The Ultimate Guide to Border Collie Terrier Mix Full Grown

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Posted Oct 15, 2024

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Selective Focus Photography of Adult Black and White Border Collie
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The Border Collie Terrier Mix is a cross between a Border Collie and a Terrier breed, resulting in a unique and energetic companion.

They typically weigh between 25-45 pounds and stand between 18-22 inches tall.

Their coat can vary in length and texture, but it's often short and smooth or medium-length with a soft, dense texture.

This mix breed tends to be highly intelligent and trainable, but they can also be strong-willed and independent.

Characteristics and Traits

A border collie terrier mix full grown is a wonderful companion, with a unique set of characteristics that make them a joy to be around.

They typically stand between 12 to 22 inches at the shoulder, and weigh anywhere from 30 to 60 pounds, making them a great size for families with smaller living spaces.

Their lifespan is relatively long, ranging from 12 to 15 years, so be prepared for a long and loving relationship with your new furry friend.

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Here are some key characteristics to keep in mind:

  • Height: 12 to 22 inches at the shoulder
  • Weight: 30 to 60 pounds
  • Lifespan: 12 to 15 years

They're also highly intelligent and trainable, which means they'll thrive on mental stimulation and exercise. With the right training and attention, they'll be eager to please and quick to learn new tricks.

Their friendly and outgoing nature makes them a great fit for families with children, and they're generally good with kids in a family setting.

Temperament and Behavior

If you're considering bringing a Bordoodle into your family, it's essential to understand their temperament and behavior. They're highly sociable and intelligent dogs that thrive on interaction and mental stimulation.

Bordoodles are incredibly sharp and highly trainable, making them a joy to teach new tricks and commands. However, they can get bored and develop unwanted behaviors if they don't receive enough mental stimulation.

A key characteristic of Bordoodles is their eagerness to please, which makes them very responsive to training. They enjoy learning new things and will often seek out activities that challenge their minds and bodies.

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If you have children, you'll be pleased to know that Bordoodles are typically gentle and patient with kids, especially in a family setting. However, they can be wary of strangers and may require socialization to ensure they're well-behaved around unfamiliar people and dogs.

Here are some key temperament and behavior traits to keep in mind:

  • Eager to Please: Very responsive to training and enjoys learning new commands and tricks.
  • Energetic and Playful: While this temperament is perfect for active households, they require plenty of physical and mental stimulation.
  • Affectionate and Loyal: Strong bond with their family, often seeking attention and companionship.
  • Alert and Watchful: Can have a protective instinct from the Border Collie side, alerting owners to new people or changes.
  • Good with Children: Typically gentle and patient with children, especially in a family setting.

Coltriever

Coltrievers overflow with cutieful charm and personality, making them a great family dog. They are bright and able to learn quickly, but it's still beneficial to enroll them in puppy kindergarten to socialize well.

Their abundant energy is best channeled into learning tricks with positive reinforcement training.

Shollie

The Shollie is a great choice for active pet parents who want a brainy and dedicated companion.

Shollies are known for their exceptional work ethic, which they inherit from their German Shepherd parent.

This means they require regular skills training to keep them engaged and happy.

A Shollie is always ready for action, so be prepared to challenge them with puzzle games and enrichment toys.

They need at least an hour or more of exercise each day, making activities like biking with your dog a great way to meet their needs.

Coat and Color

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The coat and color of a full-grown Border Collie Terrier mix can be quite varied. The Bordoodle's coat may be curly and hypoallergenic like a Poodle.

The color palette is also quite diverse, with possibilities ranging from black to white, brown, fawn, or even a combination of these colors.

Coat and Color Variations

The Bordoodle's coat and color can vary significantly depending on its parents. The coat may be curly and hypoallergenic, similar to a Poodle's.

This means that some Bordoodles will have a low-shedding coat that's perfect for people with allergies. The curly coat can range from loose and wavy to tight and compact.

Some Bordoodles may inherit the silky coat of the Border Collie, while others may have a straight coat. The coat texture and length will vary from dog to dog.

Colors can be quite diverse, with black, white, brown, and fawn being common options. Some Bordoodles may have a combination of these colors, creating a unique and beautiful appearance.

The overall appearance of the Bordoodle's coat and color will depend on the individual dog and its genetic makeup.

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Blue Heeler

A Border Collie Dog in a Forest in Winter
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The Blue Heeler is a breed that's known for its striking coat and color. They often come in a distinctive blue-gray color.

Their coat is a result of the Australian cattle dog's genetics, which is a key component of the Blue Heeler breed. This breed is also known for its intelligence and athleticism.

These dogs are incredibly intelligent and fast learners, making them a joy to train with positive reinforcement and firm boundaries. They thrive on mental stimulation and physical activity.

In fact, Blue Heeler Border Collie Mix dogs are becoming popular in dog sports like flyball and agility exercises. They're natural athletes with a strong instinct to herd and run.

Here are some key characteristics of the Blue Heeler's coat and color:

Training and Socialization

Borderdoodles require early socialization and positive reinforcement training due to their intelligence and potential stubbornness. This allows them to pick up commands quickly and establish good behavior from the start.

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Use praise, treats, and affection to reward desired behavior, as Borderdoodles respond well to positive reinforcement. This approach will keep them motivated and engaged.

Consistency is crucial in training, so use the same commands and routines to avoid confusion. This helps your Borderdoodle understand what is expected of them.

Here are some key training tips to keep in mind:

  • Keep training sessions short and fun, ideally 10-15 minutes.
  • Mental stimulation is essential, so incorporate puzzle toys, obedience training, and interactive games into their routine.

Training and Socialization

Training and socialization are crucial for Borderdoodles, and it all starts with early socialization. Early socialization helps them develop good behavior, which can prevent potential stubbornness.

Positive reinforcement training is the way to go, as it encourages desired behavior and keeps them motivated. Use praise, treats, and affection to reward good behavior, as Borderdoodles respond well to this approach.

Consistency is key in training, so use the same commands and routines to avoid confusion. This will help your Borderdoodle understand what's expected of them.

To keep training sessions engaging, keep them short and fun. Aim for 10-15 minute sessions to avoid boredom. You can incorporate varied activities, such as puzzle toys, obedience training, and interactive games.

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Mental stimulation is essential for a happy and well-behaved Borderdoodle. Incorporate puzzle toys, obedience training, and interactive games into their routine to challenge their mind. A bored Borderdoodle can become restless or destructive.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Be Consistent: Use the same commands and routines to avoid confusion.
  • Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun: Aim for 10-15 minute sessions with varied activities.
  • Mental Stimulation: Incorporate puzzle toys, obedience training, and interactive games into their routine.

Early Acclimation

Early acclimation is key to a stress-free life for your Bordoodle. Getting your Bordoodle accustomed to grooming procedures from a young age makes the process easier and more enjoyable for both of you.

Handle their paws frequently to help them get used to the sensation. This will make nail trimming and other paw-related tasks a breeze.

Examine their mouth and ears regularly to check for any signs of infection or irritation. This will also help your Bordoodle become comfortable with having their mouth and ears touched.

Reward them for good behavior during grooming sessions to create a positive association. This will set the stage for stress-free veterinary exams and handling throughout their lives.

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Dog Exercise Needs

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To keep your dog happy and healthy, a couple of walks every day, totaling around 45 minutes, should do the trick.

Incorporating obedience tasks into the exercise mix is a great way to keep your dog interested and mentally stimulated. This is especially important for intelligent breeds like the Bordoodle.

A couple of walks every day is a good starting point, but you can adjust the duration and frequency based on your dog's age, size, and energy level.

Care and Maintenance

Regular veterinary checkups are essential to detect any health concerns early, so schedule regular appointments with your vet to develop a care routine for your border collie terrier mix.

To keep your dog healthy, your vet can help you develop a care routine that includes regular checkups, vaccinations, and preventative care.

Brushing your border collie terrier mix 2-3 times per week can prevent matting and tangles, especially if they have a curly or wavy coat. Use a slicker brush or pin brush for their curly or wavy coat, and a comb to detangle any knots.

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Here's a quick brushing guide:

  • Frequency: Brush your dog 2-3 times per week
  • Tools: Slicker brush, pin brush, and a comb
  • Tip: Pay extra attention to areas prone to matting, like behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar

Early acclimation to grooming procedures is key to making the process easier and more enjoyable for both you and your dog. Handle their paws frequently, examine their mouth and ears, and reward them for good behavior during grooming sessions.

Dog Grooming

Dog grooming is a crucial part of Borderdoodle care, and it's essential to start early to make the process enjoyable for both you and your dog. Regular grooming helps prevent matting and tangles, especially for those with curly or wavy coats.

Brush your Borderdoodle 2-3 times a week to prevent matting and tangles, paying extra attention to areas that are prone to matting like behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar. Use a slicker brush or pin brush for curly or wavy coats, and a comb to detangle any knots.

Check your Borderdoodle's ears weekly for signs of dirt, wax buildup, or moisture, which can lead to infections. Clean their ears with a veterinary-approved ear cleaner and a cotton ball or pad, avoiding cotton swabs that can push debris further into the ear.

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Trimming is also a vital part of Borderdoodle grooming. If your dog has a curly or thick coat like a Poodle, consider having them professionally groomed every 6-8 weeks. Groomers can shape the coat, keep it manageable, and trim around sensitive areas like the paws, face, and tail.

You can also trim your Borderdoodle's coat at home using dog clippers or scissors for a tidy appearance, especially around the eyes and paws to avoid irritation. Remember to reward your Borderdoodle for good behavior during grooming sessions to make the process more enjoyable for both of you.

Care

Regular veterinary checkups are a must for your Bordoodle to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.

It's essential to keep an eye out for genetic health problems that can affect Border Collies, such as bone disorders like osteochondritis dissecans and hip dysplasia. These conditions can be identified with x-rays and a physical exam performed by your veterinarian.

Black and White Border Collie
Credit: pexels.com, Black and White Border Collie

Preventing these conditions is always better than treatment, so regular veterinary exams, x-rays, and vaccinations can help detect sickness early on. Prevention is key to keeping your dog healthy.

To prevent matting and tangles in your Borderdoodle's coat, brush them 2-3 times per week, or daily if their coat leans more toward the Poodle side. Pay extra attention to areas that are prone to matting, like behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar.

Here are some tools you'll need to brush your Borderdoodle effectively:

  • Slicker brush or pin brush for curly or wavy coats
  • Comb to detangle any knots

Veterinary bills can quickly become expensive, so it's a good idea to consider pet insurance as a safety net to reimburse you for up to 90% of your dog's out-of-pocket veterinary expenses. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your pet will have access to top-notch veterinary care throughout their lifetime.

Health and Nutrition

As a responsible dog owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health concerns that can affect your Border Collie Terrier mix. Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an inherited condition that can lead to gradual deterioration of the retina and potential blindness, so regular eye exams are crucial.

Credit: youtube.com, 1yo Border Collie/Terrier Mix (Chip) | Best Delaware Dog Trainers | Off Leash K9 Training Delaware

Responsible breeders prioritize genetic health testing to minimize these risks, but it's still possible for your dog to inherit conditions like epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and Collie Eye Anomaly. These conditions can be managed with proper treatment, but it's better to be aware of them beforehand.

Hip dysplasia is a common issue in larger breeds, and it can lead to arthritis and lameness over time. Regular veterinary exams and x-rays can help identify this condition early on.

Border Collies are also prone to bone disorders like osteochondritis dissecans, which occurs when puppies grow too quickly and their joint cartilage doesn't properly connect to their bones. A balanced diet and regular veterinary care can help prevent this.

To keep your dog healthy, consider investing in pet insurance, which can reimburse up to 90% of your dog's out-of-pocket veterinary expenses. Regular veterinary care, including vaccinations and health screenings, can also help prevent and detect sickness early on.

For a Border Collie Terrier mix, supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin can be beneficial for joint health. However, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian to determine the specific needs of your dog and to ensure the supplements are safe and effective.

Here are some potential health issues to be aware of in a Border Collie Terrier mix:

  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Epilepsy
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Addison’s Disease

Remember, prevention is always better than treatment, and regular veterinary care can help your dog live a long and healthy life.

Family and Lifestyle

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Bordoodles are highly compatible with families due to their affectionate, intelligent, and playful nature.

They bond closely with their family members, making them loving and loyal companions. Their social and friendly demeanor allows them to get along well with other pets and strangers.

Bordoodles are quick learners and enjoy engaging in training and family activities. They thrive in active households that can provide plenty of physical and mental stimulation.

Their gentle temperament makes the Bordoodle an excellent choice for families with kids. They are patient and playful, keeping up with the energy of children while also being careful and protective.

With proper training, you can manage their herding tendencies and nipping habits. Teaching children how to approach and touch dogs and supervising interactions between dogs and young children is also essential for a harmonious household.

What's Right for You?

If you're considering bringing a new furry friend into your family, it's essential to think about what's right for you. Bordoodles, for instance, are highly compatible with families due to their affectionate, intelligent, and playful nature.

A Border Collie Dog in a Forest in Winter
Credit: pexels.com, A Border Collie Dog in a Forest in Winter

Their social and friendly demeanor allows them to get along well with other pets and strangers, making them a great choice for families with kids. But remember, some Bordoodles may display herding tendencies, which can be managed with proper training.

As a family, you'll want to consider your lifestyle and energy levels. If you're an active household, a Bordoodle's high energy needs can be met with plenty of physical and mental stimulation. They love outdoor play, hiking, and spending time with their family.

However, if you're not as active, a Bordoodle may require more exercise to prevent boredom. It's also crucial to teach children how to approach and touch dogs and supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent biting or ear or tail pulling.

Researching the breed and understanding their needs is crucial before making a decision. Here are some potential health conditions to be aware of in Border Collie mixes:

Ultimately, the right breed for you will depend on your family's lifestyle, energy levels, and what you're looking for in a furry companion.

Corgi

A Border Collie Playing Fetch
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The Corgi is a popular breed that's perfect for active families. They come in a range of sizes, but most are medium-sized, measuring between 10 to 21 inches tall and weighing between 30 to 40 pounds.

Their unique appearance is a mix of the Corgi's long and squat body shape and the Collie's coat and coloring. They have large ears and a cheeky smile that's sure to win hearts.

These dogs require a lot of exercise, needing at least 60 minutes of intense activity every day. They're natural herding dogs, using techniques like the nip and the stare to keep sheep in line.

In the evenings, they love to relax and unwind with their family.

Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is a lively breed that's perfect for families who want a small but energetic pup. They're known for their high energy levels, which means they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

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If you're thinking of bringing a Jack Russell Terrier into your family, be prepared for a pup that's small in size but big on personality. They typically measure between 12 to 20 inches and weigh 20 to 40 pounds.

One thing to consider is that Jack Russell Terriers have a strong ratting trait, which means they may not be the best fit for families with pet rodents. They'll have loads of energy and will keep you and the whole family entertained.

Their intelligence and loyalty make them highly trainable, but they do need a firm leader to keep them in line. With proper training and exercise, a Jack Russell Terrier can be a wonderful addition to any family.

Staffordshire Terrier

The Staffordshire Terrier is a sweet and loving breed that makes a great addition to any family. They're known for their fondness for smaller family members, making them a great choice for households with kids.

Unrecognizable sportswoman running with Border Collie on path in park
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They can grow to be quite muscular, measuring between 16 and 20 inches tall. Their weight can range from 25 to 50 pounds, depending on their individual characteristics.

Their coat can be either short or medium-length, and they come in a variety of colors thanks to their colorful Staffy parent.

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a popular breed that's perfect for families. They're friendly and easy-going, making them a great addition to any household.

Their energy levels are moderate to high, requiring around 60 minutes of exercise every day. This can include water sports, which they'll love.

One of the best things about Golden Retrievers is their loyalty and devotion to their family. They crave attention and will love being part of a close-knit family.

In terms of size, Golden Retrievers typically measure between 19 and 23 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 65 pounds.

Sheltie

The Sheltie is a breed that's known for being sociable with strangers, thanks to its friendly genes. This makes them great companions for families who want a dog that can easily interact with visitors.

Photo of Border Collie on Snow
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Shelties are also very in tune with their family's mood, which is a great asset for families who want a dog that can sense when someone's feeling down. They're very fond of the younger members of the family, and can make great playmates for kids.

Shelties come in a variety of colors, but they're often brown, cream, white, and black. They're also known for their fluffy coats, which require regular grooming to keep them looking their best.

Rescue Groups

If you're considering bringing a Bordoodle into your family, you may be wondering how to find one in need of a loving home. Finding a breed-specific rescue for Bordoodles can be tough, but you can try contacting Border Collie or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes.

These rescues may have Bordoodles available for adoption, and they can provide you with valuable information about the dog's temperament, personality, and needs. For example, the Atlantic Region Central Border Collie Rescue, Inc. and the Carolina Poodle Rescue are two organizations you can reach out to.

If you're interested in adopting a Bordoodle, be prepared to provide a forever home for a dog that may have a unique personality and needs. With patience and love, a rescue dog can become a beloved member of your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Border Collie mixes good dogs?

Border Collie mixes can make great family pets for active families who can provide proper training, socialization, and exercise. They require a lot of attention and activity to thrive

What does a Border Collie terrier look like?

Border Collies have a double coat, which can be smooth or rough, and come in a wide range of patterns and colours, including black and white, tan, and various mixes. Their athletic build and unique coat make them a distinctive breed.

Heather Murphy

Writer

Heather Murphy is a passionate and dedicated writer with a keen interest in the world of pets. With a background in animal care, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, making her articles informative and engaging. Heather's articles have been featured in various publications, covering topics such as pet treats and other related subjects.

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