Border Collie Rottweiler Mix or also called Border Rottie is the offspring of Border Collie and Rottweiler dogs. There is not much history about this breed as of this writing but there are lots of cool things about these dogs.
For one, crossbreeding dogs offer numerous benefits. Among these are the ability to increase the gene pool and make them healthier than their purebred parents.
Characteristics of Border Collie Rottweiler Mix
A Border Rottie takes some characteristics from its parents. Still, it’s a unique dog in its own right.
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Height | Around 115 to 130 pounds |
| Weight | About 18 to 23 inches |
| Colors | Tan and black |
| Eye color | Brown |
| Grooming | Brush twice a week on regular season; 4x to 6x a week throughout shedding season |
| Exercise | At least 60 minutes of fetching, walking and running |
| Temperament | Alert, gentle, kind, playful with members of the household, protective |
If these are characteristics that you like in a dog, then a Border Rottie may just be the one for you.
History of Border Rottie
Border Rottie is the crossbreed between Border Collie and Rottweiler. Both parents are known to be working dogs but their litter is different in temperamental and physical traits. To have an idea of how a Border Rottie will behave, it’s important to have a general knowledge of its parents.
Border Collie
Through the centuries, the Border Collie has evolved from the big herding dogs brought by the Romans and the spitz-like dogs brought by the Vikings. These dogs had the ability to herd sheep and their size was ideal for the farmers living in the hilly regions of Scotland and Wales. This makes them an invaluable asset.
Rottweiler
The town of Rottweil is where the Rottweiler breed was initially bred. Typically their purpose is to herd livestock and protect butchers’ property from thieves. Thus it earned them the nickname of “butcher’s dog”. Currently, they are generally kept as pets and have even been found to be helpful to law enforcement in their duties.
Appearance of Rottweiler Border Collie Mix
It’s likely that a Rottweiler-Collie mix will have a combination of both Rottweiler and Collie traits. As for the dog’s physical features, it will depend on which parent’s genes are more influential.
Size, Height & Weight of Border Collie Rottweiler Mix
It can be hard to determine the size of a Border Collie Rottweiler Mix. It possesses a slender physique like the Border Collie and a sturdier look like the Rottweiler.
The size of a full-grown male Rottweiler can be up to 27 inches tall. A male Border Collie on the other hand is generally between 18 to 24 inches in height. The size of the half Rottweiler, half Border Collie mix will depend on which genes they take after the most, with a possible range of 19 to 27 inches.
Generally, the Border Rottie will have qualities of both the Rottweiler and the Border Collie in terms of its physique. It will be more slender than the Rottweiler but more muscular than the Border Collie.
Coats & Colors
The Border Rottie is anticipated to have a mid-length coat that is similar to its parent breed, which is composed of two layers. This type of coat is believed to have protected them from the freezing temperatures of Scotland and Germany. Wherever the Border Rottie is, it can handle extreme climates – from the most frigid of temperatures to the hottest of days!
It’s feasible that their coat color could be a blend of black and tan, which is typical of Rottweilers, coupled with his brown-colored eye and leg markings. Alternatively, it’s also possible that it could possess the second most common coat color, black and white, that’s inherited from his Border Collie parent. Nevertheless, it’s difficult to anticipate what they will look like, even within the same litter.
Personality & Temperament of Border Rottie
The Border Rottie is an amiable and loving pup. These dogs are very loyal to their family and thoroughly enjoys being petted. A Border Rottie mix also has great potential to be a protector of its family and territory. If you are looking for a loving pet and watchdog, this mix can tick all the boxes.
Intelligence of Rottweiler Border Collie Mix
This canine is quite sharp. Sometimes, it can be a challenge to its owner to teach them new commands. There’s a tendency that these dogs will attempt to take leadership role from its owner. It is important to have a steady, strong hand to teach them their place. To keep their attention, it is strongly recommended to have short training sessions every day. If given the chance, some of these dogs will prey on small animals. This behavior can be corrected if given proper instructions.
It is important to utilize positive reinforcement techniques when training your dog. After all, this is the most effective approach. Reward good behavior with verbal praise and physical affection. This breed is particularly smart and loves to make people happy, especially its owners. So give them plenty of exercise and mentally stimulating activities.
Socialization is key for all canine companions. Be sure to bring them to dog parks, daycare, and other places with lots of people and other dogs.
Energy
It is essential to give a Border Rottie plenty of physical activity as they have a lot of energy. Therefore, they must live in a household that can give them the exercise they need. Not to mention, continuous companionship throughout the day.
These animals are very lively and will be a source of amusement and enjoyment for their owners; it would be beneficial to sign them up for an agility course.
Family & Kids
Litters of Border Collie and Rottweiler breeds usually demonstrate a loving character, just like their parents. They are capable of forming close bonds with humans, especially youngsters. Once they do, these Border Collie Rottweiler mixes dedicate their lives to them and have plenty of energy and enthusiasm to play.
Other Animals
Border Rottie’s behavior towards other animals is affected by its parents. To better understand how your dog will behave, we need to know their parent’s behaviors.
Nevertheless, a Border Collie can coexist peacefully with a less energetic canine. Assuming that they’re properly trained to understand and adhere to boundaries. Moreover, if they are properly socialized and their instinctive tendency to round up other animals is kept under control, a Border Collie can also form a cordial relationship with other pets.
In general, Rottweilers get along with other animals in the household. However, some may try to hunt cats, and many become aggressive with other dogs that are the same gender. It is important to nip this behavior in the bud from an early age; if you don’t address it, the problem could worsen, and it could become a difficult habit to break.
Strangers
These dogs are vigilant when it comes to unknown individuals that venture into your property and will unleash a loud bark to notify you if someone is present. Generally, they are quite reserved with others until such time they had the opportunity to become acquainted with them. So, it may take a bit of time for your dog to feel comfortable around them.
Do They Bark a Lot?
A canine that barks incessantly may be an indication that it is not in a balanced state. If your pooch feels that there is a potential risk or if an intruder is present, it will make sure to let you know with a loud bark. In the event that you are having a hard time because your dog barks a lot, it’s your job to figure out what’s causing this behavior.
It is typical for a dog to bark. But when it happens too much, it can be an indication that the animal is anxious or not having its requirements fulfilled. Canines make use of barking as a way to communicate with us when they need something which can be anything from:
- Going outdoors
- Play with you
- They’re hungry
- They are worried about certain things
One thing’s for sure, there is always a cause for the barking, and it is in our hands to comprehend what our dogs need.
Are They Good For Newbie Dog Owners?
First-time dog owners will have a great time having a Border Rottie. This particular breed of dog is known to be extremely intelligent, personable, and full of energy. However, it is essential to be prepared to give them a great deal of care and guidance. Well-trained breeds are known to be loyal and sweet. There may be an adjustment for you and your dog but once you get passed it, they’re the sweetest.
If you think that this is something you can do, then owning a Border Collie Rottweiler mix should not be a problem.
Training & Exercise of Border Collie Rottweiler Mix
You have to acknowledge the common traits of a Border Collie Rottweiler mix when training one. Having said that, it is imperative to start training with a calm voice. Showing consistency and positivity goes a long way too.
If possible steer clear of using punish-based training. Instead, focus training using rewards whenever they show positive behavior. In addition to that, you can use their favorite meals as part of their reward.
Lastly, don’t forget to give them lots of socialization and mental stimulation. This is essential in preventing anxiety and boredom in your dog.
Taking Care & Maintenance of Border Rottie
The Border Rottie will require at least an hour of exercise every day. This is a must for them to stay physically active; this is true for both of their parents as well. Failure to meet their exercise requirements could lead to destructive behavior, which will likely be true for the Border Rottie as well.
Your dog would be just as delighted to go on jogging and bike rides in the woods with you, as long as its bones have matured.
Health of Rottweiler Border Collie Mix
Any fur parent only wishes the best of health for their Border Rottie. Fortunately, these dogs are generally healthy and don’t need a special diet. But there are a few things to keep in mind in ensuring that they’ll still be healthy.
Diet & Nutrition of Border Collie Rottweiler Mix
Feeding your Border Rottie the right amount of high-grade dog food is important. Give them between two to three cups of food, separated into two meals throughout the course of the day. Additionally, the amount of food you give them should be dependent on their age, physique, and the amount of activity they get.
Canines must be given no less than 18 percent protein in their regular food intake for their development and well-being. Additionally, it is suggested to include probiotics with wild Alaskan salmon oil to aid in maintaining healthy skin and enhancing gastrointestinal performance. Don’t forget to hydrate your Border Rottie.
Life Span
Different dogs have different lifespans. In the case of Border Rottie, they can live for as long as 14 to 15 years. This can be achieved with owners giving their dogs proper care and feeding them the right foods too. Otherwise, there is a possibility that your dog could live less than their expected lifespan.
Health Issues
There are certain health issues that are common among Border Rottie mixes like:
- Cold tail – often affects sporting/ working dogs that are using their tail most of the time
- Bloat – while this seems not a big deal, it could actually put your dog’s health in a dangerous situation. Bloat happens when your dog eats too fast or had too much exercise after eating. Their stomach begins to twist, trapping blood in its system. If you notice that your dog is bloated, make sure to bring them to your trusted vet right away.
- Seizures – this health condition is attributed by the Border Collie genes
- PRA – stands for Progressive Retinal Atrophy. Simply put, it makes your dog’s vision gradually go away until they’re blind
Grooming of Border Rottie
Those who plan to get a Border Rottie in the future must take care to brush them on a daily basis. Part of it is to give them a thorough grooming every week. This helps in preventing any skin irritation. Groomers usually utilize a slicker brush to eliminate dead or broken hair from the animal’s fur.
The level of grooming that a Border Rottie needs is dependent on its fur’s length. Their coats can span from short to medium to long.
Rottweiler Border Collie hybrids tend to possess delicate skin. They need to be groomed with the right brush and care products to stop dermal diseases. You may use a slick brush, bristle brush, shampoo with tea tree oil, sulfate-free soap, antifungal soap, and aloe vera body wash.
Does It Shed A Lot?
Border Collie Rottweilers have a very high rate of shedding. Meaning, they have to be brushed on a regular basis. It is advisable to use either a hand glove or a medium slicker brush to groom their fur. These are perfect too in taking out strands that have come loose.
Male vs Female of Rottweiler Border Collie Mix
The size of a fully grown Rottweiler Border Collie Mix is hard to specify as it can range from medium to large, depending on its weight. This is due to the disparity in size between the two breeds – Rottweiler and Border Collie. Your dog’s gender will also have an impact on its size with males being heavier and bigger than females. For instance, male Border Rottie weighs around 70 to 135 pounds while female mixes weigh at just 35 to 90 pounds.
Cost of Border Collie Rottweiler Mix
Buying a Border Rottie from a reliable breeder is approximately $1,000. Of course, this figure varies depending on which breeder you talk to.
Puppies
There are other cost elements that should be considered before you buy a Border Rottie pup. Some of these costs include but are not limited to:
- Food and water bowls – $10 to $50
- Leash and collar – $20 to $50
- Toys and treats – $20 to $300
- Bed or crate – $25 to $250
- Neuter surgery – $60 to $800
- Health checkups – $100 to $350
- Preventative medicines – $100 to $600
- Vaccinations – $150 to $250
- Food – $150 to $400
- Pet insurance – $360 to $600
Optional
- Dog walking – $0 to $800
- Microchipping – $26 to $60
- Training – $25 to $300
- Grooming – $30 to $500
- Dog sitters or boarding – $100 to $300
Breeders & Shelters
If you want to get a new pup, it would be wise to purchase it from a reliable and conscientious breeder that adheres to optimal procedures. These breeders are often subject to periodic inspections. For any interested future owners, this puts them at a huge advantage for the puppies they look after. This guarantees that they are well looked after and will enjoy a strong start in life.
Conclusion: Is Border Rottie Right For You?
A Border Collie Rottweiler mix is a wonderful dog. They are affectionate towards their owners, gentle with kids, and perfect if you have other pets in the house. Their energetic nature makes them one of the greatest pet companions if you are always on the go. They love to tag along whether you are going out for a jog or even just a simple walk.
After all, you really have to carve time from your schedule to provide for their needs. Otherwise, they could divert their excess energy to destructive behavior. I you have no prior experience with dogs or simply have no time to give them, it could pose a challenge to have a Border Collie Rottweiler mix.
