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English Borsetter Collie (English Setter & Border Collie Mix)

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By Nicole Cosgrove

the parent breeds of English Setter and Border Collie

Height: 18-26 inches
Weight: 35-65 pounds
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Colors: White, blue, brown, black
Suitable for: Active families, those looking for a loving and loyal pup
Temperament: Loyal, intelligent, loving, energetic

The English Borsetter Collie is a bit of a tongue twister that, strangely, resembles the hybrid. He has the friendly and good nature of the English Setter combined with the Border Collie’s intense energy. Both parent breeds are dogs that need a job. No, they must have a job. The former is a herder that exceeds in this role. The latter is a pointer that finds game and alerts the hunter.

Both of these breeds give the English Borsetter Collie a keen sense of his surroundings. He knows what’s going on around him. Those qualities fuel his intelligence and alertness, which are things you need to know as a pet owner. They are valuable clues of what you must know to train your pooch and have a good relationship with him.

That said, the English Borsetter Collie is a handsome dog. He combines the best elements of both parent breeds. That makes him an excellent choice for active families. He will keep up with the kids and be a faithful hunting companion in the field for Dad. The hybrid is a mix of a popular and more obscure breed that makes a winning match.

 

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English Borsetter Collie Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

The English Borsetter is a spirited dog that needs room to roam and expend his energy. However, he’s not a pet to leave in the yard to work it out himself. He loves companionship and wants to spend his time with you. He’s playful but also laid-back. He does take playtime too intensely. He just wants to have fun.

The English Setter in this pup has a strong prey drive. He also has a keen sense of smell to match. You’ll need to keep an eye on this one. For that reason, along with his high wanderlust potential, we don’t recommend letting him off-leash1. If there’s an opportunity to run, he’ll take it. This pooch also has a tendency to bark. After all, that was part of his job as a pointer-hunting dog.

The English Borsetter has a higher propensity toward being nippy. Again, it’s a throwback to his hunting and herding background. Potential pet owners must control this bad habit earlier to avoid problems later in adulthood. Equally important is socialization to cultivate proper canine manners with other dogs and people.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the English Borsetter Collie

1. Robert Burn, the Scottish poet, revered the Border Collie.

The Scottish poet, Robert Burns, adored his Border Collie, Luath. The Burns Memorial Association of Boston honored the pair with a bronze memorial erected on the Fenway. Scotland also lauded its famous bard with its statue at the Greyfriers Church in Dumfries.

2. The English Setter is one of the founding breeds of the AKC.

The first round of breeds recognized by the AKC occurred in 1878. Along with the English Setter, the Cocker Spaniel and Chesapeake Bay Retriever joined the ranks.

3. There’s a good reason for the English Setter’s curious name.

The hunting style of the English Setter is best described as a pointer. They do the reconnoitering in the field first for upland game birds. When the pup found his quarry, he would plop down or set, hence, the name.

Parent Breeds of English Borsetter Collie
Image Credit to: Jumpstory

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Temperament & Intelligence of the English Borsetter Collie 🧠

The parent breeds are polar opposites of each other. The Border Collie is observant and quick to act. He’s remarkably intelligent with always a watchful eye surveying his world. The English Setter, on the other hand, is a gentle soul. He is calm and mellow. It’s a roll of the dice to see which one will be dominant in your pup.

In any case, expect a friendly and affectionate pet that will even welcome new friends and visitors into your home. Neither parent breed is stubborn or willful. Instead, the English Borsetter Collie is an easygoing dog who is eager to please his owner. The Border Collie in him is energetic, while the English Setter is more than happy to spend the day binge-watching your favorite shows on the couch with you.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The English Borsetter Collie is an excellent choice for the family pet. He is very kid-friendly with the energy to keep up with fun. The breed standards for both the English Setter and Border Collie recognize their gentle nature with no signs of aggression or shyness. Early socialization, of course, is imperative with this pup or any dog.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Life with other pets might border on being problematic with the English Borsetter Collie, depending on the animal. The pup can do well with other dogs, especially if you introduce him early to other canines. The strong prey drive in the English Setter will prove annoying for the family cat. If she runs, he will chase her, which can add to your worries.

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Things to Know When Owning an English Borsetter Collie

The English Borsetter Collie is generally a healthy dog. Other than a moderate tendency of separation anxiety, he isn’t a needy pooch. However, both parent breeds are sensitive canines that don’t respond well to harsh words. Neither one is an ideal choice for the first-time pet owner, either. This pup requires the firm handling and patience of someone who has experience with dogs.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

A medium-sized dog like the English Borsetter Collie needs a food meant for a pup of his stature. Different breeds mature at varying rates. This pooch will grow relatively quickly but not as fast as a smaller one like a Papillon. Puppies need more frequent meals than adults to support this accelerated growth rate. Plan on two or three meals a day. You can cut it back to two once he’s an adult.

Surprisingly, the English Borsetter Collie has a tendency to gain weight, despite his activity level. Therefore, you should monitor his body condition closely and reduce his intake if his waistline disappears. Obesity increases his risk of several chronic health issues and can lower his quality of life.

Exercise 🐕

Regular exercise is imperative with an English Borsetter Collie. Plan on at least an hour or two of activity every day. It’s also an excellent time to bond with your pet and practice his social skills on walks. Luckily, he is a playful pup that will make your task easy. You’ll find that he is always ready for a game of fetch.

Training 🦮

Both parent breeds are intelligent dogs, with the Border Collie one of the smartest you’ll see. Your English Borsetter Collie will quickly pick up new tricks and commands. While that’s a good thing, it is also a double-edged sword. It means that your pup may get bored quickly. That’s why it’s critical to engage him in different activities to keep him mentally stimulated.

Grooming ✂️

The English Borsetter Collie requires a moderate amount of grooming, no matter which breed is dominant. The English Setter’s coat is fine and silky, which can mat easily if neglected. The Border Collie, on the other hand, has a denser coat that needs regular brushing to keep it looking its best. We also suggest checking his ears occasionally and cleaning them as necessary.

Health and Conditions ❤️

While there are few glaring health issues with the English Borsetter Collie, there are a few conditions that all breeds of this size share. Fortunately, screenings exist to identify them early. We strongly urge you to only buy your pet from a breeder that takes these precautions. Routine vet care is essential with annual visits to monitor your pet’s health.

Minor Conditions
  • Gum disease
  • Deafness
  • Ear infections
Serious Conditions
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
  • Heart issues
  • Collie eye anomaly

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Male vs Female

Both male and female English Borsetter Collies make delightful pets. The difference comes down to whether you want to breed your pup. Bear in mind that it is a serious undertaking with added health risks for your pooch. However, the question to spay or neuter your dog isn’t an easy one, either. These pets have a higher risk of obesity because of a change in their metabolism.

There are also other health issues you should know about that may affect your decisions. Research has shown that your dog may have a longer lifespan. However, it also comes with a heightened risk of some types of cancer. We recommend that you talk the matter over with your veterinarian about whether it’s wise or when to schedule the surgery.

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Final Thoughts

The English Borsetter Collie is a pet that is suitable for almost any household. He is sure to bring love and joy to all family members. While the pup has his quirks, he also has a pleasing disposition and temperament. He is easy to train with proper guidance and will make an excellent companion, whether you’re walking the trails or strolling the neighborhood.

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Featured Image Credit to| Left: Sokolovskayag, Shutterstock; Right: JessicaMcGovern, Shutterstock

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