Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog Mix: Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts
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The Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog mix (also known as a Portie Collie) is a hybrid dog with two of the most intelligent and hardworking breeds. This breed has an even temperament and enjoys being around people, making them an ideal companion. With their high energy levels, they excel in activities such as agility, obedience, or herding. They are also great family dogs and love to be part of the pack.
| Height: | 18–22 inches |
| Weight: | 40–60 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10–14 years |
| Colors: | Varies, usually a combination of black and white like its parent breeds |
| Suitable for: | Families, singles, and active lifestyles |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, friendly, and loyal |
The Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog Mix combines the intelligence and energy of two unique breeds, creating a special breed that is smart, loyal, and friendly. They are highly trainable, and they’re perfectly suited for physical activities such as herding, agility, or obedience. Their even temperament makes them a great family pet, but they also need an active lifestyle to stay healthy and happy.
Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog Mix Breed Characteristics
Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog Mix Puppies
The thing about mixed breeds is that you don’t always know what the puppy is going to be like. It could take on more Collie traits or it could take on more Portuguese Water Dog traits. Or, it could have an even mix of both. It’s important to spend time with one of these puppies before committing so that you can see what their characteristics and temperament are going to be like.
When searching for a Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog Mix puppy, it is important to do some research and find a reputable breeder who has the pup’s best interests in mind. Make sure that the puppies are fed healthy meals and are given plenty of socialization with other people and animals. It is also essential to make sure that both parents have been tested for any genetic health conditions.
The price of a Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog mix will vary depending on its age, rarity, and quality. Generally speaking, they usually range from $800 to $1200. Be sure to thoroughly research the breeder before making any final decisions. Doing your due diligence will help ensure you get a happy and healthy pup!
Temperament & Intelligence of the Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog Mix 🧠
This breed is known to be alert and loyal. They make excellent watchdogs. With their sharp senses and protective instincts, they will keep a watchful eye on your home and alert you to any potential danger. However, it’s important to note that proper training and socialization are key to ensuring your Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog mix develops the best possible personality and temperament.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
The Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog Mix is an ideal family pet. Their even temperament and intelligence make it a great companion. They are loyal, friendly, and eager to please their owners. With proper training, they can be well-behaved around children and other pets.
Their high energy levels also make them perfect for more active families that enjoy activities such as agility or herding. These dogs also need mental stimulation in order to stay happy and healthy, so activities like walking, playing fetch, or going on hikes should be provided regularly.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
The Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog Mix is generally friendly with other pets and typically gets along well with other dogs. Due to their herding instincts, you may notice they try to herd smaller animals, such as cats, but this can be avoided with proper training. Getting them socialized from a young age is important for any breed of dog in order to ensure that they get along with others.
Things You Must Know When Owning a Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog Mix:
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
The Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog Mix needs to be fed a high-quality diet that is appropriate for their age and activity level. They require an adult formula to meet their nutritional needs. It is important that you feed your pet the right amount of food so they don’t become too thin or too obese, which can increase their risk for certain health conditions.
Exercise 🐕
The Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog mix is an active breed and needs regular physical activity to stay healthy. Long walks and plenty of playtimes are essential for keeping this pup in shape. They also enjoy playing fetch, agility training, running, and swimming. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for this intelligent breed, so activities such as scent games, hide and seek, puzzle toys and obedience classes can help keep them happy and healthy. This breed has lots of energy, so be sure to provide plenty of opportunities for your pup to expend their energy!
Training 🎾
The Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog mix is an incredibly intelligent breed that loves to please its owner. Positive reinforcement methods, like clicker training, reward-based training, and force-free methods are effective ways to train this pup. Starting basic obedience classes early in the pup’s life will help ensure they grow up to be well-behaved members of your family. It is also important to socialize them at an early age, so they become comfortable with people, other dogs, and new environments. With proper care and training, your pup will grow into a happy, well-mannered dog.
Grooming ✂️
If you’re lucky enough to have a Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog mix, you know that they are a stunning breed with amazing energy and intelligence. When it comes to grooming, this mix needs a bit more attention than some other breeds. Their dense and curly coat requires daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles, and they should be given a good, thorough grooming every few months to keep their skin and coat healthy. Trimming their hair occasionally is also important, especially around their eyes and paws. But don’t worry, with their friendly and affectionate personalities, these pups are sure to love the extra attention they get during their grooming sessions!
You’ll also need to take care of their nails, ears, and teeth. Trim their nails every few weeks, clean their ears carefully on a regular basis, and brush their teeth at least two to three times a week.
Health and Conditions ❤️
The Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog Mix is generally healthy but may inherit certain genetic health issues from its parent breeds. As with most breeds, the Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog Mix has the potential to develop certain health issues. They’re known to get hip and elbow dysplasia and eye problems, like severe cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), epilepsy, and allergies.
As with any breed, it is vital to discuss your pup’s potential for developing any of these medical conditions with a veterinarian before committing to a purchase. Ensuring that both the pup’s parents have been health tested is also an important step in finding a healthy pup.
- Allergies
- Cataracts
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Epilepsy
It is recommended that you take your pup in for a full physical examination at least once a year. Puppies should also receive regular vaccinations and deworming treatments to ensure they stay healthy. Additionally, regular dental care and parasite control are key to maintaining good oral hygiene and overall well-being. Be sure to speak to your veterinarian about your pet’s specific needs.
Male vs Female
When it comes to Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog Mix dogs, there are some noticeable differences between the males and females. One of the most obvious differences is in their physical appearance. Male dogs tend to be larger and bulkier, while females are typically smaller and leaner. However, size isn’t the only thing separating the two.
Males tend to be more assertive and dominant, while females are often more nurturing and affectionate. Additionally, male dogs can be prone to marking their territory, while females are typically better behaved in this regard. Ultimately, both male and female Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog Mix dogs make great pets, but it’s important to understand these differences in order to best meet their individual needs.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog Mix
1. Many Famous People Have Owned Portie Collies
If you’ve been curious about the Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog mix, commonly known as a Portie Collie, you might be wondering if they’ve made any appearances in pop culture or media. While they may not have reached superstar status just yet, there are some notable individuals who have shared their lives with Portie Collies.
For example, photographer Elliot Erwitt famously captured his Portie Collie, named Mocha, in many of his photographs. Additionally, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory author Roald Dahl had a beloved Portie Collie named Lucy. These breeds are known for being intelligent, energetic, and affectionate, so it’s no surprise that they’ve made their way into the lives of some talented and creative people.
2. They May Be a Great Choice for People With Allergies
If you’re on the hunt for a new furry friend and suffer from allergies, you may be wondering if the Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog mix is the right choice for you. While some dog breeds are touted as hypoallergenic, it’s important to note that no dog is 100% allergen-free.
However, some breeds may produce fewer allergens than others, and it’s possible that the Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog mix falls into this category. Their thick, curly coat may shed less dander and hair than other breeds, but it’s important to spend time with the dog before committing to ensure that you don’t have an allergic reaction. Regardless of breed, maintaining good hygiene, such as frequent bathing and cleaning, can also help reduce allergens in the home.
3. They Can Make Great Service/Therapy Dogs
Are you looking for a service dog that is not only intelligent and hardworking but also affectionate and playful? Look no further than the Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog mix! This unique mix combines the herding and obedience skills of the Border Collie with the swimming and retrieving abilities of the Portuguese Water Dog, resulting in a versatile and adaptable companion.
Their strong work ethic, eagerness to please, and quick learning make them ideal candidates for service dog training. Additionally, their affectionate and loyal nature makes them wonderful companions for individuals in need of emotional support or therapy. With proper training and socialization, the Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog mix can excel in a variety of service dog roles, providing assistance and comfort to their owner.
Final Thoughts
The Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog Mix is a wonderful breed that combines two of the most intelligent, active, and hardworking breeds. Despite their high energy levels, they are friendly and loyal to their owners. They excel in activities such as herding, obedience, or agility and will thrive with an active lifestyle. This breed is the perfect companion for families, singles, or those looking for a loyal friend.
See also: Portuguese Water Dog Poodle Mix: Pictures, Info, Care Guide & More
Featured Image Credit: Left – Jennay Hitesman, Shutterstock | Right – TheOtherKev, Pixabay
