Are you an avid pet lover searching for your next companion? The combination of a Border Collie and Springer Spaniel is sure to excite any animal lover. These two purebreds can give birth to a hybrid that is known as a Border Collie Springer Spaniel mix.
What is Border Collie Springer Spaniel Mix?
While the Border Collie and Springer Spaniel are different types of dogs, they both share similar traits and characteristics. These two breeds make great friends and companions. If you’re considering adopting a dog, you might be interested in learning more about the unique qualities of either of these two breeds. If so, this guide will help you understand how a Border Collie Spaniel mix might impact your home as well as what to look for while adopting one as a pet.
History of Border Springer
The Border Collie and the Springer Spaniel are both working dogs—they were bred to herd livestock and protect property. The Border Springer is a dog breed that originated in Europe. The name comes from where the dogs guard the borders of countries like Germany and France. Today, there are two types of Border Springer dogs:
- German
- French
Border Collie Springer Spaniel mix is a dog breed originating from two different breeds, Border Collie and Springer Spaniel. Hence, the name.
The Springer Spaniel is a small herding dog that originated in Germany in the 16th century. Over time, the breed became popular as a companion animal. Eventually, it was crossed with Border Collies to create Border Collie Springer Spaniel mix dogs.
German Sprengers are more common than French Sprengers. One thing’s for sure though, both breeds have a long history of guarding borders. The first written record of Border Springer dogs dates back to the 16th century in Germany, when they were used as guard dogs.
Characteristics of a Sprollie
Both types of Border Springer are medium-sized dogs with short legs and a stocky build. Both have short hair. However, the German Sprengers have a square-shaped head while French Sprengers have a rounded head with a dark muzzle. Sprollies are small, intelligent, lap-friendly dogs with a soft, friendly demeanor. While they’re not always eager to get up off the couch, they’re also not couch potatoes.
They love to be active. But they need plenty of exercise to maintain their energy levels. They’re also very social. It’s important for them to have a canine friend to get along with.
Sprollies are perfect for apartment dwellers who want a small dog that doesn’t need a lot of space. They can make great watchdogs and will alert you to intruders and other dangers. They make great companions for seniors or first-time dog owners.
| Characteristics | Description |
| Weight | 18kg – 24kg |
| Height | 18 – 21 inches |
| Coat | Smooth, short coat or a medium-length coat |
| Temperament | Sweet, obedient |
Border Collie Springer Spaniel Mix Appearance
Springer Spaniel mixes are typically small dogs. They have short, smooth hair and a compact body shape. Their ears are small and pointy, and they may have a slightly longer face than other spaniels. There are plenty of colors that you can find in this breed. Some of which are:
- Black
- White
- Brown
- Gray
- Tan
- Red
They have medium-length legs that are sturdy and muscular. Apart from that, they also have well-defined muscles in their chest, abdomen and hindquarters.
Border Collie Springer Spaniel mix tend to have long necks that are strong, flexible and arched. They have medium tails. You’ll see that their tails are either straight or slightly curled over the back.
Border Springer Coats
A noticeable feature of Border Springer is their coats. Depending on the lineage of your dog, its coat can either be short or long. Regardless, it is guaranteed to be smooth. Not to mention, double coated with soft undercoat and dense upper coat.
On the other hand, in case that the fur grew long, you might expect feathering in your dog. This will be most visible in tail, stomach and legs.
Size & Physical Features
Border Springer breeds are usually long and slightly crooked. This actually gives them an agile appearance.
Their heads are broad and their ears are either small or triangular-shaped with a slight fold in the middle. Their eyes are dark or bright blue in color and set wide apart.
The Border Springer is an athletic dog that thrives on active outdoor playtime that includes long runs through open fields and hikes through wooded trails.
Personality & Temperament of a Border Springer
Border Springer dogs are popular for many reasons. They’re playful, energetic, and loyal companions that make great family dogs. Because of their high energy level, expect to see them running around often. If you give them toys, rest assure to see them playing it all the time. They’re also known for their alert, cheerful, and brave personalities.
As mentioned, these dogs have an energetic personality. We already know that they would make a great family addition. To put more emphasis though, they will certainly be fun companions for both children and adults. They are social dogs who like to be part of a family environment. If you’re worrying if they’d be a good pick with your busy household, don’t be.
These dogs also tend to be calm when they’re working or playing with people. This temperament makes them excellent watchdogs.
Are They Good With Kids?
Springer dogs can be good with small children. This is generally because of their mellow and easygoing personality. If you got young kids in the household, they would be a great choice.
Border Springer dogs also love to play. This give kids plenty of opportunities to interact. When playing, it’s important to supervise children when they are around the dog. This is because Border Springer is prone to overstimulation by the activity and noise.
If this happens, it can lead to overreaction from the dog. It can cause them to misbehave or even pull on the leash.
Other Dogs And Border Springer
It is recommended to keep a Springer dog away from other animals. They are naturally predatory. It is expected of them to see other animals as prey. In fact, even house pets can become prey or under threat.
Indeed, not all the time you can isolate your dog from other animals. Whenever possible, it is best to give them a space where they can feel safe. If this is not possible, make sure to keep an eye on them at all times.
If you notice them displaying aggressive behavior towards other animals, inspect the situation closely. Remove potential threat immediately.
While it is unlikely that your Springer will ever hurt someone, it is best to take precautions when having interactions with another animal. With a little care and attention, you can create a strong bond between your pet and their new friend!
Are They Good Family Dog?
Springer dogs are a very popular family dog. For one, they are very affectionate and two, can get along well with everyone in the house.
Springer dogs are easy to train and can learn tricks quickly. They thrive on regular exercise and playtime. Both of activities keep their energy levels up. At the same time, it’s effective in reducing their tendency to bark excessively.
However, be aware that they don’t do well in hot weather. So make sure to give them plenty of shade during summer months.
Heath & Diet of Sprollies
You might be having a hard time thinking of what diet to give to your Sprollies. In reality, what you have to pay attention to are these three things:
- Ingredients
- Quality
- Calories
Try to choose foods that are high in protein and fiber, as well as vitamins and minerals. Additionally, try to avoid processed foods. These products are likely to cause digestive issues.
Food & Diet
Border Springer dogs are very active. To support their activeness, they must be fed with high-quality dog food and not just crackers all the time. This means, it must have good amount of protein. The ideal formulation for their dog food is:
- Protein – between 20 and 30 percent
- Fat – between 10 and 20
- Carbohydrate – between 40 and 60 percent
There are several options out there, including canned food and commercial dog foods. Some owners prefer to feed their dogs with home-cooked meals. Then again, there are those who prefer to feed them commercial dog foods, mainly because of the convenience it offers.
You might be the former between the two types of owners. If you do prefer giving home-cooked meals, remember to feed them quality diet. Something that contains all of the essential nutrients that they need.
Health Issues
Border Springers are just like most dog breeds. There is a small chance of them inheriting certain health problems from either parent they were bred from. Some common health issues include:
- Epilepsy
- Hip dysplasia
- Glaucoma
- Dermal tumors
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Cataracts
Therefore, you should make it a habit to visit your trusted vet regularly. They are the one who is capable of monitoring your dog’s health. Thus, preventing any health issues from ever occurring.
Taking Care of Border Collie Springer Spaniel Mix
It’s important to take care of your Border Springer dogs. As what discussed earlier, they require a lot of attention and love.
They need to be fed high-quality food and given plenty of walks or playtime. Walking your dog is a great way to bond with them, and it will help them to stay healthy and fit.
Housing
If you live in an apartment or other small space, you may have to exercise your dog outside. It will also help if you can find a place where your dog can run free, like a park or an open field.
It is a little bit of compromise to be made if you really want this breed. Though the companion and unconditional love they give to their owners is totally worth it!
Grooming & Shedding of Border Springer
When it comes to grooming, it needs regular brushing and bathing. This is the best way of keeping its coat clean and healthy looking. In addition to that, it needs regular clipping if it gets too long or if it starts to grow into an unkempt mess.
With regards to the coat of your dog, they shed more than Border Collie often during spring and summer months.
As a matter of fact, these dogs shed an average of one to three times per year. However, there are some dogs that might shed more than that. The main reason for this is due to the seasonal changes in weather.
Training & Exercise
If you are looking for a dog that can excel greatly at tracking and agility, then a Border Springer is the best option for you. And since they’re capable of performing multiple tasks, they make excellent pets for active families.
Of course, like any dogs, Border Springers need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. You can do this by setting aside time each day to walk your dog.
Now, if your schedule doesn’t allow you to walk your Border Springer dog every day, try alternating between morning and afternoon walks
Where To Find Border Collie Springer Spaniel Mix?
Finding reputable Border Collie Springer Spaniel Mix breeders can be a challenge in today’s market. But with a little research, you can identify breeders who are caring and responsible. Here are a few tips to help you find the best breeders for this mix:
- Search online – in today’s time, almost everything can be found online. So, with a quick search online using keyword Border Collie Springer Spaniel mix breeders will give you hundreds to thousands of results.
- License – the next course of action is to check if the breeder possess license to breed. This license can be given either by a renowned organization or your state. This will show that they have been inspected and have met all requirements. If they are not licensed, you may want to think twice about working with them.
- History and Record – last but not the least, consider the dog’s health history. You definitely want to ask questions. Some of these are how many litters each breeder has had and how many dogs have been euthanized or put down due to health issues. Knowing the answer to these questions will give you a sense of how healthy the dogs are overall.
Follow these tips and you’ll find a credible breeder and lively and healthy Border Collie Springer Spaniel mix.
Puppies
Springer Spaniel Mix puppies are a very popular crossbreed. Even at its young age, it already shows its intelligence and eagerness to train.
But just before getting one for your family or for yourself keep in mind of these things.
- First, make sure you are ready for an active dog that may require a lot of exercise.
- Second, be prepared for a dog that may shed more than some breeds.
- Third, be prepared for a dog that will need regular grooming to avoid mats.
Sprollie FAQ
You probably are wondering why so many people are deciding to get a Border Collie Springer Spaniel mix. Check the frequently asked questions below and put an end to that mystery.
Are Sprollie Mixes Intelligent?
Sprollie dogs are intelligent dogs that love attention, making them great companions for introverted people. Their intelligence also means they can learn tricks easily and can be trained to do just about anything you want them to do.
Do I have to Register My Dog?
Registration is a way of proving that you own your Border Collie Springer Spaniel mix. It gives you legal rights over your dog. At the same time, it can be used as proof of ownership. Besides, there’s a risk of not registering your Sprollie. Among which is paying fines for not having proof of ownership. The worst part is, this can even be taken to court. Registration is also important if you want to participate in competitions.
Is this Breed a Good Watchdog?
Sprollies are good watchdogs. They are alert and vocal. Apart from that, they are courageous and protective. They bark when visitors come to the door or when pets enter the yard. This makes them ideal for home security.
Can Sprollies be a Nice Addition to My Family and other Pets?
The beauty about Border Collie Springer Spaniel mix is that they are courageous dogs. They also bond closely with their families. They love to play and will adapt well to living environment. Most of these dogs get along very well with other dogs and pets.
How they Show their Affection?
Sprollie dogs are very sweet, playful, and affectionate. They also love cuddling and are usually calm. They are often described as clownish or silly, but they are actually very smart.
Verdict
Do you want a dog that is friendly, loving and loyal? Not to mention, a dog that can keep up with your active lifestyle? If yes, then getting a Border Collie Springer Spaniel mix is the right choice. They are perfect for people who have kids and want a companion when exercising. Their friendly attitude makes them the go-to choice by numerous families.
