The Border Collie Malamute mix, also known as the Border Malamute or Border Alaskan, is a captivating mix that combines the intelligence and herding instincts of the Border Collie with the strength and endurance of the Alaskan Malamute. This unique crossbreed dog possesses a compelling blend of traits, making it a loyal, energetic, and versatile companion.
Characteristics of Border Collie Malamute Mix
The Border Collie Malamute mix, alternatively referred to as the Border Malamute Collie, is a delightful hybrid resulting from the crossbreeding of a Border Collie and an Alaskan Malamute. This unique mix showcases a range of distinctive characteristics, including the following:
- High energy levels
- Loyal
- Affectionate with family
- Independent
- Trainable
- Friendly
| Dog Characteristics | Alaskan Malamute | Border Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Breed Type | Purebred | Purebred |
| Typical personality | Affectionate Loving Does not like being alone Likes to snuggle Stubborn Willing to please | Everything that the Alaskan Malamute has except stubbornness and willingness to please |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
| Lifespan | Up to 15 years | Up to 15 years |
| Height | About 23 to 25 inches | About 18 to 22 inches |
| Weight | At least 70 to 100 pounds | At least 27 to 45 pounds |
| Intelligence | Average | High |
History of Border Malamute Collie
The Border Malamute Collie is a crossbreed resulting from the combination of the Border Collie and Alaskan Malamute. While the exact origins of this hybrid breed are not extensively documented, exploring the backgrounds of its parent breeds can provide valuable insights.
The Border Collie traces its roots back to the sheepdogs of the border region between England and Scotland. Initially bred for herding and protecting sheep, it has gained a reputation as an exceptionally intelligent and diligent working dog.
In the 20th century, the breed found its way to sheep ranches in New Zealand and Australia, further solidifying its role as a skilled herding companion. It officially received recognition from the AKC in 1995.
On the other hand, the Alaskan Malamute stands as one of the oldest sled dog breeds. Ancestors of this breed are believed to have migrated from Siberia to North America, specifically the region of Alaska, thousands of years ago by crossing the Bering Strait. The breed was developed by the Malemiut people of Alaska, who relied on these dogs for a variety of purposes, including seal hunting, providing protection against polar bears, and pulling heavy loads.
Border Malamute Appearance
This dog can display a diverse range of appearances, often showcasing characteristics reminiscent of either parent breed. Generally, they are medium-sized dogs adorned with a dense and coarse coat. One of the parent breeds, the Alaskan Malamute, is recognized for its large stature and renowned for its thick coat, commonly observed in striking color combinations such as gray and white or black and white.
Size, Height & Weight
Records show that Border Collies weigh around 30 – 55 pounds and have a medium body build standing at the shoulder with a height of around 18 – 22 inches.
- Females Collies are generally a bit smaller, with an average weight ranging from 30 to 45 pounds and a height of 18 to 21 inches.
- Male Border Collies, on the other hand, have an average weight of 40 to 55 pounds and stand at a height of 19 to 22 inches.
The overall height of a Border Collie can range from 22 to 27 inches, with a wither’s height (the highest point of the shoulders) of 18 to 22 inches, and a body length of 28 to 34 inches.
- According to the American Kennel Club Official Breed Standards, adult male Alaskan Malamutes typically have a shoulder height ranging from 23 to 25 inches and an average weight of 75 to 85 pounds.
- Females, on the other hand, tend to weigh slightly less at around 75 pounds and have a height of approximately 23 inches.
However, it’s worth noting that some Alaskan Malamutes can weigh up to 100 pounds. The average overall height of an Alaskan Malamute is between 29.5 to 34.5 inches.
Coats & Colors
The Border Collie Malamute mix inherits a double-layered coat that provides insulation against cold weather. The undercoat is soft and wool-like, while the topcoat consists of longer hairs. The Border Collie parent breed can have either rough or smooth coats in various colors. The Alaskan Malamute parent breed possesses a dense, coarse, and weather-resistant coat.
As a result, the Border Collie Malamute mix can display a wide range of coat colors, including:
- Black and white
- Red and white
- Black and gray
- Tricolored
- Solid black
Personality & Temperament of Border Malamute Collie
The Border Collie and Alaskan Malamute are both known for their energetic, hardworking, loyal, and intelligent temperaments. The Border Collie is often recognized as one of the smartest dog breeds.
When these traits are combined in the Alaskan Malamute Border Collie mix, it results in a designer dog that is exceptionally friendly and easily forms strong bonds with humans. They demonstrate remarkable loyalty towards their owners and have a strong desire to please.
Intelligence of Border Malamute Collie
The Border Collie and Alaskan Malamute are both highly intelligent and trainable breeds. The Border Collie, in particular, is widely recognized as one of the most intelligent dog breeds, consistently ranking among the top ten in Stanley Coren’s list of smartest dog breeds.
Border Malamute Collie, being a crossbreed of these two intelligent breeds, inherits their sharpness and liveliness. It can be confidently concluded that the Border Malamute Collie is a smart dog breed, possessing the intelligence characteristic of its parent breeds.
Energy
The Border Collie Malamute mix inherits a high energy level from both the Border Collie and the Alaskan Malamute. This crossbreed is renowned for its abundant energy and stamina, allowing them to maintain an active pace throughout the day.
Border Collies are renowned for their high energy levels and can sustain activity throughout the day. To manage their energy, it is crucial to provide them with ample exercise and mental stimulation.
Similarly, Alaskan Malamutes were originally bred as working dogs and possess substantial energy levels. Daily exercise, often twice a day, is necessary to keep them physically and mentally engaged. Regular activities such as walking, jogging, and other forms of exercise are vital to help them expend their energy.
Family & Kids
When considering whether the Border Collie Malamute mix is suitable for your family, it is crucial to evaluate the breed’s temperament. The Border Malamute mix is known to be companionable, sociable, and loyal. They generally get along well with children and have a tendency to form strong bonds with them.
Other Animals
Border Collies, due to their genetic background as pack animals and breeding history, can exhibit aggression towards other animals, including dogs. This aggression can be heightened by poor socialization or limited interaction with other dogs. Their herding instincts may also result in a tendency to chase other animals.
Alaskan Malamutes can coexist harmoniously with other pets if they have been well socialized with them. However, it is important to exercise caution and never become complacent.
Without proper training, Alaskan Malamutes may be prone to biting and other forms of aggressive behavior. They are powerful and independent dogs that require early socialization and consistent training to prevent destructive or bored behavior. It is worth noting that they may exhibit animal aggression, especially towards dogs of the same sex.
Overall, a Border Collie Malamute mix requires early socialization, consistent training, and vigilant supervision to manage any potential aggression or prey drive tendencies. Providing them with positive experiences, structured training, and mental stimulation can help promote friendly and well-behaved behavior towards other animals.
Strangers
The reaction of a Border Collie Malamute mix towards strangers can vary and is influenced by factors such as socialization, training, and individual temperament. Border Collies, with their genetic background as pack animals, may display aggression towards animals they perceive as a threat to their pack, which can include strangers. Alaskan Malamutes, on the other hand, may be initially suspicious of strangers and hesitant to interact with new people, but early socialization can help mitigate this behavior.
To ensure a positive interaction with strangers, it is important to supervise the dog and avoid leaving them alone with unfamiliar individuals, as they may exhibit aggressive behavior.
Proper socialization and training are essential in shaping their behavior and ensuring they are friendly and well-behaved around strangers. Seeking guidance from a trained and qualified professional can provide valuable advice on how to effectively train and socialize a Border Collie Malamute mix.
Do Border Collie Malamute Mix Bark A Lot?
Border Collie Malamute mixes can exhibit reactive barking tendencies due to their intelligence, high energy levels, and working drive. Border Collies, in particular, are known for their loud barks, which they use as a tool to assist them in their work. However, it’s important to understand that barking habits can vary among individual dogs, depending on their temperament and training.
Consulting with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist can provide valuable guidance on addressing barking issues and promoting desirable behavior in a Border Collie Malamute mix.
Are they good for Newbie Dog Owners?
Potential owners of a Border Collie Malamute mix should be prepared to dedicate time and effort to meet their exercise and mental stimulation requirements. Offering them suitable outlets for their energy, including interactive play, training sessions, and engaging puzzles, can contribute to a well-rounded and contented companion.
Seeking guidance from experienced dog trainers or behaviorists can provide valuable assistance in managing and nurturing the distinctive characteristics of a Border Collie Malamute mix.
Training & Exercise of Border Malamute Collie
Training and socialization play a crucial role in managing the energy and behavior of Border Collie Malamute mixes. It is important to initiate obedience training early on and maintain consistency to teach the dog basic commands and good manners. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as using treats and praise, can be highly effective in training this crossbreed.
To keep a Border Collie Malamute mix physically and mentally stimulated, a variety of exercises are recommended. Engaging in activities like playing fetch, swimming, frisbee games, going for long walks or hikes, and participating in agility training can help the dog maintain fitness, mental sharpness, and prevent behavioral issues like separation anxiety and depression.
Taking Care & Maintenance
Caring for a Border Malamute mix entails fulfilling their essential requirements. This includes offering them a balanced and nutritious diet, ensuring access to clean water, and providing treats, toys, and comfortable bedding for their comfort. It’s vital to maintain a steady supply of fresh water, both indoors and outdoors, to keep them hydrated throughout the day.
Part of your responsibility includes regular vet visits. This ensures that your dog is free from parasites and is updated with their vaccinations. These things are critical in ensuring the health of your dog.
Health of Border Collie – Alaskan Malamute Mix
Similar to other dog breeds, Border Collie Malamute mixes can be prone to certain health conditions, including:
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Inherited polyneuropathy
It is advisable to consult with a veterinarian to obtain more comprehensive information regarding the specific health concerns associated with the Border Collie Malamute mix. Regular veterinary check-ups, attentive care, and proper attention are essential for ensuring their ongoing health and well-being.
Diet & Nutrition
To maintain the health of your Border Collie Malamute mix, it is essential to provide them with a well-balanced and nutritious diet. It is recommended to feed them two to three meals a day, taking into consideration factors such as their age, weight, and activity level. Consulting with a veterinarian can help determine the appropriate portion sizes and types of food to meet their specific needs. Calcium is particularly important for their bone and joint health.
Both breeds may have allergies so choosing a food that is free from dyes and contains high-quality ingredients is always better to prevent potential allergic reactions and promote their overall well-being.
It is important to avoid leaving food out for extended periods to prevent overeating and the risk of obesity. Providing fresh, raw food or high-quality dry food can ensure that they receive the necessary nutrients for optimal health.
Life Span
The Border Collie Husky Mix, similar to the Border Collie Malamute mix, typically has a lifespan ranging from 12 to 20 years. However, it is crucial to understand that the lifespan of a mixed breed dog can be influenced by several factors, including genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health.
Therefore, providing proper care and attention to these aspects can contribute to the well-being and longevity of your beloved pet.
Health Issues
Both Border Collies and Alaskan Malamutes are susceptible to specific health concerns, including hip dysplasia, eye problems, and epilepsy.
When it comes to a mixed breed like the Border Collie Malamute mix, they may inherit a combination of health issues from both parent breeds. Seeking guidance from a veterinarian is essential to ensure proper care and attention in preventing and managing potential health problems that may arise.
Grooming of Border Collie – Alaskan Malamute Mix
To maintain the coat of a Border Collie Malamute mix, it is advisable to engage in regular grooming practices to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Regular brushing using shedding brushes and undercoat rakes is particularly effective during shedding seasons.
Do they Shed A Lot?
As a mixed breed, a Border Collie Malamute mix can inherit any combination of coat characteristics from both parent breeds. It is important to brush the dog’s coat regularly to remove loose hair and prevent matting.
Male vs Female of Border Malamute Collie
The behavior and temperament of a Border Malamute Collie mix can vary among individuals, and while females may generally exhibit slightly calmer and more focused traits in training, it is important to note that every dog is unique. Factors such as the quality of training and upbringing have a greater influence on behavior than gender alone.
Cost
The price of a Border Malamute mix can vary based on factors such as the breeder, location, and other considerations. However, it is important to recognize that the purchase price is only one aspect of the expenses associated with owning a dog.
Additional costs, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and training, should be considered when budgeting for a Border Malamute mix. These ongoing expenses should be taken into account to ensure the dog’s overall affordability and well-being.
Puppies
Border Collie Malamute mix puppies are highly energetic and intelligent dogs that require daily physical and mental stimulation. Assigning them simple tasks or household responsibilities can provide mental stimulation and a sense of purpose for these puppies.
Breeders & Shelters
To find a reputable breeder for a Border Collie Malamute mix, it is recommended to conduct thorough research and seek recommendations from local veterinarians or dog trainers. Reputable breeders should provide detailed information about the puppy’s parents, including their health history and temperament.
When contacting a breeder, don’t hesitate to ask questions and share any concerns you may have. A responsible breeder will be open and transparent, addressing your inquiries and providing necessary information to help you make an informed decision. Additionally, a reputable breeder should allow you to visit their facility and witness the living conditions of the puppies and their parents firsthand.
Conclusion: Is Border Malamute Collie Right For You?
Determining if a Border Collie Malamute mix is the right dog for you depends on your lifestyle, the amount of time you can dedicate to exercise and training, and your experience with dogs. This mix requires a significant commitment due to their high energy levels and potential for aggression.
If you lead an active lifestyle, can devote ample time to their needs, and have experience with dogs, they may be a suitable choice. However, if you cannot meet their exercise and training requirements or are a first-time dog owner, it may be best to consider other breeds.
