If you are on the hunt for a family dog that is smart and tough, the Border Collie mix with Pitbull is a great choice. These stubbornly intelligent doggies are a blend of companion dogs and herders. So, you might lay your hands on the perfect babysitter.
We have gathered info on all you need to know about the Pitbull Border Collie mix, including their personality, lifespan, dietary needs, appearance, training, and more. So, before you decide that this medium-sized pooch is right for you, continue reading and learn more.
Table of Contents
What do you call a Border Collie mix with Pitbull?
A Border Collie Pitbull mix is known as Border Pit, Borderbull, or Collie Pit.
History of the Breed
Being a relatively new hybrid, not much is known about the Border Collie Pitbull mix. Some say that this mix-breed might have originated from the United States but there are no records of either who designed them or why.
However, there is much we can learn about their parents that could shine a light on this mixed breed.
Parents
The Border Collie – With its origins in Scotland, this breed prospered in the region on the border between England and Scotland. They were bred for their brainpower with the aim to help farmers herd sheep. The breed is ranked as the top smartest dog in the world. The UKC recognized the Border Collie as a breed in 1961 and in 1995 by the AKC.
These vibrant, medium-sized dogs are loved for their alert, smart, hardworking, and energetic personalities. They are also even-tempered and ready to make you happy which makes them very easy to train. Collies also get along with kids and other pets too, with early socialization, so they are good family dogs.
The average Border Collie stands between 22 and 27 inches tall with a withers height of 18 to 22 inches, and a body length of between 28 and 34 inches. Adult female Border Collies should weigh 28 to 40 lbs. and males weigh 30 to 45 lbs. Common health problems in Border Collies include epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and hypothyroidism. They boast a life expectancy of 10 to 17 years.
The Pitbull – Pitbulls also known as Pits have a degenerate history that injects anxiety into most people’s hearts. Pits originated from the United Kingdom. Bred from the Old English Bulldogs, they were intended to play a part in bull baiting, a cruel blood sport of a fight to the death. After making their way to America in the 1800s, they were trained as working dogs, guard dogs, and comrades.
Naturally, Pitbulls have a stubborn streak. However, they wear a sweet, friendly character that makes them good family dogs and is very protective. They are shrewd, amusing, kind, bold, compliant, and very excited to please you. The AKC has not recognized Pitbulls as a breed, the United Kennel Club (UKC) has since 1898.
A male Pitbull is approx. 18 to 21 inches in height and weigh between 35 and 60 lbs. Females usually stand 17 to 20 inches tall with a weight of between 30 and 50 lbs. Some common health problems in Pitbulls include congenital heart defects, hip dysplasia, kneecap dislocation, skin problems, and degenerative myelopathy. They have a life expectancy of 8 to 15 years.
Overall
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Weight | 30 to 60 pounds |
| Height | 15 to 16 inches |
| Child-friendly/ Pet-friendly | Very friendly with kids & pets |
| Coat Type | Double-coated |
| Coat Color | Red, fawn, black & brown |
| Shedding | Moderate |
| Temperament | Mostly bi-colored Black, white, brindle, blue, blue merle, fawn, gold, red, red merle, brown, tan, or grey and can be solid, bicolor, tricolor, or sable |
| Lifespan | 8 to 15 years |
Appearance
What do a Collie and a Pitbull mix look like?
The Border Collie mix with Pitbull will be a medium-sized or large dog depending on the parent they favor most. Your Collie Pit will stand somewhere between 15 and 16 inches at the shoulder. They will take after the Pitbull parent’s muscular build with a weight of around 50 lbs. and will likely have a strong muzzle plus a scissor bite or slight overbite.
Their coat can be smooth or slightly wavy or short and stiff-textured. The coat will come in a range of colors and patterns depending on which parent genes they inherit the most. Your Borderbull’s ears will either be rose-shaped, semi-erect, or fully erect. Their eyes will be round or oval with either the same or different colors.
Usually, a Border Collie Pitbull mix will probably have a short or long tail that they carry low.
Temperament and Characteristics
Your Border Pit could have the temperament of both parents or favor one more. However, expect a pooch that is alert, smart, loyal, affectionate, cheery, protective, and social. They love human companionship so they will want to spend quality time with you. Unfortunately, this trait means that they are prone to separation anxiety and could develop destructive behaviors when idle.
Borderbulls are likely to be highly sensitive with a moderate barking level and mouthiness. The mixed-breed will be good with kids unlike with other pets around your home. Therefore, make sure you train them to socialize from an early stage.
Nutrition
The most ideal diet for your Border Pit will depend on the parent they favor most because they are different. Should they take after the slightly larger size of their Pitbull parent, dog food designed for Pitbulls is the best. If they, however, are small-sized, feed a Border Collie diet.
That being said, ensure that your Border Collie Pitbull mix eats approx. 2 to 2 ½ cups of high-quality dog food each day. You are also recommended to include whole foods such as sweet potatoes to make them eat enough antioxidants and vitamins.
Training & Exercise
Both parents of the Border Collie Pitbull mix are intelligent which makes your hybrid highly trainable. Like their purebred Border Collie parent, the mix can flourish in basic obedience training and agility. Besides, they will be willing to go to lengths to please you so you should take advantage of that. However, you will still need to incorporate positive reinforcement, healthy treats, and embrace patience.
Given that Borderbulls are highly active dogs, they should receive at least 60 minutes of exercise per day. You can walk your dog or take them to the park or other outdoor activities that keep them engaged. If you have a large yard, the better.
Health Issues
One of the things that you will love about this Pitbull Border Collie mix is that they are a very healthy hybrid. However, they are still prone to a few health problems such as deafness, collie eye anomaly, and hip dysplasia. The only serious condition that might affect your Borderbull is a joint condition known as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD).
Life Expectancy
The Border Collie Pitbull mix has a lifespan of 12 years or even more.
Grooming Needs
The Border Pit has a double coat that sheds heavily regularly which means that you might want to invest in a good vacuum cleaner. Therefore, you need to have a de-shedder and bathe them weekly during the shedding season. If they, however, take after the Pitbull parent’s coat, they will be easier to groom.
This mixed breed is okay with an occasional bath but the ears will need to be cleaned regularly to get rid of dirt and wax backlog. Trim their nails and brush their teeth regularly.
Cost and Maintenance
You will find a Border Collie Pitbull mix for sale at a price of somewhere between $500 and $1,000 from a reputable and responsible breeder. How much you spend will depend on factors such as the location and the reputation of the breeder.
Borderbulls are not low maintenance and neither are they on the high-maintenance side.
Where to Adopt
If you are looking for a Border Collie Pitbull mix for adoption, you can get one from a shelter or rescue. It will cost you less than $500.
FAQs
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Hi there! My name is Alex Landy, one of the co-founders here at Our Pets HQ and a parent to a small-breed Yorkie. I am a published author of two books on dog breeding and currently write on various pet-related blogs about caring for dogs. I am a parent of two daughters and live outside Boston where I spend a lot of time with family and serve in different breeding clubs. You can reach me at alex@ourpetshq.com
