The Sheltie Border Collie Mix is a combination of two breeds – the Border Collie and the Sheltie. These two dogs are widely regarded as being among the most amiable, intelligent and sweetest canines with a strong herding tendency.
Characteristics of Border Collie Sheltie Mix
It may be difficult to spot what a Border Collie Sheltie mix may look like. But they have distinct characteristics that make them unique which are:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Height | Male & Female: 16 to 22 inches |
| Weight | Male & Female: 25 to 42 pounds |
| Coat | Medium Length, double coat, straight |
| Colors | Red and white, solid color, bicolor, tricolor, sable, merle and black either with or without white |
| Exercise Requirements | At least 40 minutes a day |
| Lifespan | 10 to 14 years |
History of Border Collie Sheltie Mix
Although the precise beginnings of the Border Sheepdog are not well-documented, there is abundant data available about their ancestral breeds, the Border Collie and the Shetland Sheepdog.
The Border Collie is a highly intelligent breed of dog that originated in Scotland and England during the 1800s. They were developed with the purpose of helping to manage livestock. In 1995, the Border Collie was accepted into the American Kennel Club’s registry.
Shetland Sheepdogs on the other hand are thought to have originated in the Shetland Islands. They’re also believed to be a combination of the Pomeranian and Nordic breeds. Characterized by its attractive and fluffy coats, Shetland Sheepdogs are full of life. The American Kennel Club officially acknowledged this breed in 1911.
Appearance of Border Sheepdog
Border Shelties are unique and relatively new breed making them popular lately. These are medium-sized breed, usually reaching between 18 and 22 inches tall and weighing between 30 and 50 pounds.
Size, Height & Weight
The Border Sheepdog typically keeps the smaller stature of the Shetland Sheepdog, which is smaller than the height of the Border Collie parent. This means that the size of a Border Sheepdog will generally be considered a small to medium-sized dog. The height of these dogs can vary from 16 to 22 inches, and they will reach an average weight of 25 to 45 lbs. when fully grown.
Coats & Colors
Even though Shetland Sheepdogs and Border Collies are both double-layer breeds, the former has much more hair than the latter. Shelties have comparatively lengthy fur which makes it tough to make out the physical shape of the dog. On the contrary, Border Collies have shorter coats.
It has been noted that Shetland Sheepdogs have coats with a range of reddish hues. These dogs can have a variety of color combinations including merle, sable, brown, blue, and white. By comparison, Border Collies are normally black and white, but they can also be found in the same colors as the Shetland Sheepdogs.
From this, it’s safe to say that a Border Sheepdog has a double-layer coat with colors ranging from black and white, sable, merle, blue, white, and brown.
Personality & Temperament of Sheltie Border Collie Hybrid
The Border Sheltie is a vibrant, active, and intelligent mix, courtesy of their parents. They’ve inherited their high energy, intelligence, and need for constant physical and mental stimulation. This breed is a great family companion and loves to be around people and children. They are generally friendly, and outgoing and can make great watchdogs.
Intelligence of Border Collie & Shetland Sheepdog Mix
The Border Collie is widely recognized as the most intelligent breed of dog when it comes to following orders and performing tasks. Additionally, this breed is quite skillful in the area of herding sheep, as it requires a specific kind of intelligence possessed by these dogs.
Shelties are amongst the most trainable and cooperative dogs globally. They are ranked 6th in terms of obedience and working intelligence. Their intelligence is further accentuated due to their capacity to herd without much training from humans, which is a special kind of intelligence known as “instinctive intelligence.”
Expect a Border Sheltie to possess a herding instinct from the get-go. This is all thanks to their parents that are smart and clever in their own ways.
Energy
Border Collies are overflowing with energy. Border Collies are overflowing with energy which requires their owners to give them much attention, playtime, and opportunity to spend it all out like through running and exploring around. Moreover, they should be given something to do such as tending to herds of animals or chasing a ball.
Shelties also possess a high level of energy. They are physically capable of completing intense activities too. Although they need some form of physical activity, they are also able to adjust to various lifestyles. They can be kept as city dogs, provided their owners give them enough workout opportunities. They get pleasure from spending time with their human family which will challenge them mentally and physically.
Family & Kids
Depending on the dominant gene, your Border Collie Sheltie mix can be a bit reserved from strangers or more sensitive in certain situations. One thing’s for sure, they’d do well living with families and kids, considering they’re monitored.
A Collie that has had ample socialization is likely to get along well with kids, however, their powerful herding impulse could lead them to attempt to “herd” kids. It’s not advisable to get a Collie for households with little kids. Their herding behaviors could include pushing them, potentially causing them to topple over.
The Shetland Sheepdog is a great companion for gentler and older children and is usually amiable with other animals. However, these dogs may be timid in the presence of strangers. Shelties feel more contented living in a peaceful environment. Tense atmospheres or loud noises could cause irritation to these dogs. Remember, a Shetland Sheepdog is a sensitive breed. You must shower them with love and care.
Other Animals
Border Collie Sheltie mixes do well with other animals. They also remain calm when introduced to new situations and pets. Behavioral traits that this mix breed obtained from its parents play a vital role on shaping its own attitude towards other animals.
Border Collies can make great playmates with other canines as long as their human have acclimated their collies to other animals in the area. At the same time, Collies have boundaries too that you which your Border Sheepdog might also exhibit.
On the Shetland Sheepdog breed spectrum, its low level of responsiveness to new stimuli indicates that Shelties are adept at remaining composed in unexpected circumstances. This balances out the hyper attitude of Collies making your Border Sheepdog a great mix of strong, smart, and sweet pet.
Strangers
This mix is a gentle and cautious dog. They’ll bark to alert their owners when someone is around, which makes them effective watchdogs. However, their Border Collie blood may make them display a bit of aggression if they lack proper training from owners.
Border Collies are typically known to be gentle, and if they display hostile behavior, it is often due to inadequate training by their owners.
It is important to be aware when you are in public with a Border Collie due to their pack behavior. This type of dog is usually hesitant in the presence of strangers. They can become aggressive if they feel that a person is a danger to their family.
Shelties tend to be cautious around unfamiliar people, yet they are not hostile. These dogs are very loyal to their owners and will bark to alert you when a stranger approaches, making them effective guard dogs.
Do Border Sheepdogs Bark A Lot?
Border Sheepdogs are usually reliable when it comes to being watchdogs. However, they can become prone to excessive barking if they are not trained correctly. It is important to note that an under-exercised Border Sheepdog may develop bad habits. These may include:
- Incessant barking
- Digging
- Snapping at people and other animals
- Other undesirable behaviors
Are They Good For Newbie Dog Owners?
Both the Border Collie and the Shetland Sheepdog are exceptionally smart breeds. They are both proficient in training, responding to commands, and performing agility tasks. Though the Border Collie is more intelligent, the Sheltie isn’t far behind. This makes them both suitable for novice dog owners. Despite this, new pet owners should not underestimate the intensity of these breeds.
Training & Exercise of Border Collie Sheltie Hybrid
It is advised to begin the training of a Border Sheepdog as soon as possible when they are still a pup. Starting early will help them to develop an even temper as they grow older. Behavior, housebreaking, obedience, and socialization are the most crucial aspects of their training.
It is fundamental that you strengthen all of your rules and commands, however, do this in a positive approach. Praise and rewards are very effective for this type of breed. Yet, you need to be consistent. You must also be ready to go through these sessions frequently.
This canine companion benefits from cognitive stimulation, so teaching it commands, amusing activities, and other tasks will not only be good for it, but it will relish doing them!
Taking Care & Maintenance
Owning a dog should not be considered a burden, but rather a rewarding experience. This adds to both your life and your pup. Just like humans, canines need the basics of life: nutrition, hydration, and shelter.
But they also require physical attention, mental stimulation, and care to reach a state of optimal health. These are essential to create a strong foundation for a long and happy relationship. Other things to consider when taking care of your beloved pet are:
- Dog foods
- Doghouse, dog bed, or crate
- Toys
- Exercise
- Regular visits to the vet
- Affection and attention
- Grooming
Health of Shetland Sheepdog Border Collie Mix
Ensuring your dog’s wellness and long life necessitates looking after its health properly. It is essential to give your pet the correct diet and enough exercise.
For example, a Border Sheltie mix should have a nourishing diet that consists of:
- Proteins
- Fats
- Carbohydrates
- Vitamins
- Minerals
It is also necessary to give them sufficient physical and mental stimulation. Going on a daily walk with your dog, playing fetch, and engaging in activities such as agility training can be very beneficial.
Diet & Nutrition of Sheltie Border Collie Mix
There are six essential components to a dog’s diet necessary for your pet’s bod to function correctly, and these are:
- Water
- Proteins
- Fats
- Carbohydrates
- Minerals
- Vitamins
All of these are necessary for the animal’s body to function correctly.
When it comes to giving your pooch the best nutrition, the key is to provide them with the highest grade of food you can manage financially. While the nutritional facts of a premium and budget dog food may appear the same, the difference lies in the origin and quality of the ingredients.
Two brands of dog food might similarly claim to have 27% protein. But when it comes to absorption, they can be poles apart.
Life Span
When it comes to longevity, the Sheltie and the Border Collie are quite fortunate. These dogs can live 12 to 15 years. Generally, the Border has one year more of life expectancy compared to the Sheltie. To ensure that these breeds stay in prime condition, it is important to have routine veterinary visits, provide them with nutritious meals, and make sure they get adequate exercise.
Health Issues
Generally, the Border Sheepdog is a healthy pet. There are a few medical issues that you should be aware of prior to bringing one home. We have divided these problems into major and minor, with some being less probable.
| Minor | Major |
| Cataracts | Collie eye anomaly |
| Paninis | Patent ductus arteriosos |
| Eye-lid defects | Von Willebrand’s disease |
| Corneal dystrophy | |
| Hip dysplasia |
It is a well-known fact that decreasing health issues is a primary motivation behind crossbreeding purebreds. Some professionals think that because of the large amount of inbreeding among purebred dogs, crossbreeding can actually help to prevent illness and genetic problems.
Despite the fact that there is no conclusive evidence to support this idea, it is possible that any medical conditions experienced by a dog’s forebears may be inherited. However, it appears that mixed-breed dogs tend to be healthier, so only time can tell if this is true.
Grooming of Border Collie Sheltie Mix
Many people believe that dog grooming is only meant to spruce up a pup’s appearance. There are other benefits too. Not only does it make your canine companion look and smell great, but it also contributes to their general health and overall wellness. Other benefits are as follows:
- Hygiene – one of the primary advantages of taking your pet for grooming is the hygienic benefits. Removing dead skin and residues through brushing can drastically improve your pet’s hygiene and eliminate its bad odor. Having a pungent canine in your home can be bothersome, so why not take them to the groomer to freshen them up?
- Detection of any skin and health issues – having a groomer become familiar with your pooch on a regular basis can help them identify anything unusual on the pet’s body, such as bumps or lumps that you may have overlooked while brushing. Catching such irregularities early is essential in preventing the development of any serious illnesses.
- Healthy and shiny coats – no matter what type of pooch you have, or the length of their fur, bringing them to a groomer for washing and brushing is beneficial for the state and sheen of their coat. Brushing alone will remove any dead skin cells, dirt, and other particles that may have built up. Furthermore, it assists with distributing natural oils over their fur, giving it a shinier and healthier look.
Does Border Sheepdog Shed A Lot?
Coming from their parents, Border Sheepdog is a natural shedder. They can go on overdrive throughout spring and autumn due to their double-layer coat and as preparation for the changing weather.
A majority of Border Collies naturally shed their fur regularly. Owing to the breed’s long fur that has two layers, it is unsurprising to witness some fur shedding. Border Collies usually molt more in Spring and Autumn. Shedding is nature’s way of helping the dog keep cool and rejuvenate its fur.
Shetland Sheepdogs shed the same amount as other double-coated breeds of dogs. They drop hairs throughout the year, but especially during the spring and autumn when they are preparing for the changing weather. People who have never owned a double-coated dog may find all the shedding hard to handle.
Male vs Female of Sheltie Border Collie Hybrid
Males typically measure 22 inches in height and have a maximum weight of 20 kilograms. Females are usually 21 inches tall and can weigh up to 19 kilograms. As for Shelties, they range from 12 to 15 inches in height and have a weight range of 6 to 9 kilograms.
Cost of Border Collie & Shetland Sheepdog Mix
A Border Collie Sheltie mix may cost you somewhere around $500 to $2,500. This is based on the current prevailing rate for their parent breeds.
When looking to buy a Border Collie that has been bred to be a domestic pet, the price range will generally be somewhere between $500 and $1,800. However, it is possible to find some puppies available online for as low as $250, though these might not be registered with the American Kennel Club. On the other hand, if you purchase a Border Collie from the AKC marketplace, most will cost from $1,500 up to $2,500. Even so, $700 is the average cost of getting a puppy.
Obtaining a purebred Sheltie through a breeder is the simplest and priciest approach. Prices can vary depending on the breeder’s reputation. Prices can skyrocket if you are after better bloodlines. Usually, Shetland Sheepdogs range from $500 to $1,500.
Puppies of Border Collie Sheltie Hybrid
Dog owners usually have to factor in a regular expense for pet food, which is estimated to be in the range of $250 to $700 on an annual basis. People with busy timetables are inclined to get the services of a dog walker. Say that such service is at $20 a day, it would amount to a total of $5,200 in a year. While routine visits to the vet could cost somewhere from $700 to $2,000 annually depending on your dog’s health.
Breeders & Shelters
The cost of adopting a dog from a shelter typically varies from $100 to $700. Bear in mind that certain animals with pre-existing medical issues or rare breeds may come with a pricier tag.
When sourcing animals from a breeder or pet shop, the cost is usually more expensive. It’s because more often than not, the first round of vaccinations will already be administered to pets from breeders. But other basic treatments such as spaying and neutering may not be included.
Conclusion: Is Border Collie Sheltie Mix Right For You?
If you’re looking for an intelligent and loyal companion, a Border Collie Sheltie mix might be the perfect choice for you. Like its parents, the Border Collie and the Shetland Sheepdog, the Border Collie Sheltie mix is an incredibly active, smart, and alert breed. This mix is known for requiring a lot of exercise and stimulation, so it’s important to consider the amount of time you’re able and willing to commit. If you have a lifestyle that allows time for walks and activities, this mix can be an ideal companion.
