29 Adorable Border Collie mixes that will steal your heart

With the Border Collie’s title as the most intelligent dog and it’s impressive qualities, it’s no wonder that they make an ideal candidate for crossbreeding.

We provided a list of cute mixes made by combining the Border Collie (BC) and other loveable canine breeds.

The Pros and Cons of a purebred Border Collie

Borders are known for their working and herding skills. Their intense stare, which is also called “the eye,” partnered with their crouching walk, is how they control sheep or any livestock they have to herd. They also excel in numerous canine sports like obedience, tracking, agility, flyball, and flying disc competitions.

It’s easy to assume that a smart dog with a hardworking drive, stamina, and unlimited energy would make the perfect pet.

But these outstanding traits can impressively hide the disadvantage of owning a Border Collie.

A purebred Border is demanding when it comes to mental and physical stimulation. They also need an owner who’s not only knowledgeable about their needs but also has a calm yet consistent approach.

This breed is also sensitive (you can say responsive) that if they get misunderstood and not be able to work off its energy, it may lead to serious behavioral issues.

Aggression may develop that its herding instinct will be redirected to anything that moves, like kids and other pets.

Some have their nipping behaviors stuck that it’s very challenging to stop. Border Collies can also have chronic eating disorders when they get restless. Others may display over-sensitivity, learn how to outthink you, or become highly territorial.

Here’s a short video showing what it’s like to have a pure Border Collie and why this breed is not for everyone.

Why get a Border Collie mix?

Since Borders are not ideal for first-time dog owners, or if you think they’re a bit extreme and that you won’t be able to keep up with how active they are, turn to their crossbreeds.

A Border Collie can be intense, but other famous purebreds are crossed with them to strike a balance.

These mixes are more easy-going, calmer, but they’re also highly intelligent and cute! All you have to do is research to know which one suits your lifestyle.

A list of Border Collie mixes

To help with your hunt for a dog that has the characteristics of a Border Collie but is milder and also has the traits of another breed you like, you should check out these hybrids.

We’re not sticking with “the common” or “the best” Border Collie mixes. We believe that these fur angels deserve to be known. Let’s see how they compare in terms of looks, size, personality, and health.

Border Collie & Labrador Retriever mix (AKA Borador)

Mixing the smartest breed with the most popular one, and you’ll get the Labrador and Border Collie cross. Also called Labracollie, they’re highly intelligent, family-friendly, and eager to please – just like their parents.

Border Collie & Golden Retriever mix (AKA Golden Border Retriever)

Borders crossed with an all-time-favorite family dog is a fantastic idea! Like Golden Retrievers, the Golden Border Collie is making its way to homes and our hearts. Even if they’re devoted workers, they have time for some fun and quality time with owners.

Border Collie & Australian Shepherd mix (AKA Border Aussie)

The parents of the Border Aussie are some of the best herding breeds, which makes this hybrid excellent in this line of work as well. Although they can inherit the same energy and personality of Borders and Aussies, they often have a quiet and calm disposition.

Border Collie & German Shepherd mix (AKA Shollie)

Shollies may not be as popular as other Border mixes, but they got the impeccable intelligence, loyalty, and trainability of its breed parents. They can be fierce and protective, but very loving when it comes to family.

Border Collie & Blue Heeler mix (AKA Border Heeler)

The Border Heeler or Blue Collie also has parents that are excellent herding dogs – the Border Collie and the Australian Cattle Dog. Their popularity in canine sports is rising, so it’s perfect active owners who enjoy having their dog compete.

Border Collie & Poodle mix (AKA Bordoodle)

Formerly known as Borderdoodle, this Poodle-Border Collie cross is one of the most obedient hybrids. Even if the Poodle is known for its hypoallergenic coat, keep in mind that Borders are shedders. There’s no guarantee that this designer dog is allergy-friendly, but it’s possible.

Border Collie & Doberman Pinscher mix (AKA Dobie)

Doberman Collies are medium to large dogs that are just like the Border Collie and Doberman – smart, work-driven, and athletic. This mixed breed is for those who are looking for a partner in guarding, police, or military work.

Border Collie & Cocker Spaniel mix (AKA Border Collie Cocker)

Also known as Collie Spaniel, this is an enthusiastic designer breed. Its purpose is to protect, provide companionship, and to herd. Fair warning – it has a big, booming bark. They love being with their pack and is one way to keep that annoying barking at bay.

Border Collie & Beagle mix (AKA Border Beagle)

You can also call this hybrid doggo as the Collie Beagler. If Border Collies are top-notch herding dogs, Beagles are some of the best scent hounds. Combining those skills and it can give you an unpredictable canine buddy. No worries, they’re affectionate, playful, enthusiastic, and fun-loving. It’s a companion worth having!

Border Collie & Jack Russell Terrier mix (AKA Border Jack)

A Border Collie-Jack Russell Terrier cross may have the same energy that Borders have, but they require less physical and mental stimulation daily – about 30 to 40 mins. Even so, they’re very athletic and agile like their parents.

Border Collie & Pit Bull Terrier mix (AKA Border Pit)

Pit Bulls may have a bad reputation, but they’re actually one of the sweetest dogs that anyone can have! Plus, they’re alert and versatile, making them a befitting breed to mix with Borders. Border Pits or Pit Collies are gaining popularity as a family companion, as well as a herding and guarding dog.

Border Collie & Pointer mix (AKA Border Pointer)

The Border Point designer breed is a medium-sized pooch that’s sturdy, skilled in hunting and tracking, and great herders, too. They also have a quiet, focused demeanor, which makes them a fitting guard dog.

Border Collie & Dalmatian mix (AKA Bodacion)

A Dalmatian combined with the Border Collie isn’t an obvious mix, which makes them reasonably rare. But, in addition to being a great family companion, the Bodacion is a fantastic working hybrid.

Border Collie & Great Pyrenees mix (AKA Border Pyrenees)

Another rare crossbreed is the Great Pyrenees-Border Collie cross. They’re highly intelligent like Borders, but thanks to the Pyrenees’ side, they thrive as nanny dogs due to their sweet disposition.

Border Collie & Bernese Mountain Dog mix (AKA Bordernese)

With the difference of its parents’ size, the Bordernese can be a medium or large crossbreed. Although they’re great with any household, both the Border Collie and Bernese Mountain Dog are both shedders, and they’ll likely have a fluffy, thick coat. They’re more suitable to live somewhere colder.

Border Collie & American Eskimo mix (AKA Ski-Border)

The American Eskimo-Border cross is inherently friendly and smart. All they need is care and affection, and it will be hard to go wrong with this hybrid.

Border Collie & Newfoundland mix (AKA Border Newfie)

If you’re okay with a large designer dog, then we recommend the Border Collie Newfie cross. This fluffy pooch is not just an excellent herder like its parents, they’re great for families too, thanks to the calm and eager to please demeanor of the Newfoundland.

Border Collie & Shetland Sheepdog mix (AKA Border Sheepdog)

Shelties, just like its name, are bred as sheepdogs. So, you can expect the Border Sheltie to be a talented herder, as well. They’re a relatively new crossbreed, and their appearance can widely vary. The important thing is they’re agile, energetic, and athletic herding canines.

Border Collie & Schnauzer mix (AKA Border Schnollie)

This designer dog started with a cross between Borders and Standard Schnauzers. They got so popular that Schnollies now have a miniature and giant version! Like Border Collies, they’re energetic and athletic. Their versatility expands from herding and guarding, to flushing out vermin.

Border Collie & Corgi mix (AKA Borgi)

Let’s not forget the world’s favorite short-legged, butt-wiggling Corgis! Cross them with Border Collies, and they produce the Borgis. This mix is the perfect combination of adorable and intelligence.

Border Collie & Great Dane mix (AKA Great Collie)

Great Collies takes after its parents – confident, smart, loyal, and devoted. Although Great Danes are friendly, expect the high energy of the Border Collie and that this mix may be wary of strangers. The alertness can be used as an advantage for this breed to be a good watchdog.

Border Collie & English Springer Spaniel mix (AKA Border Springer)

Also known as Sprollies, this hybrid has parents who are both intelligent and active. To keep its personality a bit mellow (thanks to the Springer’s side), they tend to be fun-loving and cheerful. They’re new to the canine world, but they can surely do what Borders and Springers can do.

Border Collie & Brittany mix (AKA Border Collie Brit)

Borcolliebrits are exuberant. Originating from the Border Collie and Brittany breed, they also have high stamina and independence. They’re social butterflies that are responsive and loves being surrounded by family members.

Border Collie & Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix (AKA Border Staffy)

A fitting guardian and watchdog, the Collie Bull Staffy is the protective and affectionate mix that is just that. Watch out as they can be stubborn and annoying barkers. If you’re an experienced dog owner and can face up the challenge, then the Border Staffy Terrier might be the mix for you.

Border Collie & Boxer mix (AKA Boxollie)

Both the Boxer and Border Collie are friendly that we can expect the same for their Boxollie offspring. Even if Boxers are quite known for being aggressive, the truth is, they’re very kind. With the right owner and loving treatment, this crossbreed will excel in what they’re parents are good at.

Border Collie & English Setter mix (AKA English Borsetter Collie)

This is one of the most uncommon crossbreeds of the Border Collie. Even so, it will still inherit the English Setter and Border’s energy and work-drive. Borsetters are also calm and loving but may get all barky and nippy due to the herding tendencies from its parents. Nothing can’t be overcome by socialization and training.

Border Collie & Saint Bernard mix (AKA Border Collie Bernard)

Aside from being intelligent, they can also be protective yet gentle. The Border Collie Bernard is a friendly dog that also excels in canine sports and other work than just herding, such as search and rescue.

Border Collie & Afghan Hound mix (AKA Afghan Collie)

Just like its parents, Afghan Collies are intelligent, dependable, loyal, good with kids and hard workers. Afghans tend to be stubborn, but the good thing is that Borders love pleasing its owners, so it balances that trait.

Border Collie & Siberian Husky mix (AKA Border Collsky)

Crossing the Border Collie and Husky makes an intelligent and athletic designer pooch that will do best in cold climates. They have this can-do attitude and are agile. This designer dog is always going to be up for new tasks and tricks!

Buying Border Collie mixed puppies

Going for a crossbreed means you’re okay with surprises as they can inherit most physical traits and personality from one parent or both. You have to know which red flags to watch out for and what are the signs that you’re speaking to a responsible breeder.

Unlike with purebred Border Collies, mixed breeds are unpredictable. So, if a breeder guarantees that the puppy you’re interested in will act or look a certain way, that’s not a good sign. NO ONE will be able to predict specific attributes in any puppy.

Grab the opportunity to visit where the puppies are born and raised, where they live or stay, see their parents and siblings, as well as review their family’s medical history.

Health clearances should be issued by a licensed vet and that there are no hidden illnesses before you bring home the pup. These Border Collie mixes are generally healthy, but they can inherit diseases that are common with their purebred parents. It’s still best to be safe than sorry.

Others may think that questionnaires and contracts are useless when purchasing a puppy. It’s one of the ways that would show that the breeder cares for their dogs. They’d be asking questions and have a contract that indicates anything that can affect the puppy throughout its life.

Be prepared to answer questions, and don’t hesitate to ask anything as well. Reputable breeders would consider you as a potential buyer if you show how much you want and care about having a pet.

Border Collie mix breeders and rescue

The easiest way to find pure and mixed Border Collie puppies for sale is online.

Marketplaces like Lancaster Puppies, Keystone Puppies, and Greenfield Puppies are just a few of the sites that you can start your search on.

Border Collie mixes’ cost can vary. The factors that can affect their price are the parental breeds (and how much they are), location, and sometimes, even their age. Generally, puppies would have an amount of $300 and above.

But we encourage you to consider adoption as well, which is way cheaper. There are a lot of hybrids that end up in shelters because their previous owners didn’t like how they turned out in terms of looks or temperament. The Border Collies in Need and the Border Collie Save & Rescue offer purebred Borders and mixes.

Come By Border Collie Rescue is an organization that also has purebred and crossbreed Border Collies that were rescued in the Midwest. It includes the states of Tennessee, Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois.

Is a Border Collie mix suited for you?

First-time and experienced dog owners should learn about the breed they want, whether it’s pure or mixed. With Border Collie crossbreeds, prepare yourself as they will still inherit the Border’s intelligence and sheer energy.

Again, all these designer dogs are wonderful, and there’s still more out there. If you want to let us know your favorite or if we missed a Border Collie hybrid, leave a comment below!