Border Collie Samoyed Mix: Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

If you’re in the market for a dog and you’ve been looking at purebred pups, you might be surprised by what you can find when searching through mixed breeds as well. The Border Collie Samoyed mix is a wonderful dog that is considered to be a good dog for first-time dog owners, thanks to its trainability and intelligence. There are lots of things to consider before bringing one home, though!

Also known as the Samollie, the Border Collie Samoyed mix is an active, happy dog that is suitable for many types of homes. These dogs are very high-energy pups, though, thanks to both parent breeds, Border Collie and Samoyed, so they are not suitable for someone who isn’t willing to put the time into meeting their physical activity and mental exercise needs. Their medium size is manageable, even for new dog owners, but they do need space to run and play. Whether you’re interested in dog sports or a dog that will happily go on hiking adventures with you, the Border Collie Samoyed mix might be the perfect dog for you!

Border Collie Samoyed Mix Breed Characteristics

Border Collie Samoyed Mix Breed Puppies

These pups are intelligent and highly trainable, even at an early age. With both parent breeds being herding breeds, there is a high likelihood of instinctual herding starting in puppyhood. Although cute, this behavior often needs to be discouraged and the pup needs to be provided with a more appropriate outlet for the instinct. Otherwise, you may end up with a dog that herds your kids, other pets, and robot vacuum!

Border Collies are consistently popular dogs, but Samoyeds are currently somewhat uncommon, although growing in popularity. It may be difficult to find one of these pups from a good place, unfortunately. Breed rescues for both parent breeds may have this mix, as well as shelters and other types of rescue organizations. In general, responsible breeders breed dogs to better their chosen breed, so responsible breeding rarely involves crossbreeding. Because of this, purchasing one of these pups from a breeder should be done with caution because there is a risk of your pup coming from a puppy mill.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Border Collie Samoyed Mix 🧠

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Yes, the Samollie can be a wonderful family dog. These dogs are laidback and friendly dogs that love to play. They are also trainable and can be quite gentle with children. It’s important, though, to discourage herding instincts around children. Herding dogs, especially Border Collies, have been known to nip at children’s heels in an effort to “herd” them.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

Border Collie Samoyed mixes are a good option for homes with other pets, especially dogs and cats. They should be socialized while young, and slow introductions are important for keeping all pets safe and comfortable, especially cats. Due to their herding instinct, there is a possibility of your new dog trying to herd other animals, so keep an eye out for this.

Things to Know When Owning a Border Collie Samoyed Mix

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Because your dog will have lots of energy and need daily exercise, they’ll need high-quality dog food. If your plan is to have your dog do a job, like herding, or extensive daily exercise, then a high-calorie, high-energy food may be necessary. This type of food is not necessary for typical daily activity, though. Avoid feeding your Samollie a grain-free food, due to concerns with heart disease. If you choose to prepare home-cooked meals for your dog, you should talk to a certified veterinary nutritionist to help guide you in creating a balanced diet for your dog.

Exercise 🐕

With the Samollie, be prepared to spend at least an hour or two every day being active with your dog. Running, jogging, long walks, hiking, bikejoring, canicross, agility, dock diving, and herding are all wonderful activities to help your pup burn energy every day. These dogs are likely to go as long as you want them to, so make sure to be cognizant of how much activity your dog has gotten, ensuring they take breaks and drink plenty of water.

Training 🎾

The Border Collie Samoyed mix is a highly trainable mix of breeds, so training is likely to be relatively easy. That doesn’t mean it won’t take effort, though! Consistency and positive reinforcement training techniques are the best ways to ensure success in training your new dog. Keep training sessions interesting and engaging. Training sessions can be a great mental outlet for these intelligent dogs, but you should also balance training with puzzles and games that work your pup’s brain.

Grooming ✂️

You should expect a heavy-shedding dog with this mix of breeds. These dogs need routine brushing to prevent matting, as well as to remove loose hair and maintain the overall health of the skin and coat. Daily or bi-daily brushing will reduce the amount of shedding your dog does in your home, making it easier to keep things clean. Visits to a professional groomer for light trims, bathing, and de-shedding every few weeks or months may be necessary to help you maintain your dog’s coat.

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Health and Conditions ❤️

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Male vs Female

Like most dog breeds, female Samollies are likely to be smaller than their male counterparts, but with these breeds, the size difference between males and females typically isn’t extreme. Females are more likely to be independent, while males are often more likely to spend lots of time with their people. However, with both of these parent breeds, both males and females are likely to be social, friendly, and loving.

3 Little-Known Facts About The Border Collie Samoyed Mix

1. Border Collies Are Intelligent

Border Collies aren’t just intelligent, but they are actually often considered to be the most intelligent dog breed. Many studies have indicated that this breed is more intelligent than others, with some Border Collies being able to learn dozens of commands and words.

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2. Samoyeds Are a Very Old Breed

Samoyed dogs are believed to have originated as a breed around 1,000 BCE, making this breed around 3,000 years old. They are named for the Samoyede people, who are semi-nomadic people located in Siberia. The Samoyede people have involved the Samoyed breed in their daily lives for thousands of years, using these dogs for herding, hunting, protection, sled-pulling, and companionship.

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3. Samollies are Cold Tolerant Dogs

Both parent breeds of the Samollie are double-coated dog breeds, giving them a somewhat water-repellent coat that provides exceptional insulation, even in cold weather. While Border Collies can tolerate very cold temperatures, the Samoyed was developed and bred within some of the harshest, coldest conditions in Siberia and the Arctic Circle.

Final Thoughts

The Border Collie Samoyed mix would make a fantastic pet for many people, but due to their exercise and mental stimulation needs, they aren’t suitable for homes that are small and whose inhabitants aren’t regularly active. They are great pets for families, even with children, but herding instincts should be discouraged toward children and other pets. They are usually a great option to introduce to homes with other pets, but early socialization is important.

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Featured Image Credit: Left – Eric Isselee, Shutterstock | Right – Barcs Tamás, Unsplash