A Border ColliePitbull Mix is a cross between the highly alert and intelligent Border Collie and the mischievous and very affectionate Pit Bull. This mixed breed is often referred to as Border Pit or Borderbull. Border Collie Pitbull Mix dogs look more like their Border Collie parent with semi-erect ears and a muscular body of a Pitbull parent. The working and herding instincts of the parent breeds make the Border Collie Pitbull mix a highly energetic and hard-working breed. These dogs are loyal, affectionate, and always look out for a task to perform. If you are planning for a Border Collie Pitbull mix, then be prepared to exercise him abundantly.
Scottish Sheep Dog, English Sheep Dog, and Welsh Sheepdog
Pitbull, Pitbull Terrier
Border Collie Pitbull Mix Personality
The Border Collie Pitbull mix is a medium-sized dog breed that weighs not more than 60 pounds and stands about 17 to 22 inches tall. They are small and muscular with a nice blend of both parent breeds and a beautiful appearance. However, the features of mixed breed dogs ultimately depend on the parent breed they inherit.
Friendliness Overview
Affection level
High
Family-Friendly
High
Kid-Friendly
Medium to High
Pet-Friendly
Low to Medium
Strangers-Friendly
High
Adaptability Overview
Good for New Pet Owners
Low to Medium
Good for Apartment Living
Low to Medium
Sensitivity Level
Medium to High
Tolerates being alone
Low
Cold Tolerance
Medium
Heat Tolerance
Medium
Border Collie Pitbull Mix Temperament
Like personality, a Border Collie Pitbull’s temperament can pick one breed or be a blend of both. Usually, the Border Collie Pitbull mix is a bright, loyal, and energetic dog. Hard-working and very intelligent, the Border Collie Pitbull requires loads of physical and mental activity to avoid displaying destructive behavior. However, suppose this mixed breed inherits his Border Collie parent’s temperament. In that case, there are possibilities to nip, bite, and push children, other pets, and maybe even you, as part of his herding instinct.
Conversely, suppose your Border Collie Pitbull mix inherits a Pitbull parent’s temperament. In that case, he might do well with his family and other pets. However, this dog might show aggressive behavior towards other dogs as part of his fighter history. Due to this reason, Border Pits should never be left alone with other dogs as they can see them as a threat.
Border Collie Pitbull Mix Training Needs
Border Collie Pit mix is a brilliant, responsive, and highly energetic dog that will keep you on your toes all day. These features are standard for both of its parents, who own an active part in their personality. Early socialization is essential for any dog, especially breeds which could be aggressive or have herding tendencies should be introduced to various people and animals as soon as possible. Border Collie Pitbull mix is a dog that may also benefit from puppy training classes. This dog is sure to be intelligent but may also be headstrong. Positive reinforcement training methods will keep them involved mentally. If you find Border Collie Pitbull mixes chewing a lot, it indicates that they’re bored.
Trainability Overview
Easy to Train
High
Intelligence
High
Prey Drive
Medium
Tendency to Chew, Nip & Play-bite
Medium to High
Tendency to Bark or Howl
Low to Medium
Wanderlust Ability
Medium
Attention/Social Needs
High
Border Collie Pitbull Mix Exercise Needs
It is essential to keep your Border Collie Pit mentally and physically stimulated. The Border Collie Pitbull mixes are highly active dogs that need one full hour of exercise per day. Suppose your home doesn’t hold a larger yard. In that case, it is recommended to take your dog to the park or indulge him in other outdoor activities as he desires some space to run. Please do not leave a Border Collie Pitbull for a more extended period as he might become destructive. Instead, provide him toys and chewers that keep him engaged and also help him from separation anxiety.
Exercise Needs Overview
Energy Level
High
Exercise Needs
High
Playfulness
High
Intensity
Medium to High
Border Collie Pitbull Mix Grooming
Border Collie Pitbulls tend to have more of their American Pit Bull parent coat length, making them a low-maintenance dog to groom. Although these dogs mostly have a short coat and minimal shedding, they will need weekly brushing and occasional baths.
Wash your dog’s ears regularly with a clean cloth to remove dirt and wax buildup to prevent ear infections and parasites. It is also recommended to brush their teeth from time to time to reduce the risk of tooth problems in their old age. Trim your Border Collie Pitbull mix’s nails regularly to avoid cracking or breaking.
Grooming Needs Overview
Amount of Shedding
Medium
Tendency to Drool
Low
Tendency to Snore
Low to Medium
Easy to Groom
Medium to High
Border Collie Pitbull Mix Health
Both the parent breeds of Border Collie Pitbull mixes are relatively healthy. However, as no dog is completely healthy, they may suffer from a few diseases that they inherit from their parents. For this reason, it is highly recommended to choose a puppy whose lineage is disease-free.
Health Overview
Basic Health
Medium to High
Weight Gain Possibilities
Medium
Size
Medium
The list of diseases that a Border Collie Pitbull mix is prone to are:
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a painful, life-threatening condition caused when the bones of the rear legs don’t fit properly in the joints. Hip dysplasia is primarily hereditary, but factors such as injuries, excessive weight gain, wrong exercises can cause hip dysplasia. Some dogs might exhibit symptoms, while some might not. Treatment ranges from medication to replacement of the hip through surgeries. To prevent this condition, avoid breeding Border Collie Pitbull mixes with hip dysplasia parentage and undertake regular checkups.
Cataracts: As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow gradually. Cataracts may develop at any age and often don’t damage vision, although in some cases cause vision loss. A board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist certifies the breeding dogs after testing them free of hereditary eye disease before breeding. Usually, cataracts can be removed surgically with good results.
Allergies: Border Collie Pitbull mixes can be allergic to various substances, ranging from food to pollen. If you find your dog licking his paws or rubs his face a great deal, get him checked by your veterinarian.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a group of degenerative diseases involving slow deterioration in retinal functions. In the initial stages of this disease, dogs become night-blind. As it advances, they lose their vision during the daytime as well. Most dogs gradually adapt to their limited or complete vision loss as long as their home surroundings remain the same.
Joint Dysplasia: Joint Dysplasia, a disease that affects the growing joints, predisposes Border Collie Pitbull mixes to early-onset arthritis and joint problems. Border Collie Pitbull mixes develop several dysplasias, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and OsteoChondritis Dissecans (OCD). Hence, it is recommended to purchase dogs from breeders certified disease-free by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or PennHIP.
Heart Diseases: Heart Diseases can cause abnormal heart murmurs and heart rhythm. The best way to diagnose is through an X-ray, an ECG, or an echocardiogram. Treatment includes medication, dental care, and weight control.
Cerebellar Ataxia: Cerebellar Ataxia is a condition common among Pitbulls, which may be passed on to the Border Collie Pitbull mix pup. This disease causes damage to the part of your dog’s brain, which may include symptoms like:
Loss of coordination and balance
Tremors in the head and body
Cognitive impairment
Falling and weakness
Border Collie Pitbull Mix Diet and Nutrition
A Border Collie Pit stays happy and healthy when you feed him a nutritionally balanced diet. Of course, these active dogs need excess protein and fatty acids like omega-3 to energize them. Still, just like people, they also need various vegetables, fruits, vitamins, and minerals.
Pick the right food type depending on which parent your pup takes after. For example, suppose your Border Pit is slightly larger. In that case, it is recommended to stick them on a Kibble diet. This diet is more suited for Pitbulls, whereas if your dog is on the smaller side, try dry kibbles formulated for Border Collies.
When introducing new food to a dog, do it gradually and monitor your dog’s energy. Do not forget that you can supplement standard kibble meals with some vegetables and fruits to offer your pup a delicious meal. Make sure to restrict your Border Pit’s weight, not exceeding 50 pounds. For this reason, it is recommended to feed 2 to 2.5 cups of food per day.
Border Collie Pitbull Mix Living Conditions
Border Collie Pitbull mixes are incredibly active. They need a fenced yard to burn their energy for running and playing. Therefore, these dogs aren’t suited for apartment living or houses without backyards.
Things To Remember Before Breeding
Crossing two pure breeds like Border Collie and Pitbull Terrier can have a terrifying effect on the offspring. In addition, inter-breeding may pass on the health ailments of the parents to their pups. So, when crossing a Border Collie and a Pitbull Terrier, check their parent’s lineage and health records from a responsible breeder to avoid ending up with a weak hybrid pet.
Border Collie Pitbull Mix Puppy Cost
On average, a Border Collie Pitbull mix puppy may cost above $700. This depends on the sex of the puppy you choose, the show record of the parents, and the breeder’s location.
Do not forget to check the puppy’s parents’ health clearances before buying. Also, it is suggested to visit the breeder’s place and view the puppy’s parents in person, to estimate how your dog may look in the future.
