds.
Coats & Colors
The Border Grey can display a variety of coat types and colors. The Border Collie has two coat varieties: rough and smooth. The rough variety features medium-length hair with feathering on the legs, chest, and belly, while the smooth variety has short, coarser hair with minimal feathering.
Border Greys may inherit these coat characteristics. The Border Collie’s coat colors often include black with white markings, along with variations of bicolor, tricolor, merle, or solid colors, excluding white. Greyhounds, on the other hand, can exhibit a range of colors such as fawn, black, red, blue, gray, white, brindle, or particolored, adding further possibilities to the appearance of Border Greys.
Personality & Temperament of a Greyhound Border Collie Mix
Border Grey combines the intelligence and energy of the Border Collie with the gentle and laid-back nature of the Greyhound. Border Greys thrive in an active environment, where they can engage their herding instincts and benefit from ample exercise.
While they are good-natured and affectionate with their families, they may display a more reserved attitude towards strangers. Border Greys excel in off-leash activities, utilizing their Greyhound lineage to exhibit impressive speed and agility. Training may require patience due to their independent streak.
Overall, the Border Grey is a factually fascinating crossbreed that combines the work ethic of the Border Collie with the relaxed disposition of the Greyhound.
Intelligence
Border Grey showcases a remarkable blend of the Border Collie’s intelligence, trainability, and innate herding abilities, along with the Greyhound’s exceptional speed, elegance, and independent temperament.
Border Grey hybrids are incredibly active dog that necessitates substantial physical and mental engagement. It is particularly well-suited for households with active lifestyles or individuals who can devote the required time and effort to provide them with adequate exercise and training.
With their unique characteristics, this hybrid breed makes for a remarkable and fulfilling companion for families and individuals alike.
Energy
Border Grey is a breed that radiates energy and vitality. With a high level of activity, this crossbreed requires regular engagement to keep their spirits high. Providing them with ample physical exercise is essential to satisfy their energetic nature and maintain their overall well-being.
Whether it’s through long walks, runs, or engaging in active play, this breed thrives on activities that get their bodies moving. Additionally, mental stimulation is crucial to channel their energy effectively. Engaging in obedience training, agility, or other mentally challenging exercises can help satisfy their need for stimulation. Owners of Border Grey should be prepared to provide an outlet for their boundless energy.
Family & Kids
Border Grey, combines the traits of both parent breeds to make a wonderful addition to the family. The Border Grey tends to be good with children and other pets, although their herding instincts may result in nipping, chasing, or barking if not redirected appropriately. They have the potential to be patient with children, often stepping delicately around toddlers.
However, it is recommended to have older children in the household who understand how to interact respectfully with dogs. Early training and socialization are key to ensuring the Border Grey grows up to be a well-behaved and affectionate family dog that thrives in a loving and understanding environment.
Other Animals
The Border Grey, a crossbreed of Border Collies and Greyhounds, can exhibit diverse behaviors toward other pets. While Border Collies are generally friendly with other dogs, compatibility may vary. Early socialization plays a crucial role in shaping their interactions. Greyhounds, on the other hand, tend to get along well with other dogs but may display a prey drive towards smaller animals if they try to flee. It is essential to supervise interactions with smaller pets to ensure safety.
Strangers
This cross is known for its warm and loyal nature towards its family. When it comes to strangers, they may initially display some reserved behavior. However, with proper socialization, this crossbreed has the potential to become more friendly and outgoing toward unfamiliar individuals. By exposing them to various people and situations from a young age, they can develop confidence and a more welcoming attitude.
Do Greyhound Border Collie Mix Collies Bark a Lot?
This mix is likely to possess high intelligence, trainability, and an affectionate nature inherited from the Border Collie. However, it’s important to consider that Border Collies are generally big barkers, which may influence the barking tendencies of the Border Grey. On the other hand, Greyhounds are known for their quiet nature, preferring to communicate physically rather than through barking. The Border Grey may demonstrate a moderate barking level, reflecting a combination of the parent breeds’ tendencies.
Are Greyhound Border Collie Hybrid Good For Newbie Dog Owners?
The Border Gray may or may not be suitable for first-time dog owners. It depends on factors such as the dog’s individual traits, energy level, and the owner’s experience and lifestyle. While Border Greys are generally intelligent and trainable, their high energy demands necessitate regular exercise and mental stimulation. This can pose challenges for inexperienced owners who are unable to meet their daily needs adequately.
Training & Exercise
Border Greys are known for their high energy levels and athleticism. To ensure their well-being, regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential. These dogs have a strong work ethic and thrive when engaged in activities like agility, obedience, flyball, and herding.
It is recommended to provide Border Greys with at least one hour of exercise each day, which can include walks, runs, and playtime.
Taking Care & Maintenance
The Border Grey is likely to inherit the Border Collie’s aversion to being alone, requiring constant companionship and engaging activities to prevent boredom-related behaviors. Their herding instincts may manifest in nudging and nipping behavior towards humans and other pets, necessitating careful supervision in multi-pet households. On the other hand, the Greyhound influence may result in a preference for shorter bursts of exercise rather than prolonged activity.
Training the Border Grey may pose a challenge due to the breed’s sensitive nature, requiring patient guidance to adapt to new surroundings.
Health Profile of Greyhound Border Collie
The Border Grey may be more susceptible to certain health conditions, including hip dysplasia, bloating, and specific types of cancer.
To safeguard the well-being and longevity of your Border Grey, it is vital to maintain a watchful eye on these potential health issues and prioritize regular veterinary checkups. Proactive measures, such as close collaboration with a veterinarian, enable early detection and prompt management of any signs or symptoms.
Diet & Nutrition
To meet the high energy needs of the Border Grey, it is essential to prioritize a nutritionally balanced diet that is rich in protein and essential nutrients. This mixed breed may have a higher food intake requirement per pound of body weight compared to other breeds.
Therefore, it is crucial to monitor their weight carefully and make appropriate adjustments to their food portion sizes as needed. By ensuring they receive a high-quality diet tailored to their energy demands, you can support their overall health, vitality, and well-being.
Life Span
The lifespan of a Border Collie Greyhound mix, commonly referred to as a Border Grey, is influenced by various factors, such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health. While individual cases may differ, the average lifespan for Border Greys typically ranges from 10 to 15 years.
Health Issues
Border Grey, may inherit certain health conditions from their parent breeds. Border Collies are prone to conditions such as Hip Dysplasia, Deafness, Epilepsy, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and Collie Eye Anomaly. Hip Dysplasia, affecting the rear legs, is particularly common in Border Collies. Greyhounds, on the other hand, commonly face health issues including Bloat, Arthritis, Allergies, and Osteosarcoma. Among these, the most prevalent condition in Greyhounds is bloating or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), which occurs when the stomach twists and fills with gas.
Grooming a Greyhound Border Collie Hybrid
The Border Grey’s coat, a blend of the Border Collie’s and Greyhound’s characteristics, is generally short and manageable. Regular brushing with a specific carder brush once a week helps to maintain its cleanliness throughout most of the year. During shedding periods, increasing brushing sessions to twice a week helps manage the shedding.
In terms of scent and skin maintenance, the mix benefits from the Greyhound’s low-maintenance traits. With a short coat that doesn’t get greasy, brushing a few times a week and bathing every two or three months is sufficient to keep the Border Grey clean and smelling pleasant.
Does they Shed A Lot?
Border Grey typically has short, smooth coats and moderate to heavy shedding. While their coats are relatively low-maintenance and require minimal grooming, Border Greys shed consistently throughout the year.
The shedding intensity can vary based on individual genetics, with some dogs shedding more heavily during seasonal transitions, while others experience a more even shedding pattern throughout the year.
Cost of Greyhound Border Collie
The cost of acquiring a Border Grey, resulting from a cross between a Border Collie and a Greyhound, can vary depending on various factors. Whether obtained from a breeder, rescue organization, or shelter, the initial expenses associated with purchasing or adopting a Border Grey can differ. Factors such as lineage, pedigree, location, and demand may influence the cost. It is advisable to research and compare prices from different sources to make an informed decision.
Puppies
As a rough estimate, one can expect the price range for a Border Grey to be between $500 and $2,000. It’s important to note that these are approximate figures and prices may vary. When looking to purchase a Border Grey, it’s recommended to research reputable breeders, visit them in person if possible, and inquire about the specific factors that contribute to the price.
Breeders & Shelters
When it comes to the price of a Border Grey, there are different options to consider. If you choose to adopt a Border Grey from a rescue organization or shelter, the cost is generally more affordable, ranging from around $100 to $700. Adoption fees cover expenses such as vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping. On the other hand, purchasing a Border Grey from a breeder can have a higher price range, typically between $800 and $2000. Breeders invest in health testing, quality breeding, and proper care for their puppies.
Conclusion: Is a Greyhound Border Collie Mix Right For You?
Deciding if the Greyhound Border Collie mix is the right choice for a dog owner depends on factors such as an active lifestyle, willingness to provide training and mental stimulation, available time and commitment, suitable living space, ability to manage herding instincts, and the desire for an affectionate family-oriented companion.
