Published on: 06/06/2020, updated on: 10/15/2021

Seven Border Collie Mixes – Which One Would You Choose?

This post contains affiliate links, and we may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on our links, at no additional cost to you.

There’s no doubt, the Border Collie is a big favorite with families, as well as farmers. It grew up as a working dog and it’s got amazing intelligence. They’re very lively dogs and that means you’ll get plenty of exercise just keeping up with your Collie. 

But, have you ever wondered what type of dog you would find if the Border Collie was mixed with other breeds. Well, here’s your chance to find out more. Reputable breeders have been doing just that and they have come up with some interesting Border Collie mixes that offer owners the best of both worlds.

Breeding like this is not universally popular and some owners are strongly opposed. But, if you deal with a licensed breeder with a good reputation, you should be in safe hands. It’s hard to tell which parent’s characteristics will dominate, but the mixes we list here are trusted as safe family pets. And that uncertainty could make training an interesting challenge. 

These seven Border Collie mixes are in no particular order because every owner has their own personal preferences, but they are all popular successful breeds.

Black Dog Staring at the camera

Photo by Chung Nguyen on Unsplash

Golden Retriever and Border Collie

Take two of the most popular family pets and you’ve got a winning combination — the American Kennel Club found the Golden Retriever was third on their list of most popular dogs. They’re friendly dogs, extremely loyal and good looking too. Add Collie's energy and intelligence and you’ve got a great pet. They’re easy to train and will give everyone in the family exercise and companionship. 

Related  American Bully vs. American Bulldog: Which Breed is Right for You?

Related: The Best Dog Food for Border Collies

German Shepherd and Border Collie 

Here we’ve got two highly intelligent, hard-working dogs that make a formidable combination. The German Shepherd is well-known for its abilities as a police or security dog and that’s partly because it’s so easy to train. This German Shepherd Border Collie mix can be very successful, but breeders caution that it can keep some characteristics from both parents that need careful handling and training. Collies need plenty of exercises; if not, they’ll soon let you know. And, German Shepherds can be very protective, so early socialization is essential.

Related: Best Dog Brush for German Shepherds

Related: Best Dog Food for German Shepherds

Blue Heeler and Border Collie

Another mix of two dogs with a working background on farms. That makes them very energetic and demanding when it comes to exercise. Breeders recommend a minimum of two hours a day. This breed makes a good companion but it will take lots of early training and socialization to keep its herding instincts under control. As it’s a very intelligent dog, you’ll need to give it plenty of activities to keep it alert. 

Australian Shepherd and Border Collie

Like the German Shepherd mix, you’ll also have a lively, intelligent pet with a background as working dogs on the farm. But if appearance is important too, the Australian Shepherd with its three-colored coat might have the edge. These high-energy dogs need plenty of exercises, maybe more than most mixes, and that makes them unsuitable for small homes or apartments. Breeders also suggest that their herding instincts might make them difficult to have around other family pets. 

Related  The American Bulldog: Unraveling the Story of this Unique Breed

Labrador and Border Collie

Another attractive combination with the Labrador’s mellow nature and attractive coat and the Collie’s intelligence and energy. That makes them great family pets. While both breeds need plenty of exercises, Labradors also enjoy swimming, so being near water could be a consideration. Although both breeds are energetic, Labradors enjoy a treat and can easily put on weight, so breeders advise watching the diet

Great Dane and Border Collie

How about going up a size? Breeding a Border Collie with a Great Dane will give you a larger dog, but one that’s still very energetic. The Great Dane has a more relaxed temperament than the Collie, so that’s a good mix for a family pet. The larger size could put your food bill up and you’ll need plenty of space to keep it exercised, so a small home or apartment may be unsuitable. Breeders reckon this mix can be stubborn at times, so you’ll need to be patient and firm with training. 

Jack Russell and Border Collie

Or do you want to go smaller? This is a lively mix with Jack Russell’s strong character coupled with the intelligence and energy of both breeds. Breeders suggest that these dogs are prone to ‘independent thinking’, so you might have your hands full when it comes to training and obedience. This mix is very agile too so look out for some fun tricks.

Making your choice 

That’s just seven possible mixes, including some you may not have heard of. There are plenty more, including unusual pairings like Pit Bull Terriers, Dalmatians, or Poodles. Whatever you choose, make sure you take all the factors into consideration and consult a reputable breeder. You can get an idea of the sort of questions to ask by looking at this very detailed profile of the Blue Heeler mix

Related  Pitbull Great Dane Mix – 16 Things You Should Know
Related Posts
10/30/2021
Pitbull Chihuahua Mix - 3 Fun Facts You Never Know

Pitbull Chihuahua Mix is a small-sized designer dog created by a breeding mix of Chihuahua and American Pitbull. Pitbull Chihuahua is also known as Chipit, Chihuahua Pitbull, or Pithuahua. The breed is renowned for its agility, and the average lifespan is 10-13 years. Pitbull Chihuahua mix puppies are loyal to their belongings, whether it be […]

11/29/2021
How to Train Your American Bully Like a Pro

American bullies are strong, muscular dogs that can intimidate anyone. Due to their fearsome physique, people get a mistaken idea that they are aggressive. These dogs are quite gentle, affectionate, playful, and loving by nature. However, some bullies are not aware of the intimidating appearance they might pose and their incredible strength. As a dog […]

11/09/2021
Pitbull Great Dane Mix – 16 Things You Should Know

As the name suggests, the Great Dane Pitbull is a hybrid mix of Great Dane and Pitbull, aka the Great Danebull. They can tip the scales from 50 to over 100 pounds - not surprising coming from both large parent breeds. Their loyal and energetic traits come from the Pitbull side while embodying the loving, […]

PetFashionWeek provides comprehensive resources for everything you need to know about your dog. We research and review the dog related products so you don’t have to. Let your furry friend be at their best with our professional tips. We may earn commission on eligible purchases you make using our links at no additional cost to you.
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram