The Border Collie Pointer mix, also known as a Border Pointer, is a hybrid breed resulting from crossing a Border Collie with a Pointer. This breed is known for its intelligence, energy, and athleticism, making it a great choice for active families or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, running and many more.
With its strong work ethic and eager-to-please personality, the Border Pointer is highly trainable and excels at tasks that require focus and agility, such as agility training, obedience, and hunting. In this way, this hybrid breed combines the herding instincts of the Border Collie with the hunting abilities of the Pointer, resulting in a unique and versatile companion that can fit in different activities and lifestyle.
Basic Characteristics of Border Collie Pointer Mix
This hybrid dog, commonly known as the Border Point, can display various physical characteristics. Border Point displays various physical characteristics resembling one of its parent breeds or exhibit a combination of traits from both. Generally, this hybrid dog are medium-sized and with a muscular build.
| Border Collie Pointer Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Height | 23 to 27 inches |
| Weight | 35 to 65 pounds |
| Lifespan | 11 to 15 years |
| Coat Colors | White, brown and black |
| Good for | Hunting activities, companionship, families |
| Temperament | Smart, friendly, active, alert, independent, fearless, playful, loving |
History of Pointer Border Collie Mix
The Border Collie and the Pointer are two breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, originating from Europe.
The Pointer was developed in Spain in the 17th century and later in England. The breed’s speed, strength, and hunting instincts are believed to be derived from ancestors such as the Bloodhound, Greyhound, and Foxhound.
The Border Collie has an interesting history dating back to the Roman invasion of Britain in the 1st century. In 1893, “Old Hemp,” a famous dog, became the Border Collie’s ancestor.
Old Hemp was a famous English sheepdog. Over 200 of its descendants won competitions, establishing the breed’s excellence. In fact, most Border Collies today are descended from Old Hemp.
Appearance of Border Point Dog
The Border Point can vary in size from medium to large and has a variety of coat colors and patterns. They typically inherit the hanging, floppy ears of the Pointer breed but may have smaller and fluffier ears due to the influence of the Border Collie.
Their snouts are shorter than most Pointers, and they may not display the characteristic pointing behavior. Nonetheless, the breed tends to have an inherent instinct for hunting and chasing small prey.
The coat of a Border Pointer may be anywhere from being a:
- Tricolored
- Bicolored
- Merle pattern
- Fawn
- Liver
- White
- Black
- Black and white
The coat texture can vary from short to medium and is usually soft to the touch. Depending on which parent breed has more influence, the Border Point’s skull may be broad and flat, or its nose may be higher than its muzzle. The species may also have a tapered tail and pendant-shaped ears.
Size, Height & Weight of Border Point
The Border Collie and Pointer hybrid breeds of herding dogs are available in various sizes. Usually, they measure around 35 to 38 inches or 88.9cm to 96.5cm in length and stand at 23 to 27 inches or 58.4cm to 68.5cm at the shoulder.
The Border Collie-Pointer mix is considered a medium-sized dog whose weight may range from 35 to 65 pounds or 15.8 to 29.4 kilograms. It’s important to note that this breed requires regular grooming to keep its coat healthy and shiny.
Coats & Colors
The coat color of the hybrid Pointer Border Collie mix can vary but typically consists of black, white, or brown. In some cases, the dog may have patches of different colors, which is a trait inherited from the Border Collie.
This is because Pointers are generally of a solid color and do not have the same variety in coat patterns as Border Collies. The patches may be small or large and may be found on different parts of the dog’s body, such as its back, legs, chest and the likes.
Personality & Temperament of Border Collie and Pointer Mix
The Border Collie and Pointer breeds have similar personality traits and that Border Point are also exhibiting.
They have a protective and responsive instinct and are alert and courageous, typical of hunting, herding and working dogs. Due to their hunting and herding nature, these dogs may not be suitable for households with smaller animals and pets such as cats.
Intelligence of Pointer Border and Collie Mix
Since the Border Point is a combination of highly intelligent breeds, they likely thrive on training and learn quickly. However, their high intelligence also means they need regular mental stimulation to keep them happy.
The lack of stimulating activities will make them bored which can lead to unwanted behavior. To prevent this, it is recommended to start crate training early on and begin potty training as soon as possible.
These dogs are known for being active, so getting them used to a crate early on is essential. Starting potty training early also helps to prevent any bad habits from forming.
Energy
The Border Point is an active and lively dog that loves to play. They enjoy playing with toys and chasing after balls and have a lot of energy that can be harnessed through proper training.
Because of their love for adventure, Border Points are runners and explorers who may wander off on hikes or take off running unexpectedly. To ensure their safety, you can use a GPS tracking collar. This will be very useful in monitoring the whereabouts of your dog. Thus, giving you peace of mind all the time.
Family & Kids
The Border Collie Pointer mix can be a suitable family pet as long as the dog is given with proper training and care. So it is worth noting that they have high exercise and mental stimulation requirements that should be noticed.
While the Pointer Border Collie mix can be affectionate and loyal to their family, they may not be the best choice for families with young children. In relation to this subject, Border Collies generally exhibit more tolerance towards younger kids than Pointers. Therefore, it is important to socialize and train your Border Point to interact with children and educate them about the proper handling of dogs to ensure their safety.
Other Animals
To increase the chances of compatibility between Border Points and other dogs, it is recommended to socialize them at a young age. Training them to behave around small animals can be challenging.
It is essential to closely monitor their interactions with other family pets and take measures to keep them separated if necessary. This can be achieved by securely separating them from small animals when they are out or providing training to teach them appropriate behavior around smaller animals.
Border Points have a strong instinct to herd and may exhibit behaviors such as chasing after small animals. Having said that, you must always take precautions to ensure the safety of all animals involved.
Strangers
To put it differently, Border Points inherently desires to please their owners and closely follow their commands. Their dynamic nature makes them remain attentive to their owners, ensuring they always do the right thing. Although they are friendly with strangers, they tend to have a stronger attachment to their own family and prefer staying close to them.
Do Border Points Bark a Lot?
If trained and given proper exercise, Border Points tend to bark less. However, they may still bark when bored or need to alert their owners of potential danger or strangers. Understanding why your dog is barking can help you identify potential issues, such as boredom or a need for attention.
Are Border Point Dogs Good for Newbie Dog Owners?
Owning a Pointer or Border Collie requires experience and strength, as these breeds are strong and energetic and can be a handful for inexperienced owners.
Pointers have an independent nature that needs firm handling, while Border Collies are highly intelligent and require adequate mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
As highly intelligent breeds, they are quick learners and eager to please, making training relatively easy. However, their high energy levels and intelligence may not make them the best fit for first-time dog owners who struggle to meet their exercise and mental stimulation needs.
Training & Exercise for Border Collie Pointer Hybrid
This dog has a lot of energy and requires an owner who can keep up with it. It was bred for work and exercise. Lounging around will only satisfy it. Expect to take it on long walks and hikes to help manage its energy level.
Taking Care & Maintenance of Pointer Border Collie Hybrid
Border Collies typically shed moderately, whereas Pointers shed very little. If your Border Point inherits the dense coat of a Border Collie, it will require weekly brushing to maintain it. However, if your Border Point takes on more Pointer traits, shedding and brushing needs can be kept to a minimum.
Additionally, as with all dogs, regular eat cleaning, nail trimming, and brushing are crucial to maintain your dog’s appearance and health of course. It’s also important to not just leave the dog leashed up outside as this is not fair or humane treatment.
Health of Border Collie Pointer Mix
These dogs are generally healthy. However, there are certain health conditions that are common between each parent that the crossbreed could inherit.
Border Collie Health
Border Collies are predisposed to several genetic diseases and health conditions, which are often linked to their breed. Veterinary practitioners as well as canine genetic researchers widely agree that these conditions have a relatively high incidence and/or impact in this particular breed. However, it is important to note that the existence of these conditions does not guarantee that every individual dog will experience them, but rather that Border Collies may be more susceptible to them than other breeds.
Pointer Health
Pointers are usually healthy dogs, but can be affected by bloat, a dangerous condition that can occur in deep-chested breeds. Responsible breeders will screen their dogs for health issues like eye disorders and hip dysplasia. Owners should be aware of the symptoms of bloat, regularly check their Pointer’s ears for infections, and brush their teeth with dog-specific toothpaste.
Diet & Nutrition
Dogs’ dietary needs are often customized individually since each dog is unique and requires a different diet. Obesity is a common issue among dogs in the United States. If a mixed-breed dog is prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, it is advisable to start giving them supplements similar to glucosamine, fish oil, and chondroitin as soon as possible.
Some owners have a tendency to overfeed their dog, thinking that it leads to cute and more adorable pets. In reality, overfeeding can only worsen health problems. A raw food diet is worth considering as it can be especially beneficial for a dog with Wolf ancestry.
Life Span
Border Pointers are bred specifically for their work capabilities due to their incredible endurance, lightning speed, and high energy. They need plenty of physical activity to keep them physically and mentally engaged.
They do best in homes with ample space to run and play or with families who lead an active lifestyle. If owners can keep up with these responsibilities, their dog can easily live for over 10 to 12 years.
Health Issues
These dogs, like all breeds, have a few health issues they are prone to. Two major health concerns to be aware of are:
- Hip Dysplasia – hip dysplasia is prevalent among medium and large dogs, and Border Collies and Pointers are susceptible to it. Therefore, monitoring your mixed-breed puppy for this condition is crucial. Fortunately, hip dysplasia can be detected early on through X-Rays, and ethical breeders will not breed dogs with poor hip health.
- Addisson’s Disease – Addison’s disease is caused by lower hormone production. This is pretty common in dogs like Border Collies. Additionally, some minor eye diseases, including cataracts and a specific abnormality called Collie’s eye, are to watch for.
Grooming of Pointer Border Collie Mix
These dogs have ears that droop. To prevent ear infections, it’s advisable to clean them with a soft cloth at least once a week, but be sure to only clean around the outer ear and avoid inserting anything into the ear canal.
Trim their nails as required, usually around once a month, but if your Border Collie Pointer Mix is getting sufficient exercise, you may only need to do so sometimes. To maintain their dental health, remember to brush their teeth several times a week, which will help to keep their teeth and gums healthy throughout their lives.
Does Border Point Dog Shed a Lot?
Most Border Collies are known to shed their hair due to their long, double-coated fur. Shedding is a natural process for these dogs, especially during Spring and Autumn when they experience the most moulting. Shedding helps rejuvenate their coat and regulates their body temperature, making it easier for them to stay cool. Therefore, it is expected that some shedding will occur in Border Collies.
Pointers have short coats, which means they typically require minimal grooming. They are considered average shedders. It’s important to protect them from cold weather since their short coats do not provide sufficient insulation. Overall, Pointers are relatively low-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming, but they do require adequate protection in colder temperatures.
Border Pointer mix shedding largely depend on the the intensity of the mix that either of the parent dog have. Therefore, having a varying degree of shedding tendencies. Regardless, it is important to ensure that all dogs are properly groomed and protected from extreme weather conditions.
Male vs Female of Border Collie and Pointer Mix
Regarding Border Collie Pointer Mixes, there are no obvious differences between males and females. As with any breed of dog, there may be individual differences in temperament and personality, but these are not necessarily related to gender.
It’s worth noting that some breeds of dogs exhibit gender-specific traits, such as certain breeds being more aggressive or submissive in males, but this is not the case for Border Collie Pointer Mixes. Therefore, if you are considering adopting a Border Collie Pointer Mix, there is no need to base your decision on the sex of the dog, as either a male or female can make a great companion.
Cost of Pointer Border Collie Hybrid
Owning a Border Collie and Pointer mix can be a significant financial commitment. The cost of purchasing a Border Pointer can range from $400 to $600 all the way up to $2,300 to $4,000. First-year expenses for a Border Pointer are around $3,870, while essential supplies for a Border Pointer can cost approximately $215 to $855.
Throughout the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Border Pointer is $26,060. However, adoption fees for the breed are considerably lower, falling between $50 and $500.
Estimated Costs of Essential Supplies for a Border Collie Pointer Mix
| Supplies | Amount |
|---|---|
| Food and water bowls | $10 to $40 |
| Dog collars and leash | $20 to $65 |
| ID tag with QR code | $5 to $20 |
| Dog bed | $20 to $85 |
| Dog crate | $30 to $120 |
| Plastic poop bags | $15 to $110 |
| Poop scooper | $10 to $30 |
| House training pads | $15 to $45 |
| Removal spray for odors and stains | $5 to $20 |
| Toys | $50 to $155 |
| Grooming essentials such as shampoo, clippers, brush, tooth-brushing kit | $20 to $110 |
Note: The prices listed are estimates and can vary based on location, quality of products, and individual needs of the dog.
Prospective owners of a Border Pointer mix should perform their due diligence in researching reputable breeders and taking all other essential measures to ensure the dog’s well-being. In addition, prospective buyers of this breed should think about the financial commitment that comes with pet ownership. Only then can one make an educated selection and provide their pet friend the best life possible.
Puppies
Border Point puppies are well-known for being friendly and easy to train, making them excellent hunting and adventuring companions. These puppies are great for families and individuals since they share the best qualities of their parent breeds. Their lively and loving natures make them happiest when they are cuddling with and kissing their owners.
Breeders & Shelters
If you choose to adopt a Border Collie Pointer mix, finding the exact breed can be difficult. It’s best to contact local shelters and inform them about what you’re looking for. They may contact you when a suitable dog is available.
A responsible breeder should provide a health guarantee for their puppies, and if they refuse to do so, it’s best to look elsewhere and not consider that breeder. A trustworthy breeder will be upfront about health issues that are common in the breed and their occurrence rate. Health clearances demonstrate that a dog has been tested for and cleared of specific conditions.
Conclusion: Is Border Collie Pointer Mix Right for You?
There is no obligation to choose a mixed breed dog, but if you are considering becoming a dog owner, a Border Collie Pointer mix is a wise choice.
These dogs are an excellent choice for dog owners who lead an active lifestyle and have experience with high-energy breeds. This hybrid breed requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to thrive, so it’s important for owners to have the time and dedication to provide them with daily physical activity and training.
While the Border Pointer’s intelligence and trainability make it an excellent companion, it may not be suitable for first-time dog owners or those with limited experience with high-energy breeds.
Overall, if you’re an active and experienced dog owner looking for a loyal and intelligent companion, the Border Collie Pointer mix could be the perfect fit for you.
