Border Collie German Shepherd Mix Facts
3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a German Shepherd Border Collie Mix
- Size Problems
The German Shepherd Border Collie cross is a gigantic designer dog. It can overpower small children while engaging in friendly play. Owners must remember to keep a close watch on their kids if they are interacting with this hybrid dog to avoid injuries. The dog may not be able to determine if it is already causing harm during playtime.
- Crossing Breeds Risks
Both the huge German Shepherd and the Border Collie are known for being great household pets, which is why it is possible to think about crossbreeding. The process, however, can have devastating effects on the offspring is done without any precautions. Puppy mills often take advantage of the crossbreeding popularity of hybrid dogs without thinking about the puppy’s health.
- Very Active Dog
Owners can expect a wildly energetic dog with the German Shepherd mixed with Border Collie by merely looking at the energy levels of the parent breeds alone. Owners living in a small apartment space will have a hard time living with this hybrid dog because it tends to knock over furniture. The Border Collie mixed with German Shepherd will do better in a house with a fenced backyard to give it the space it needs to exhaust energy.
3 Reasons Why You Should Get a German Shepherd Border Collie Mix
1. Affectionate Creatures
1. The German Shepherd Border Collie cross loves to snuggle and attract the attention of its owners. It will continuously urge their family to throw a ball for it to catch and give back to them. It will lie on its back to give owners a hint that it wants a belly rub. Owners will have no problems loving this dog.
2. Fewer Visits to the Vet
Crossbreeding will always have health issues. Fortunately, the German Shepherd Border Collie is generally healthy compared to other designer dogs. A Border Collie German Shepherd mix can live up to 15 years without any disease or illnesses when it comes from a reputable breeder. Despite being healthy, this hybrid dog will eventually have age-related health conditions.
3. Intelligent Dogs
Military and police forces use the German Shepherd breed for tasks that average people will find it difficult to perform. The Border Collie breed, on the other hand, is known for being the smartest and most comfortable to train dog breeds. The combination of the two dog breeds will give owners a brilliant and easy to train a puppy.
Other German Shepherd & Border Collie Mixes
Choosing the dog breed that aligns with your lifestyle is the most important decision you can make. Every year tens of thousands of dogs are abandoned or put up for adoption because the owner was irresponsible and didn’t do their research before choosing a dog that isn’t a great for their lifestyle.
Not sure the Border Collie German Shepherd aligns with your lifestyle? Consider adopting one of 50+ popular German Shepherd mixes or Border Collie mixes.
Alpha Paw has conducted the most in-depth research into the most popular German Shepherd Mixes in America:
Appearance, Personality, and Traits of a German Shepherd Border Collie Mix
| Weight | Male: 21 to 29 inches
Female: 18 to 24 inches |
| Height | Male: 70 to 80 pounds, 45 to 60 pounds if it takes after the Border Collie parent
Female: 65 to 75 pounds, 45 to 60 pounds if it takes after the Border Collie parent |
| Size | Large |
| Coat Type | Medium to Long in Length, Dense, Straight in Texture |
| Coat Color | Black, Brown, Fawn, White, Sable, or a combination of any two or three |
| Amount of Shedding | Heavy |
| Eyes | Brown, Hazel, Blue, Amber |
| Nose | Black |
| Ears | Large and Triangular, may be Floppy depending on the parent breeds |
| Temperament | Energetic, Affectionate, Loyal, Protective, Aloof, Aggressive, Playful, Highly Intelligent, Easy to Train |
| Life Expectancy | 10 to 15 years, 17 years if kept healthy |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Kids Friendly | Yes |
| New Owners Friendly | Yes |
| Breed Recognition | DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club |
| Physical Traits | Long-coated, medium size, Corgi white markings almost always present |
German Shepherd Border Collie Mix Puppies for Sale
The German Shepherd costs around $325 to $375 in a purchase, while the Border Collie may be available at around $600 to $800. A healthy Border Collie German Shepherd mix may cost potential owners around $475 to $900. Adopting an older dog will decrease the price tag.
Here is a list of dog breeders that can give you a German Shepherd Border Collie mix:
- Greenfield Puppies in Columbia, PA.
- Lancaster Puppies in Columbus, OH.
- Rising Sun Farm in Stacy, MN.
Grooming Your German Shepherd Border Collie Mix
The Border Collie German Shepherd mix is a large, heavy-coated, and high-maintenance dog. Owners will have a lot on their hands when grooming this hybrid dog. It is a heavy shedder, making it hard for owners to clean up while trying to keep their coat healthy. The German Shepherd Border Collie mix sheds more often as it grows old, so owners must brush its fur daily to remove dander and dead hair. Brushing helps to remove tangles from the hybrid dog’s coat.
Here are some of the most recommended grooming equipment to maintain the coat of the German Shepherd mixed with Border Collie:
- Slicker Brush
Slicker brushes are great combs to remove tangles and mats on long-haired dogs. The slicker brush can save owners time when brushing the coat of the German Shepherd Border Collie compared to regular combs.
- Detanglers
Before using a slicker brush, owners will notice that the Border Collie German Shepherd mix has a lot of tangled hair. A detangler can help untangle the hybrid dog’s mats to help owners weave through its coat using a slicker brush.
- Dematting Sprays
Detanglers can harm the German Shepherd Border Collie if the tangles are too tight to brush through. Dematting sprays can relax and soften the hair to make it easier for owners to untangle the knots.
- Scissors
If owners notice that there are a lot of tangles on the hybrid dog’s coat, they can use a pair of scissors instead of going to the dog grooming salon. Owners must resort to this solution if the tangles are hard to remove despite the use of detanglers as dogs are not fond of sharp objects.
- Conditioner and Shampoo
The Border Collie German Shepherd’s skin and coat are sensitive, which is why it is essential for owners to find a high-quality shampoo and conditioner for this hybrid dog’s bath time. Owners must avoid buying shampoo based on the odor or the low price. Owners must be aware of its coat type and skin to help them find oils and specialty ingredients that will be beneficial for the Border Collie mixed with German Shepherd.
- Grooming Wipes
The German Shepherd mixed with Border Collie is an energetic dog that will be dirty when it finishes playing outside the house. Wet wipes are essential for dog owners that want to prevent mud and grass inside their residence. When it’s time for the active dog to go inside the house, owners can give the Border Collie German Shepherd a quick wipe, especially on its paws.
- Microfiber Towel
Human towels do not absorb all of the water on a dog. Because of its heavy coat, the German Shepherd Border Collie mix will likely be dripping wet despite a heavy rinsing. Microfiber towels can help remove water on a Border Collie German Shepherd cross better than human towels.
German Shepherd Border Collie Mix Health Problems
There are not a lot of diseases or health problems that can affect a Border Collie German Shepherd mix, but owners must be aware of the parent breeds’ history to confirm that the offspring will not inherit health issues. German Shepherd Border Collie mixes are generally healthy, but owners must look out for the following’s symptoms:
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are common for both the German Shepherd and the Border Collie, which makes sense that their offspring may inherit this health problem. The legs and hips of Border Collie German Shepherd will deteriorate as it ages. The hybrid dog will experience problems at an earlier rate depending on its activities as well.
Ear Problems
Both of the German Shepherd Border Collie’s parent breeds are susceptible to ear problems. In some cases, owners tend to forget cleaning the hybrid dog’s ear, which may lead to infection and ultimately to the loss of hearing. It may also be born deaf if one of its parent breeds already have hearing problems.
Epilepsy
The Border Collie breed is widely known for its tendency to suffer from epilepsy more than other dog breeds. The Border Collie German Shepherd mix may inherit this health problem as well. Epilepsy happens when the dog is experiencing episodic seizures. An unusual brain activity often leads to sudden changes in the dog’s movement.
Von Willebrand Disease
The Von Willebrand Disease occurs when the German Shepherd Border Collie mix is excessively bleeding from small injuries. This severe bleeding disorder can put the hybrid dog’s life at risk. Fortunately, it is a rare disease among dogs.
Degenerative Myelopathy
When owners notice that the Border Collie German Shepherd mix is starting to walk funny on its back legs, it can be a symptom of Degenerative Myelopathy. It is a severe spinal condition that leads to progressive paralysis on its legs, mostly because of the hybrid dog’s massive frame. This disease currently has no cure.
German Shepherd Border Collie Mix Food Requirements
The Border Collie German Shepherd mix requires about 3 cups of dry dog food per day, depending on its activities. If the hybrid dog is exhausted from more training than usual, owners can go for 4 cups a day. The cost of the dog food required per day is around $1.50 to $1.90. Feeding a German Shepherd Border Collie takes approximately $39 to $52 in a month.
Bloat and diabetes are two main health problems that can affect a Border Collie crossed with a German Shepherd as both parent breeds may also suffer from them. It is essential for owners to avoid overfeeding this hybrid dog and prevent nutritional imbalances. In such scenarios, products such as Nutra Thrive dog food supplement can be a solution to regain the proper balance of nutrients. Do not let it overpower you to the food stack or let it deceive you with its “puppy eyes.” Owners must also be strict with giving the Border Collie German Shepherd human food because some may have harmful effects on the crossbreed.
Dog owners and lovers must also keep in mind that they need to seek food for the best large breed dry dog food instead of best dry dog food for small dogs.
Whatever you do, make sure you steer clear from the worst dry dog food. Try to learn more about the difference between poor-quality and premium-quality chows by checking our best dry dog food guide!
The dog food must include joint supplements because large dog breeds are prone to hip dysplasia and other joint ailments. To avoid this, give them kibble that is rich in calcium since puppyhood. The need for minerals changes as the dog grows older and best puppy food brands don’t fit the requirements of older doggos. Pooches that have entered their golden years will maintain their health properly only if given the right amount of the best senior dry dog food!
Dog food must also contain a moderate amount of calories to avoid obesity, which is a common problem among large breeds. The dog food chosen by owners must also have large kibble to avoid letting the dog eat too quickly, which may result in life-threatening conditions like bloat.
Here are a few of the most recommended large breed dog food in the US:
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
The Blue Buffalo Life dog food is perfect for the German Shepherd mixed with Border Collie because it is full of ingredients rich in antioxidants like kelp, blueberries, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Deboned chicken is also its main ingredient. This brand does not have wheat, soy, or corn.
The nutritious proteins included in the Wellness Complete Health dog food for large breeds is beneficial for the German Shepherd crossed with Border Collie because it has all the nutrition it needs. This brand contains deboned chicken, salmon meal, and deboned whitefish, which gives the dog food a delicious flavor. It also includes flaxseed, which is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. It also provides for different probiotics for the German Shepherd Border Collie mix.
Dog for Dog contains vitamins and minerals to give your Border Collie mixed with German Shepherd the nutrition it needs. This whole-grain brand also contains glucosamine, which helps keep joints healthy. Owners on a budget will find this product affordable.
- EUKANUBA Adult Dry Dog Food
Chicken is the main ingredient for the EUKANUBA dry dog food, which is good for the German Shepherd Border Collie mix. It also helps prevent nutrient deficiency with its vitamins and minerals. The brand also comes with glucosamine and chondroitin, which is good for joint health. EUKANUBA provides owners with budget-friendly dog food that covers the basic needs of a large pet.
- Eagle Pack Natural
As an owner, you may want to feed the German Shepherd Border Collie with organic food. Eagle Pack Natural consists only of natural ingredients with no artificial colors and preservatives. It also includes eight probiotic strains to keep the hybrid dog healthy.
- Pro Plan Focus Weight Management Large Breed
This brand is beneficial for large dogs because it can supply them with many complex carbohydrates to sustain their energy levels. It is also helpful for the joint because of it contains glucosamine. This brand attacks specific health issues like joint problems or bloating that a German Shepherd mixed with Border Collie may cross.
- BLUE Wilderness High Protein Grain Free
BLUE Wilderness Large Breed Recipe can provide everything that a large dog breed needs. This brand contains joint supplements, probiotic supplements, and fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants. It is a natural and grain-free product with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
- NUTRO ULTRA Adult
Both nutritious and delicious for the German Shepherd Border Collie mix, NUTRO Ultra Large Breed Adult Recipe will meet any large dog’s nutritional needs. It contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and many fiber sources that can help improve the hybrid dog’s digestive performance and mobility.
- Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free High Protein Recipe
The Taste of the Wild adult dog food provides the Border Collie German Shepherd mix with a diet similar to the wolves. It contains antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits, as well as premium proteins. This brand is a grain-free product that will give your hybrid dog enough nutrition for its daily activities and exercises.
Worrying about your dog’s diet means that you are aware of how crucial it is for your pup’s health. Keeping the worst dry dog food away from your dog’s stomach is the first step towards more balanced nutrition. There are a plethora of good choices for them out there, but make sure to find some of the best dry dog food, for example, Wellness Core Dog Food, Dog For Dog Food, or Nutra Thrive dog food supplement.
If you want to look for more options, take a look at the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food and see if any of these could suit your dog’s needs.
Puppies and senior dogs have different food requirements, so go through the best puppy food brands in case you own a little munchkin and best senior dry dog food for grandpa and grandma pups.
A checkup with your vet will help you opt for some of these.
German Shepherd Border Collie Mix Exercise Requirements
The German Shepherd Border Collie mix is known for being one of the most energetic crossbreeds. Both of its parent breeds are also very active. This hybrid dog does not do well indoors and needs to have a lot of time running and playing with its owners. An owner of a German Shepherd crossed with Border Collie must commit their time to engage this dog in activities if they want to avoid it from becoming bored and destructive.
This dog will become aggressive and timid if it does not participate in mental and physical activities. Its daily exercise requires about 60 minutes of running and playing outside of the house. If you happen to raise a Border Collie German Shepherd mix as a calm and independent dog, 2 hours of separate walks daily can keep it satisfied. Other than that, here are some great ideas for an owner’s activities with their dogs.
- Frisbee
- Weave Poles
- Yard Play
- Obstacle Courses
- Retrieval Tasks like Fetch
- Hunting for Dog Food
- Owners Chasing the Free Dog
- Flyball
- Agility Training
- Tracking
There is a chance that the German Shepherd Border Collie mix will remain energetic at home after a long day of activities. Here are some indoor activities that can keep the dog busy until it exhausts itself.
- Dancing
- Tug of War
- Toy Fetching
- Interactive Games with Owners like Hide-and-Seek
The German Shepherd Border Collie are energetic dogs, but owners must be aware of the condition that this hybrid dog is playing in. Over-exhaustion and overheating may cause life-threatening illnesses if it is not under proper supervision. Hiring a dog walker can be helpful for owners who are having a hard time with scheduling their activity time with their dogs.
German Shepherd Border Collie Mix Training
The German Shepherd Border Collie is an intelligent dog that loves to seek attention from its owners. The eagerness to please its owners gives the Border Collie German Shepherd willingness to listen and learn from them. Owners will need to gain the hybrid dog’s trust during its early stages, making it more important to train the crossbreed while it is still a puppy.
Owners must teach the Border Collie mixed with German Shepherd how to control its playful and energetic behavior. To do that, dog owners must show the proper commands that order them to sit, stay still, or stop. A fully-grown German Shepherd Border Collie mix can trip over small furniture and appliances inside the house when it does not learn how to behave indoors. The hybrid dog can also cause injuries to children when it is rowdy inside the house. To avoid these situations, owners must be patient with teaching this hybrid puppy until it can obey specific commands.
This intelligent dog will need to have mental and physical training to keep it healthy and satisfied with its owners. Obedience training helps sharpen its mental capacity and socialization skills. If owners have other pets inside the house, it is essential to introduce them to avoid letting the aggressive nature of the Border Collie German Shepherd rise. Positive reinforcement is always a good way of keeping any dog engaged during training. The Border Collie German Shepherd mix will respond well to commands if it knows that it will receive treats for a job well done.
German Shepherd Border Collie Mix and Families
Both the German Shepherd and the Border Collie are known for being great herding dogs, which means that their offspring will have herding and protective instincts. One of the German Shepherd’s best traits is that it can adapt to any conditions, including cold weather. The German Shepherd quickly became a favorite canine for military, police, and service work because of their intelligence and easy to train nature. The American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a purebred in 1908.
The Border Collie has a lot of traits in common with the German Shepherd. It is an intelligent herding breed. Border Collies later became known household pets because of their faithfulness to their owners. Despite its long history, the American Kennel Club recognized the Border Collie as purebred only in 1995.
The German Shepherd Border Collie cross is a tenacious, dedicated and protective pet. It loves to attract attention and show affection for its owners. The crossbreed became so popular that people may mistake it as a purebred instead of a designer breed. First-time owners will have no problem in training this hybrid dog considering that both of the parent breeds are also new-owner friendly.
The Border Collie German Shepherd mix also loves being around its owners, making it a perfect family pet. Owners that are active will find this hybrid dog as an ideal companion. It will help protect your kids from strangers because it can be very territorial when it comes to its human pack. When you adopt a German Shepherd Border Collie mix, you will have an intelligent, energetic, loyal, and affectionate family pet.
Best Supplements for German Shepherd Border Collie Mix
The best supplements for a German Shepherd Border Collie mix should complement their unique needs, considering their size, energy levels, and potential genetic predispositions. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil supplements, can support joint health, enhance coat condition, and promote overall cardiovascular well-being.
- Proudly made in the USA.
- This daily supplement supports your pal’s immune system, joints, and overall health.
- Adds an irresistible, juicy salmon flavor to your dog’s daily meals.
- Made with 100% premium wild Alaskan salmon oil.
- Safe for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes.
- Contains all-natural ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids for dogs with skin sensitivity.
- The gentle, pet-friendly formula comes in a tasty soft treat that's easy to administer.
- The chewables aim to bolster the canine immune system, offering relief from symptoms like itching, excessive biting, and frequent paw licking.
- A tasty solution for managing your dog's seasonal allergies effectively.
- Proudly made in the USA.
- Gentle soothing helps promote a healthy skin and coat free of flaky, dry, or overly oily skin that
- Fast acting works fast with powerful ingredients that help shed dry skin and hydrate your pet's ski
- Vet-recommended this paraben, dye, and soap-free pet shampoo has gentle cleansers and is made witho
- Formulated for dogs specifically formulated for dogs, this ph-balanced shampoo is unlike human sham
- Application: this product is intended for topical use only. read directions carefully before applyin
References:
- Madhusudhan, H. S., et al. “Estimation of Maintenance Energy Requirements in German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever Dogs in Bangalore, India.” Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, vol. 102, no. 1, 26 Apr. 2017, doi:10.1111/jpn.12709.
- Taylor, Susan, et al. “Border Collie Collapse: Owner Survey Results and Veterinary Description of Videotaped Episodes.” Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, vol. 52, no. 6, 29 Sept. 2016, pp. 364–370., doi:10.5326/jaaha-ms-6436.
- Coile, D. Caroline. German Shepherds for Dummies. Hungry Minds, 2003.
- Turner, Neville. Border Collie. Country, 2014.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Border_Collie
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Shepherd
