Border Collie & Husky Mix: Dog Breed Info: Pictures, Care & More
Updated on
Height: | 18–22 inches |
Weight: | 30–55 pounds |
Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
Colors: | White, red, brown, gray, black, red merle, blue merle, sable |
Suitable for: | Active families looking for a high-energy dog |
Temperament: | Intelligent, energetic, affectionate |
A Border Collie & Husky Mix is a bundle of energy that is sure to please. They are intelligent pooches that love their families. They are free-spirited but are friendly enough and eager to please. You must socialize this breed of pup early in his development to harness their activity and occasional willfulness. If you want a pet to go on your runs with you, this is the one for you.
This dog is medium size with a dense coat, depending on how much of the Siberian Husky is inherited. That parent breed is also a talker that loves to make his feelings known. They also have a strong prey drive. This pooch might be a challenge for a novice pet owner. With the right training, though they will make a delightful companion.
Husky Border Collie Mix Puppy
It is essential to research traits like activity levels before selecting a dog. A Border Collie & Husky Mix is friendly enough to do well as a family pet. They’re cheerful and friendly, but the critical thing to bear in mind is their energy level. A Border Collie and Husky Mix is not a dog that you leave in the backyard to amuse himself. He’ll likely get bored without enough mental stimulation and challenges.
This pup is smart, so you’ll have fun training. They catch on quickly to new tricks. It’s also important to keep an eye on this breed when they’re outside, as they do have a high wanderlust potential. They are tolerant of cold but not overly warm weather, as you may expect. Also, they are not a pets for apartment dwellers. This pooch needs room to run.
Little-Known Facts About the Border Collie & Husky Mix
1. The Border Collie is the quintessential herder.
Few dogs succeed more at their job than the Border Collie. Put it down to his intelligence and unique herding style. Heaven forbid, you get his stare, or if you prefer, “the look.” The dog also uses a stalking gait to keep his charges in line. Together, it works. After all, how many times have you seen sheep herded into a taxi?
2. The Border Collie is pure poetry.
How many dogs can boast that they are the subject of poetry? The Border Collie enjoys this honor in the work of Scottish poet, Robert Burns. “His locked, letter’d braw brass collar. Show’d him the gentleman and scholar.”
3. A Siberian Husky named Balto helped save the children of Nome, Alaska.
The Siberian Husky first landed in North America in Nome, Alaska. It was a fortunate thing, too. A canine hero named Balto made sure that serum to treat diphtheria saved the youngsters of the town by traversing the punishing landscape. The Iditarod follows this perilous route, showcasing the bravery of this pooch.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Border Collie & Husky Mix 🧠
A brief discussion of the parent breeds’ history is probably enough to speak of this hybrid’s tenacity and temperament. Theirs was a tough life, as evidenced by the dog’s intelligence and willful nature. A close relationship also fostered several other desirable traits that make this pup worth a look for a pet. It helps to take a look at the complete picture to see if he is a suitable choice for your home.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡
The trait that you need to understand and respect is the Border Collie & Husky Mix’s energetic nature. This dog loves to run, and he needs a job. He is friendly enough but wants to get all of the attention. His herding background doesn’t stop at sheep. Your kids will likely get the treatment, too. However, part of their technique involves nipping, making this pup not the best choice for younger children.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽
The same assessment we applied to kids is also the case with other pets. The Border Collie in your dog can’t help himself. He probably won’t make friends with the family cat or smaller pups. Remember that this breed is tenacious and will make himself a pest sometimes. We’d suggest keeping him in households with pets of his same energy level.
Things to Know When Owning a Border Collie & Husky Mix
Let’s delve deeper into what you need to know about having this mixed breed. Many of these things are in the dealbreaker-dealmaker categories, so it pays to learn about them upfront. Despite how cute you may think he is, this dog is a product of his heritage. Training and socialization can help, but they can’t negate everything.
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
The essential thing to know is that you must feed a diet appropriate for dogs of this size. They have high metabolisms that support their active lifestyles. You should feed your puppy three times a day at this age to keep up with his energy levels. You can dial it back to two when he gets older. This hybrid is not prone to weight gain, but we’d suggest still monitoring his intake and adjusting as necessary.
Exercise 🐕
Daily walks or runs at the doggie park are imperative for the Border Collie & Husky Mix. If you need a running companion, this pup is your love match. He will keep up with you and even challenge your activity level. We consider this trait part of the dealbreaker category. If you can’t provide enough exercise for this pup, look for a pet that has fewer demands.
Training 🦮
There is a certain independence, aka, stubbornness, in the Siberian Husky. That can make training a challenge. However, the breed is also intelligent with an eagerness to please and responsiveness that will help with the task. The Border Collie is all on-board with learning new tricks and commands. The combination can make your job easier than you may think.
Grooming ✂️
Both parent breeds are seasonal shedders. The Siberian Husky is especially notable because of the clumps of undergrowth. You’re more likely to see hairballs than single hairs all over the place. You can take charge of brushing your dog’s coat a few times a week. We strongly urge you to keep up with this routine maintenance.
Health Conditions ❤️
Both the Border Collie and Siberian Husky are relatively healthy breeds. The recommended health tests include the few we’d expect for dogs of their size. There are also several genetic screenings available for uncommon conditions like neurological problems. Reputable breeders won’t breed pups with a higher propensity for these issues.
- Deafness
- Eye infections
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Collie eye anomaly
- Heart issues
Male vs. Female
Either sex is an ideal choice for the pet owner willing and able to devote enough time to training and discipline. Some females are more aloof than males. However, each pup is different. Socialization makes the pet. Unless you plan to breed your dog, either one will make a welcome addition to your home.
Final Thoughts: Husky Collie Mix
The Border Collie & Husky Mix is a handful. Work or mental stimulation is needed to keep this smart pooch happy. If you have the space and time, this breed will reward you as an engaging pet that is eager to learn new things. Their outgoing personalities will make them a joy to have as a part of your family. For the active household, this pup is an excellent choice.
Related Reads:
- Border Collie Vizsla Mix: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits
- English Borsetter Collie (English Setter & Border Collie Mix)