Border Shollie Dog Breed

The Border Shollie, as a mixed breed, is not an official member of any breed group--but both its German Shepherd and Border Collie parents are members of the Herding group, so these hybrids would probably fit into that category as well. Neither does any info exist about the Shollie's true origin, but they are known to be a fairly new mixed breed. With their herding roots, Shollies are best suited for being general-purpose farm or working dogs, or as energetic companions to active families.

A few German Shepherd-Border Collie mix facts: they're medium- to large-sized, averaging 22 inches at the shoulders in height and 65 pounds in weight (though size can vary a good bit); they have medium-length double coats that shed regularly; and they're highly energetic and will need a lot of exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Border Collie-German Shepherd mix:

Basic German Shepherd-Border Collie mix information is that these hybrids are big, intelligent dogs. But more important Border Collie-German Shepherd mix information: they can be protective and affectionate--often in equal measure.

The GSD was originally developed to be a versatile, protective sheepherder. And of course, the Border Collie is one of the best herding breeds known--but it's in general much friendlier than the German Shepherd. What this means: while a Border Shollie will undoubtedly be smart and active, the dog's instincts for protectiveness will vary some. In any case, providing your Border Shollie with obedience training and socialization (starting when the dog is a puppy if possible) is sure to make for a more well-balanced dog. A properly trained Border Shollie will be a fantastic companion, whether to dog is utilized for work or for play (or better yet, for both!).

And as the offspring of two herding breeds, a Border Shollie will be have incredibly energy (and depending on its size, a lot of strength as well). These hybrids will need as much physical and mental stimulation as their owners can give them.

Active, intelligent, loyal, alert, and sometimes stubborn, the Border Collie-German Shepherd mix temperament is one of devotion and activity. These hybrids inherit plenty of brain power and physical energy from their parents--and while they're usually affectionate and friendly with family members, other aspects of the German Shepherd-Border Collie mix temperament can vary a little.

They might be friendly with strangers, or suspicious of them, and they can socialize well with other pets or try to dominate them. Border Shollies are known, however, to be very caring for (and protective of) kids; they usually have strong herding instincts too, and will try to "control" many moving objects by nipping at or nudging them. No matter the dog's personality, lots of training and socialization, starting during puppyhood if possible, will help your Border Shollie develop into a well-balanced pooch.

Because of their intelligence, training these hybrids is usually a cinch. Border Shollies can learn tasks, tricks, and commands without too many repetitions. As with any breed, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

And a Border Shollie often has great watchdog abilities, especially if the dog's personality if more like the GSD. These hybrids are alert and curious, and will usually sound a vocal alarm if they perceive an unknown sight or sound.

The Border Shollie, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is very healthy. Even so, these dogs may suffer ailments common to their parent breeds including hip dysplasia, allergies, and gastric torsion (or bloat). Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for the Border Shollie is 11-14 years.