Border Collie German Shepherd Mix – Owner’s Guide

Reviewed By Julie •  Updated: 06/18/22 •  18 min read
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Shollie

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Have you ever heard of a Shollie? Can you guess what it is? This is a dog that’s a mix between a German Shepherd and a Border Collie!

In this article, we’ll take a look at the Shollie, the characteristics and temperament of these dogs and more. Let’s get started!

What is a Border Collie German Shepherd Mix?

The Border Collie German Shepherd mix is a wonderful dog that loves to be with your family members. This is a dog that forms close, loving, devoted bonds to their families, and takes a proactive role in keeping their family safe. You may hear them called Border Collie German Shepherd mixes, or more commonly called Shollies.

However, these dogs are also highly intelligent and playful! If you adopt a Shollie, expect a high-energy dog that’s extremely playful. In fact, these dogs aren’t well adapted to living in an apartment. The best home situation for a Shollie is a house with a large fenced yard, where they can run and play off some of their energy.

Shollies are the result of breeding a purebred Border Collie with a purebred German Shepherd. These are large dogs that are known for the agility and for being great athletes. They’re also quite playful and protective at the same time.

The Shollie’s German Shepherd parent comes from a breed that likes to work hard. German Shepherds are used as police dogs, service & therapy dogs, and more. At one time these working dogs were also used as herding dogs on farms.

German Shepherds are known for being confident, courageous and smart dogs. In fact, they’re the 2nd most popular dog breed.

On the other side, the Shollie’s Border Collie parent also comes from a breed that likes to work hard. This is because Border Collies were specifically bred to herd and protect cattle. While these dogs are still found working on farms today, they’ve also become family companions who are known for their love and loyalty.

The result of breeding these two beautiful working dogs is the Shollie!

A Brief Origin of The Border Collie German Shepherd Mix

Sheepdogs were bred in Scotland and England in the 1700s for herding sheep. The Border Collie German Shepherd Mix was developed in the early 1900s by crossing the Border Collie with the German Shepherd dog. The Border Collie German Shepherd Mix is a versatile dog that can be used for a variety of tasks such as herding, guarding, and search and rescue. However, today the Border Collie German Shepherd Mix is most commonly used as a family pet.

Unlike Pitbulls and Rottweilers, the Border Collie German Shepherd Mix is not typically used for fighting. Instead, the Border Collie German Shepherd Mix is a loyal and friendly dog that is good with children. The Border Collie German Shepherd Mix is also known for being a good watchdog, which makes it a good choice for a home with small pets or those who live in an apartment.

Characteristics of a Shollie

Shollies usually tend to more closely resemble their German Shepherd parent. They may have eyes that come in brown, amber, hazel or even blue. And you may find that some Shollies have floppy ears, or a less bushy tail than their Border Collie parent.

When it comes to their coat, a Shollie has a double coat like their Border Collie and German Shepherd parents. Their coat tends to be medium to long and is straight and dense. You’ll find the coat becomes much thicker in the winter. These dogs do shed quite a bit, especially in the Spring and Fall, which are prime shedding seasons for many dogs.

Shollies come in various coat colors, too. They may be bi-colored, with black and tan fur like their German Shepherd parent. Or they may even come in black, sable, merle, brindle, red, cream and more. And once in a very rare while, a Shollie comes in all white.

Border Collie German Shepherd mixes are considered to be large dogs, and usually weight anywhere from 45 to 80 lbs. They stand about 22 to 29 inches tall. And Shollies have an average lifespan of 10-15 years.

Shollie Temperament

When it comes to temperament, you’ll find that a Shollie can be a mix between being the protector of the family and a loving, affectionate companion. These sweet-natured dogs are highly intelligent, and for this reason they need a lot of mental stimulation each day.

Shollies are great around children, but as with other dog breeds, never leave them and your kids unattended. They’re also friendly but can be somewhat aloof to strangers. And remember these dogs can also have a very strong protective streak. For this reason, it’s important that a Shollie be socialized from a young age.

These dogs are also highly energetic; if they don’t receive the right amount of exercise, they can easily become bored, which can lead to some destructive behaviors.

Shollie Health Problems

German Shepherd Border Collie mixes are usually very healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues including:

Bloating is a common problem in dogs of all breeds, but it is particularly common in German Shepherds and Border Collies. Signs of bloating include abdominal distension, gas, and nausea. If you notice these signs in your dog, take them to the veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment.

Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are conditions in which the hip joint is not properly formed. This can cause pain and difficulty walking. Hip dysplasia can be genetic or it can be caused by environmental factors, such as excessive weight or lack of exercise. Your dog will need regular veterinary care to monitor the condition and ensure that the hip joint remains healthy.

Collie eye anomaly is a birth defect in which one or both of the eyes is smaller than normal. Affected puppies usually have problems seeing in both eyes at once, and they may have difficulty focusing on objects close to them. Collie eye anomaly can be corrected with surgery, but it may require several surgeries over a period of years to correct the problem completely.

Deafness is a condition in which a dog cannot hear. There are many causes of deafness, including genetic conditions, exposure to loud noises, and head injuries. If your dog is deaf, you will need to take steps to ensure that they are able to communicate with you and other people around them.

Epilepsy is a condition in which the brain does not send signals to the body correctly. This can cause seizures, which can be frightening for both the dog and the person who is caring for them. If you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior or activity level, take them to the veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment.

Degenerative myelopathy is a condition in which the spinal cord becomes damaged over time. This can lead to paralysis in one or more limbs. Osteochondritis dissecans is a condition in which pieces of the bone break off and enter the bloodstream. This can lead to inflammation and pain in the joints, as well as lameness. Osteochondritis dissecans can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, age, and obesity.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is a condition in which the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes. This can lead to problems with digestion, including diarrhea and constipation.

Border Collie German Shepherd Mix Care

These dogs need a lot of exercise—we can’t stress that enough. They should have at least one hour of exercise a day. This can be split up over two exercise sessions; however, they will enjoy the stimulation of a long walk, playtime at the dog park, etc.

The Shollie should be brushed once a week, but otherwise they just need to see the vet at regular intervals for checkups.

When it comes to feeding your Shollie, he will need food that’s especially geared for large dogs that have high energy levels. Their diet should give them the right number of calories, without weight gain. And remember your sweet Shollie will need plenty of exercise to stay physically and mentally fit.

Shollies are adaptable to the climate, but they are usually the happiest in climates that are somewhat cooler. They are prone to overheating in hot, humid weather, so be sure to keep your fur baby indoors with an air conditioner or fans turned on. If he must be outside, ensure he has plenty of shade and fresh water available at all times. In winter, your Shollie may appreciate a doggie cot when it gets really cold outside.

Training a Shollie

Because these beautiful dogs are highly intelligent and trainable, they thrive when positive reinforcement training methods are used, along with reward-based training.

Because they thrive on praise, be sure to encourage the behavior you want from your Shollie. Praise him and give him a high value treat as a reward. Then have him repeat the exercise. You should never use punishment when training your Shollie, as this does not work and could result in unwanted behaviors.

Shollies are great family dogs who are affectionate, smart, and loyal. They will keep you, your family and home safe, while they enjoy spending time with everyone in the family.

Early socialization is also important for this mix breed. Exposure to different people, animals, and environments is essential for the development of a well-rounded dog. Take your Shollie for walks and introduce him to as many people and animals as possible. This will help him learn how to interact with others and make new friends.

So, the Border Collie German Shepherd Mix dog is a very intelligent dog that requires a lot of training. Make sure you have plenty of positive reinforcement training methods and high value treats on hand so you can reward your Shollie when he behaves properly. You should also start socializing your Shollie early by exposing him to as many different people, animals, and environments as possible.

This hybrid dog is a wonderful addition to any family. Be sure to provide plenty of positive reinforcement training and socialization so your Shollie can be the perfect member of your family. Obedience training is also very important for this breed, so be sure to consult with a professional if you need help getting started. First time owners should be especially cautious, as Shollies can be very active and require a lot of exercise.

Grooming Your Shepherd Border Collie Dog

Your Shollie will require regular grooming. Be sure to brush his coat regularly and remove any mats or tangles. You can also opt to have him groomed professionally. This will ensure that his coat is kept clean and free of mats.

The medium-length coat of the Border Collie German Shepherd Mix will require occasional trimming. If his coat is too long, you can have a professional groomer cut it short. You can also trim it yourself if you are familiar with dog grooming. The undercoat of the Border Collie German Shepherd Mix is thick and should not be shaved. As a designer dog, your Shollie will require occasional styling. This can include cutting his hair short, shaving his head, or trimming his beard.

This family pet also needs to be vaccinated and checked for diseases regularly. Make sure to get his deworming and tick/flea treatments done as well. A reputable breeder or veterinarian can help you with these services. Your Shollie puppy will require extra care and attention at first, but with a little love and care, he will be the perfect addition to your family.

Feeding Your Shepherd Border Collie Dog

Because these dogs are working dogs, they require a high-quality diet that is both nutritious and palatable. Feed your Shollie a diet that is made up of at least 25% protein, with plenty of essential vitamins and minerals. Include a variety of fresh, healthy foods in his diet to ensure he stays healthy and happy.

A kibble that is made specifically for working dogs is a good option for your Shollie. This type of kibble is high in protein and fiber, and provides the nutrients he needs to stay healthy and active. Be sure to feed your Shollie small amounts frequently throughout the day to avoid overeating.

The best dog food for a Border Collie German Shepherd Mix is made specifically for working dogs. This type of food is high in protein and contains all the essential vitamins and minerals your dog needs to stay healthy and energetic. You can also make homemade dog food for your Shollie using a simple recipe. This will give him the best possible nutrition and taste.

For example, if you want to make a recipe that is high in protein, add 1 cup of cooked chicken or beef to 2 cups of dry dog food. You can also add in vegetables, such as carrots, green beans, or peas. If you want to make a recipe that is lower in protein, add 1 cup of cooked vegetables to 2 cups of dry dog food. Be sure to give your Shollie plenty of fresh water every day. He should also have access to a dog park or a safe area to run and play.

Tips When Adopting a Border Collie German Shepherd Mix

When adopting a Border Collie German Shepherd Mix, it is important to be aware of the specific needs of this breed. These dogs are very active and need plenty of exercise. They also need mental and physical stimulation, so make sure to provide both. Be sure to socialize your new dog well from an early age so that it becomes well-adjusted and friendly around other people and animals.

The Border Collie German Shepherd Mix is a medium-sized dog that needs regular grooming. This includes brushing their coat regularly to remove any dirt, dust, or hair, as well as trimming their nails. Be sure to check their ears for wax buildup and treat any infections if they occur.

A breeder should be consulted before adopting a Border Collie German Shepherd Mix. This is a very active breed that needs a lot of exercise and stimulation, and will not do well in an environment where there is little or no activity.

Adopting a Border Collie German Shepherd Mix is a great choice for those who are looking for a powerful and obedient dog. These dogs are very active and need plenty of exercise, as well as mental and physical stimulation. They also need regular grooming, including brushing their coat regularly and trimming their nails. Make sure you have prepared for the arrival of your new Border Collie German Shepherd Mix by consulting with a breeder beforehand.

When Not To Adopt a Border Collie German Shepherd Mix

Some people may not want to adopt a Border Collie German Shepherd Mix if they are looking for a dog that is purely German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd. Additionally, this mix may not be the best choice for people who are looking for a small dog because the Border Collie German Shepherd Mix is a medium-sized dog.

Here are some other reasons why a Border Collie German Shepherd Mix may not be the best choice for you:

1. If you have allergies to either of the parent breeds, you may also have allergies to the Border Collie German Shepherd Mix.

2. The Border Collie German Shepherd Mix may be more difficult to train than either of its parent breeds.

3. The Border Collie German Shepherd Mix may be more active than either of its parent breeds.

4. The Border Collie German Shepherd Mix may be more difficult to handle than either of its parent breeds.

If you are not prepared to deal with a dog that is more active and more difficult to handle than either of its parent breeds, the Border Collie German Shepherd Mix may not be the best choice for you.

Conclusion

To sum up, the parent breeds of the Border Collie German Shepherd Mix are the Border Collie and the German Shepherd dogs (GSD). These breeds are known for their intelligence, working abilities, and trainability. This mix of breeds creates a dog that is both powerful and obedient.

This mixed breed dog will have some characteristics of both breeds, but will also be unique in its own way. This mix will have a stocky build with a long neck and large head. The coat may be either short or long, but will be either black or brown. The eyes of the Border Collie German Shepherd Mix will be bright and alert, while the ears will be alert and upright.

Breeders of this mix should be prepared for a dog that is both intelligent and obedient. This dog will require a lot of training, but will be worth it in the end. This is a great dog for families who are looking for a powerful and loyal companion. This crossbreed is typically friendly and loving, but can be protective of its family if needed. This is a great dog for people who are looking for a dog that is both powerful and obedient.

Purebred dogs come with a higher price tag, but the rewards are well worth it. A well-bred Shollie will be loyal, loving, and intelligent. If you are looking for a dog that will make a great companion, look no further than a Border Collie German Shepherd Mix.

The Shollie mix puppies are the perfect blend of Border Collie and German Shepherd. They are outgoing, playful, and loving. They are also very smart and easy to train. If you are looking for a pup that is going to be loyal and loving, then you should consider a Shollie mix.

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Julie

Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.

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