Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
German Shepherd Border Collie mix, also known as the Shollie, is a highly sought-after combination of two intelligent and versatile dog breeds.
German Shepherds have long been prized for their working ability, serving in roles such as police and military work, search-and-rescue operations, and beloved family companions. Similarly, the Border Collie is renowned as the smartest dog breed in the world.
German Shepherd Border Collie Mix History
In recent years, the idea that mixed-breed dogs are lesser than purebreds has been fading. Instead, there’s been a big rise in popularity of designer dog breeds, which are mixes of two purebreds.
One popular designer breed is the Labradoodle, a mix of Labrador Retriever and Poodle. This combo sparked a trend of creating other “Doodle” breeds, making hypoallergenic alternatives to regular breeds.
People love these mixed dogs not just for their hypoallergenic traits but also because they often look like cute teddy bears.
This growing interest has led to more experiments in crossing other purebreds to create even better hybrids.
While it’s not clear who first thought of mixing a Border Collie with a German Shepherd, this blend has been creating a lot of excitement in the dog community.
Appearance, Personality, and Traits
The German Shepherd Border Collie mix, also known as a Shollie, beautifully combines the finest attributes of both parent breeds. The German Shepherd Border Collie mix size varies, typically ranging from 21 to 29 inches for males and 18 to 24 inches for females.
Alongside a diverse coat, it inherits the intelligence, loyalty, and energetic nature characteristic of German Shepherds and Border Collies. This crossbreed thrives on mental and physical stimulation, rendering it an ideal companion for active individuals or families.
- Height: Typically ranges from 20 to 26 inches at the shoulder.
- Weight: Can weigh between 50 to 80 pounds, with males often larger than females.
- Size: Medium to large build.
- Coat Type: Variable, often a blend of the German Shepherd’s dense double coat and the Border Collie’s sleeker fur.
- Coat Color: Can include black, tan, white, sable, and various combinations.
- Eyes: Typically brown or amber.
- Nose: Black.
- Temperament: Intelligent, loyal, and energetic. Protective of their families, highly trainable, and thrive on mental and physical stimulation.
Grooming
The Border Collie German Shepherd mix, much like the German Shepherd Husky mix, is a large dog with a dense coat that requires significant upkeep. Owners must dedicate time to grooming this hybrid, particularly due to its heavy shedding tendencies. As the dog ages, shedding may increase, making daily brushing essential to maintain coat health and prevent matting.
Here are some recommended grooming tools for taking care of the coat of the German Shepherd Border Collie mix:
Slicker Brush: Slicker brushes are great for getting rid of knots and mats in long-haired dogs like the German Shepherd Border Collie mix. They make grooming faster and easier compared to regular combs.
Detanglers: Before using a slicker brush, you might notice your Border Collie German Shepherd mix has lots of tangled hair. Using a detangler can help loosen these mats, so brushing with a slicker brush is smoother.
Dematting Sprays:Â If the tangles are too tight for brushing, detanglers might not be enough and could hurt your dog. Dematting sprays can soften the hair, making it easier to untangle knots without causing harm.
Scissors: If owners find their hybrid dog’s coat tangled, they can use scissors at home instead of taking them to a grooming salon. This should be done carefully, especially since dogs may not like sharp objects.
Conditioner and Shampoo: The skin and coat of the German Shepherd Border Collie mix are sensitive, emphasizing the importance of using high-quality shampoo and conditioner during baths. Owners should prioritize products based on their dog’s coat type and skin needs rather than solely on scent or cost.
Grooming Wipes: The German Shepherd Border Collie mix is active and likely to get dirty while playing outside. Grooming wipes are handy for owners who want to keep their home clean. Before letting the dog back inside, owners can quickly wipe their paws and fur to remove dirt and grass.
Microfiber Towel: Regular towels aren’t good at absorbing all the water from a dog’s thick coat. Because of its heavy fur, the German Shepherd Border Collie mix may still be wet after rinsing. Microfiber towels work better for drying this mix than regular towels.
Health Problems
Though there aren’t many diseases or health problems specific to the Border Collie German Shepherd mix, owners should check the health history of the parent breeds. Usually, this mix is healthy, but owners should watch for these symptoms:
Hip and elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are common in both German Shepherds and Border Collies, so their mix could inherit these issues. As the Border Collie German Shepherd mix gets older, its legs and hips may worsen, especially depending on how active it is.
Ear Problems: Both parent breeds of the mix are prone to ear problems. If owners don’t clean the mix’s ears, it could get infections and lose its hearing. If one parent already has hearing issues, the mix could be born deaf.
Epilepsy: Border Collies are more likely to get epilepsy than other breeds. The mix could also inherit this, causing sudden seizures due to unusual brain activity. These seizures can lead to sudden changes in movement.
Von Willebrand Disease: Von Willebrand Disease is rare but serious in dogs like the Border Collie German Shepherd mix, causing excessive bleeding from minor injuries.
Degenerative Myelopathy: If owners see odd walking in the mix’s back legs, it could be Degenerative Myelopathy, a spinal condition causing gradual paralysis, mainly due to the mix’s large size. Sadly, there’s no cure for this.
Unethical breeders often contribute significantly to the health problems observed in a German Shepherd and Border Collie mix. It’s crucial for owners to ensure they acquire a robust puppy from a trustworthy breeder to sidestep the challenges of caring for an unhealthy dog.
A Border Collie German Shepherd mix usually needs about 3 cups of dry dog food every day, but if it’s getting extra active with training, you might up that to 4 cups. This means spending around $1.50 to $1.90 on food each day, which adds up to roughly $39 to $52 each month.
Keep an eye out for common health issues like bloat and diabetes, which can affect this mix. Avoid overfeeding and make sure they’re getting a balanced diet. Supplements like Nutra Thrive can help if their nutrition is off. And don’t give in to those puppy eyes or feed them human food, as it could be harmful.
Dog owners and enthusiasts should remember to look for the best dry dog food made specifically for big breeds, rather than choosing options meant for smaller dogs. It’s crucial to stay away from low-quality dry dog food and learn more about the differences between good and bad choices by checking out helpful guides on the top dry dog food.
Big dogs, including German Shepherd puppies, require dry dog food fortified with joint supplements to mitigate issues like hip dysplasia. Beginning them on calcium-rich kibble during their puppy stage is advisable to support strong bone development. As dogs age, their nutritional needs change, making regular puppy food insufficient. Hence, providing older dogs, including German Shepherd puppies, with the appropriate amount of high-quality senior dry dog food becomes crucial to ensure their continued health and happiness.
Big dog breeds like the German Shepherd Border Collie mix often need dog food with joint supplements to prevent issues like hip problems.
It’s good to start them on calcium-rich kibble from when they’re puppies. As they get older, they need different minerals, so regular puppy food might not be enough. That’s why it’s important to give older dogs the right amount of good senior dry dog food to keep them healthy.
Dog food should also have the right amount of calories to stop them from getting too fat, which is a common problem in big breeds. It’s also a good idea to pick dog food with bigger pieces to stop them from eating too fast, which can make them sick.
Here are some top dog foods for big breeds in the US:
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula: This food has antioxidants like kelp, blueberries, sweet potatoes, and carrots. It’s made with chicken and doesn’t have wheat, soy, or corn.
- Wellness Core Dog Food: This food has good proteins like chicken, salmon, and whitefish. It also has flaxseed for healthy fats and probiotics for their tummy.
- Dog For Dog Food: This brand has vitamins and minerals, including stuff for their joints, and it’s not too pricey.
- EUKANUBA Adult Dry Dog Food: Made with chicken, it has all the good stuff they need, including stuff for their joints, and it’s not too expensive.
- Eagle Pack Natural: Made with natural stuff and no fake colors or preservatives, this food has good bacteria for their insides.
Pro Plan: Focus Weight Management Large Breed This brand is good for big dogs because it gives them lots of energy from complex carbs and helps their joints with glucosamine. It’s made to deal with specific problems like joint issues or bloating, which can be common in a mix of German Shepherd and Border Collie.
BLUE Wilderness High Protein Grain Free This food has everything big dog breeds need, including stuff for their joints, good bacteria for their tummies, and antioxidants from fruits and veggies. It’s natural and doesn’t have any artificial stuff.
NUTRO ULTRA Adult: This food is tasty and healthy for German Shepherd Border Collie mixes. It’s got things like glucosamine, chondroitin, and fiber to help with digestion and movement.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free High Protein Recipe This food is like what wolves eat and has antioxidants from fruits and veggies and good-quality proteins. It’s grain-free and gives your dog all the nutrition they need for their daily activities.
Caring about your dog’s food shows you care about their health. Stay away from bad dry dog food and choose good ones like Wellness Core Dog Food, Dog For Dog Food, or Nutra Thrive dog food supplement.
If you want more choices, look into the best dry dog food for small dogs or the best dry dog food for big breeds. Remember, puppies and older dogs need different food, so check out the best puppy food brands for little dogs and the best senior dry dog food for older ones.
Talking to your vet can help you pick the right food for your dog.
Exercise
The German Shepherd Border Collie mix is well-known for its high energy levels, inherited from its active parent breeds. This hybrid thrives on outdoor play and running and doesn’t do well being stuck indoors for too long. To prevent boredom and destructive behavior, owners need to make sure the dog gets plenty of activity.
If they don’t get enough mental and physical stimulation, they can become aggressive or timid. Daily exercise should include about 60 minutes of outdoor play and running. Or, if the mix is calmer, two separate walks totaling 2 hours can be enough. Here are some activity ideas for owners and their dogs:
- Playing Frisbee
- Weaving through poles
- Playing in the yard
- Obstacle courses
- Fetch games
- Searching for hidden dog food
- Playing flyball
- Agility training
- Tracking exercises
Even after a busy day, this mix might still have energy left at home. Indoor activities are beneficial for keeping them engaged:
- Dancing
- Tug of war
- Fetching toys
- Playing interactive games like hide-and-seek with owners
Despite their energy levels, owners should watch out for signs of overexertion or overheating, which can cause serious health issues without proper supervision. Hiring a dog walker can be helpful for owners who have trouble fitting in enough activity with their schedules.
Training
The German Shepherd Border Collie mix is a clever dog that loves attention from its owners. Its eagerness to please makes it quick to listen and learn from them. It’s really important to build trust with this hybrid dog when it’s still a puppy, so training early on is key.
Owners need to teach the Border Collie German Shepherd how to control its playful and energetic behavior. This means teaching commands like sit, stay, and stop.
Without proper training, the adult mix could accidentally knock over furniture or even hurt children. Being patient while teaching the puppy to follow commands and behave indoors is really important.
Regular mental and physical training is essential to keep the dog healthy and happy. Obedience training helps improve its thinking skills and social abilities. Introducing the mix to other pets in the house is important to prevent any aggressive behavior.
Using treats as rewards during training is a great way to keep the dog interested and motivated. When it knows it’ll get treats for good behavior, the Border Collie German Shepherd mix is more likely to listen to commands.
The German Shepherd Border Collie mix in Family Settings
Both the German Shepherd and the Border Collie are known for their excellent herding abilities, so their offspring inherit these instincts along with protective traits. The German Shepherd is particularly praised for its adaptability to different environments, including cold weather.
Its intelligence and ease of training have made it a top choice for roles in the military, police, and service sectors. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the German Shepherd as a purebred in 1908.
The Border Collie and German Shepherd share similar traits as intelligent herding breeds. Border Collies have become beloved pets for their loyalty to their owners, although they were recognized as a purebred by the American Kennel Club only in 1995.
The German Shepherd Border Collie mix is a devoted and protective pet, known for its determination. It seeks attention and affection from its owners and is often mistaken for a purebred due to its popularity. Training this hybrid dog is relatively straightforward, especially for first-time owners, as both parent breeds are known for being beginner-friendly.
This crossbreed also enjoys being around its owners, making it an excellent choice for families. Active owners will appreciate its companionship, as it is protective of its human pack and can be territorial towards strangers. Adopting a German Shepherd Border Collie mix means gaining an intelligent, energetic, loyal, and affectionate family pet.
Top Supplements for German Shepherd Border Collie Mix
The best supplements for a German Shepherd Border Collie mix should suit their specific needs, taking into account factors like their size, energy levels, and possible genetic traits. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil supplements, can help maintain joint health, improve coat condition, and support overall heart health.
More Dogs That Mix German Shepherds and Border Collies
Choosing the right dog breed for your lifestyle is crucial. Many dogs end up abandoned or surrendered to shelters each year because owners didn’t consider their lifestyle before choosing a dog.
If you’re unsure if the Border Collie German Shepherd mix is right for you, consider adopting one of the many popular German Shepherd or Border Collie mixes. This way, you have more options that may better suit your lifestyle.
German Shepherd Border Collie mix Puppies Available for Purchase
The German Shepherd usually costs between $325 to $375, while a Border Collie might be around $600 to $800. A healthy German Shepherd Border Collie mix price could range from $475 to $900. Choosing an older dog can be cheaper.
Check out these breeders for a German Shepherd Border Collie mix:
- Greenfield Puppies in Columbia, PA.
- Lancaster Puppies in Columbus, OH.
- Rising Sun Farm in Stacy, MN.
Three reasons why acquiring a German Shepherd Border Collie mix might not be advisable.
Size Concerns: The German Shepherd Border Collie mix is a large designer breed, which can be too much for small children during playtime. Supervision is essential to prevent accidents.
Crossbreeding Risks: Though both the German Shepherd and Border Collie are popular pets, mixing them can lead to health issues if not done carefully. Profit-focused puppy mills often neglect the well-being of the offspring.
High Energy Levels: Expect a very active dog with the German Shepherd Border Collie mix, reflecting the energy of both parent breeds. Living in a small apartment may be challenging as they may accidentally damage furniture. A fenced backyard is ideal for their exercise needs.
3 Benefits of Owning a German Shepherd Border Collie Mix
- Loving Pets
The German Shepherd Border Collie mix enjoys cuddles and seeks attention from owners. It loves playing fetch and will lie on its back for belly rubs, making it easy for owners to adore.
- Less Vet Trips
While crossbreeding can have health concerns, this mix is generally healthy compared to other designer breeds. From reputable breeders, it can live up to 15 years with few vet visits, though age-related issues may arise.
- Smart Companions
German Shepherds and Border Collies are known for their intelligence. A mix of both breeds results in a highly intelligent and trainable puppy, providing owners with an exceptional companion.
References:
- Taylor, S., et al. (2016). Border Collie collapse: Insights from owner surveys and veterinary observations of recorded incidents. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 52(6), 364–370.
- Madhusudhan, H. S., et al. (2017).Assessing maintenance energy needs in German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever dogs in Bangalore, India. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 102(1). https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.12709
- Coile, D. C. (2003). German Shepherds for Dummies. Hungry Minds.
- Wikipedia. (n.d.). German Shepherd. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Shepherd
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a German Shepherd Border Collie mix Puppy a Good Dog?
Coming from two intelligent working breeds, the Shollie is expected to be a bright and energetic pup. They do best in active households with plenty of space to run and play, ensuring they get enough exercise every day.
Where Can I find Border Collie German Shepherd Mix for Adoption?
You can find Border Collie German Shepherd mixes available for adoption in different places, like animal shelters, rescue groups, and online adoption websites such as Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet. You can also check with breed-specific rescue organizations or contact your local humane society for more information on adoptable dogs.
What are the common coat colors found in a German Shepherd Border Collie Mix Black and White?
The coat of a German Shepherd Border Collie mix can often feature a combination of black and white colors.
How much Should a German Shepherd Border Collie Mix Weigh?
All Border Collies usually weigh between 30 and 55 pounds. Typically, adult female Border Collies weigh between 30 to 45 pounds, while adult male Border Collies weigh between 40 to 55 pounds.
What are the Typical Temperament Traits of a German Shepherd Border Collie Mix?
Owners that are active will find this hybrid dog as an ideal companion, especially considering the German Shepherd Border Collie mix temperament.
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.
What is the German Shepherd Border Collie Mix Lifespan?
The lifespan of a German Shepherd Border Collie mix typically ranges from 10 to 15 years.
What are some Common Characteristics of a German Shepherd Border Collie Mix Black?
The “German Shepherd Border Collie mix black” typically features a striking black coat, showcasing a blend of traits inherited from both breeds.
I am a dedicated content writer with more than five years of experience, particularly skilled in the art of storytelling. My writing journey commenced during my college years, where I pursued journalism and unearthed my talent for creating captivating narratives.
