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Border Collie Pit (Border Collie & Pitbull Mix): Info, Pictures, Facts

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Border Collie Pit (Border Collie & Pitbull Mix)

Height: 17–22 inches
Weight: 30–60 pounds
Lifespan: 8–15 years
Colors: Black, white, brindle, blue, blue merle, fawn, gold, red, red merle, brown, tan, or grey and can be solid, bicolor, tricolor, or sable
Suitable for: Experienced dog owners, active families or individuals, those in a rural or suburban home with lots of room to exercise and play
Temperament: Intelligent, active, strong, confident, energetic, fun-loving, responsive, hardworking, and affectionate with family

If you want a dog that is smarter than most, look no further than the Border Collie Pit! These tenaciously intelligent canines are descended from companion dogs and herders, meaning they might just make the best babysitters ever.

This hybrid is fairly new, so there are not huge amounts of data on their physical attributes or characteristics yet. Taking a closer look at the parent breeds though, the Border Collie and the American Pit Bull Terrier will give insights into what sort of dog you can expect.

The Border Collie was developed in the Border region between Scotland and England and bred to herd sheep and work closely with its owner. They are known for their use of their eyes while herding and penetrating intelligence. The American Pit Bull Terrier was developed in the US as a guard, cattle catcher, livestock driver, and companion. Their most notorious use, however, was pit fighting, the now-illegal practice for which they were named.

The validity of the American Pit Bull Terrier as a breed is a matter of contention. Some, like the American Kennel Club, insist that the name “Pit Bull” is overly general and does not refer to a specific breed. The AKC considers them a broad mix of other breeds with recognized ones like the American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.Divider 1

Border Collie Pit Puppies

border collie pitbull puppy

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

Hybrids are often on the lower end of the price range, and you can also expect this in the case of the Border Collie Pit. Many do not consider the Put Bull to be a recognized breed, so often they are much less expensive than a pedigreed or purebred dog.

When you bring a Border Collie Pit into your home, be ready to have an energetic and loving dog around. They will need early socialization and training to get along with other animals and remain calm around humans. This dog is a great choice for active families that can offer their pups lots of space for them to run around in.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Border Collie Pit

1. The American Pit Bull Terrier is not recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Though they are recognized by the American Dog Breeders Association and the United Kennel Club, the American Pit Bull Terrier is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Some suggest this is because of the Pit Bull’s notoriety, but the AKC says they do not recognize it because it is not a “specific breed.”

The AKC does recognize the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.


2. Border Collies have broken multiple world records.

The title of the smartest dog in the world goes to Chaser, who knows the names of more than 1,000 objects. Jumpy holds the Guinness World Record for fastest dog skateboarding, traveling 100 meters in less than 20 seconds. And Striker set the canine record for rolling down a manual car window.


3. All Border Collies are descendants of the same dog.

It is widely believed that all Border Collies are descended from one dog named Old Hemp. Supposedly he sired over 200 puppies and all of them went on to become the Border Collie breed we know today.

Parent Breeds of the Border Collie Pit
Image Credit: Jumpstory

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Border Collie Pitbull Mix 🧠

Border Collie Pits get immense intelligence, confidence, and physical performance from their parent breeds. They have incredible amounts of energy, and we do not recommend housing these dogs in the city or in an apartment as you’ll want to give them plenty of room to exercise.

To get a better idea of what sort of character traits your Border Collie Pit may have, let’s take a closer look at both the Border Collie and American Pit Bull Terrier.

Border Collies are energetic, bright, and attentive. They are affectionate with their friends and family but shy with strangers. Although the compulsive Border Collie is friendly with children and other dogs, its herding instinct is strong. This breed is also hard-working and eager to learn. The American Pit Bull Terrier is strong, confident, stoic, and fun-loving. Their fans say they have a zest for life. They are very friendly toward people, especially children.

Each dog has a different and unique personality, however, so don’t let assumptions based on breed get in the way of actually getting to know your Border Collie Pit!

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The Border Collie Pit is a breed that, with proper socialization, will love having a big family to participate in activities with. American Pit Bull Terriers are particularly great with kids, and you couldn’t ask for a more tolerant and protective babysitter.

One thing to be aware of with this breed and children is that the herding instincts of the Border Collie are very strong. Early socialization and training are important to instill an understanding of appropriate behavior with kids, or your Border Collie Pit might start treating them like an unruly herd of sheep!

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Border Collie Pits are a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to other pets. Border Collies are usually friendly with other dogs but are known to chase livestock, cats, and other fast-moving animals. On the other hand, the American Pit Bull Terrier has a reputation for being gentle with other animals besides dogs.

Unfortunately, the fighting background of the American Pit Bull Terrier can make them aggressive with other dogs, especially dogs of the same sex. Early socialization with other dogs is especially key, and we recommend that your Border Collie Pit be the opposite sex of any other dogs in your home.

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Things to Know When Owning a Border Collie Pitbull Mix

Getting a dog is a big life decision—one that requires a lot of thought and matching of lifestyles. Here are some further considerations before you bring home your new friend.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

A nutritionally balanced diet is one of the most basic ways to ensure that your Border Collie Pit is happy and healthy. These energetic dogs need plenty of protein and fatty acids like omega-3s to fuel them, but just like people they also need a variety of vegetables, fruits, vitamins, and minerals.

Kibble is the easiest way to make sure your dog is getting their necessary nutrients. To choose the right kibble for your dog we recommend finding a few high-quality brands and starting with one. A quality kibble won’t just be made of animal protein and grains and will have plant-based nutrients as well.

When introducing a new food, do so gradually and monitor your Border Collie Pits energy. And don’t forget that you can supplement standard kibble meals with some fruits and veggies to keep your smart pooch from getting bored! Ask your vet for more information on portion sizes and different foods to try.

Exercise 🐕

Keeping your Border Collie Put mentally and physically stimulated is incredibly important! Do you want those super-smart brains and powerful jaws bored and cooped up in your house… with all your furniture, shoes, and food? Yeah, we didn’t think so.

Coming from two breeds that have been built to work hard on farms, your Border Collie Pit will have tons of energy that they want to put to good use. We recommend they have access to a fenced-in backyard all day, and also get taken out for exercise multiple times a day.

Leaving a Border Collie Pit along for long stretches regularly is not desirable. If you must on occasion, however, then try furnishing them with puzzle toys and extra-durable chew toys.

border collie pitbull mix
Image Credit: Oleg Shakirov, Shutterstock

Training 🦮

This incredibly intelligent dog should be easy to train, as well as eager to do so! Since Border Collie Pits come from breeds with such high work drives, they enjoy having a job to do and participating in activities with their owners. Firm but positive training will ensure that you both enjoy yourselves while you learn to communicate.

The flip side of the smart coin, however, is that these dogs are smart enough that they will require training. Border Collies have a strong herding instinct and can easily become compulsive and neurotic when they are never intellectually challenged.

The possibility of aggression towards other dogs is another great reason to start training your Border Collie Pit early in life, and why we think this breed is more appropriate for those with dog experience. You’ll want a strong and reliable recall in place and should exercise caution with where you allow them off-leash.

Grooming ✂️

Border Collie Pits tend to trend more toward their American Pit Bull parents in coat length, making them a low maintenance dog to groom. Depending on coat length and shedding they will benefit from weekly brushing and the occasional bath.

Clean your dog’s ears regularly of dirt and wax buildup to prevent ear infections and parasites. We also recommend brushing their teeth from time to time, as this can reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth problems in their old age. Trim nails regularly if not worn down so that they don’t crack or break.

Health and Conditions ❤️

On the whole, hybrid dog breeds are healthier than their purebred counterparts, because purebred dogs have a higher chance of inheriting a hereditary disease or mutation. This is also true for the Border Collie Pit. Luckily for them, the American Pit Bull Terrier, in particular, is an incredibly healthy dog and very infrequently inbred. Here are a few health conditions to keep an eye out for.

Minor Conditions
  • Allergies
  • Cataracts
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Serious Conditions
  • Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), a joint condition

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Male vs Female

There are not many marked differences between male and female Border Collie Pits. The males are usually bigger and have a higher chance of displaying sexually aggressive behavior. Females generally tend to be smaller in stature and more nurturing.

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Final Thoughts

Border Collie Pit mixes are smart, work-driven dogs that do best with a family that has plenty of outdoor room to roam. Their sweet and protective natures make them wonderful friends to adults and children alike.

Their big brains, considerable exercise needs, and training requirements don’t make them a great choice for those completely new to dog ownership. But if you want to share an active lifestyle with your canine companion, and prize intelligence and loyalty, then the Border Collie Pit may be your perfect dog.

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Featured Image Credit: whoischarlieee, Shutterstock

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