Border Collie Pitbull Mix: Info, Pictures, Traits & Facts

Border Collie Pitbull mix on a hike
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Pitbulls and Border Collies are intelligent and lively dog breeds. When these two breeds are mixed, they create an energetic and active dog called the Border Collie Pitbull mix.

This unique mix combines the intelligence, agility, and work drive of the Border Collie with the Pitbull’s strength, loyalty, and protective nature. It is a highly energetic and affectionate dog that requires plenty of exercise and socialization to thrive.

Due to its unique combination of traits, this crossbreed is gaining popularity among dog lovers looking for an active and loyal companion. Stick around if you want to learn more about the Border Collie Pitbull mix!

Breed Overview

Height:17 – 22 inches
Weight:30 – 60 pounds
Lifespan:8 – 15 years
Coat Colors:Black, white, brindle, blue, blue merle, fawn, gold, red, red merle, brown, tan, or gray
Temperament:Active, affectionate, confident, energetic, fun-loving, hardworking, and intelligent
Suitable for:Experienced dog owners; active individuals or families

What Is a Border Collie Pitbull Mix?

Border Collie Pitbull mix in the forest
Image credit: keatonthegoodestboy / Instagram

The Border Collie Pitbull mix, also known as the Border Pit or Pit Collie, is a hybrid dog breed resulting from crossbreeding a purebred Border Collie and a purebred Pitbull. This mix is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and athleticism.

The Pitbull Border Collie mix has been acknowledged by the Designer Breed Registry (DBR). However, as with most mixed breeds, no established breed standards exist for this hybrid.

In the United States, “Pitbull” refers to a group of dog breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and American Bully.

It is possible to find a Border Collie Pit with any type of Pitbull parent, albeit uncommon. The combination of Border Collie and American Pit Bull Terrier is more frequently seen.

Border Collie Pitbull Mix Origin and History

The Border Collie Pitbull mix is a relatively new hybrid dog believed to have originated in the United States.

The history of this breed is not well-documented, but it is likely that they were first bred in the 1990s when crossbreeding became more popular.

The Border Collie parent of this hybrid is a herding dog that originated in the Scottish Borders in the 19th century. They were bred to herd sheep and were known for their intelligence, agility, and stamina.

Meanwhile, its Pitbull parent breed was originally bred for bull-baiting and dog fighting. However, in the early 20th century, the breed was recognized as a loyal and affectionate companion dog.

Presumably, the Border Collie Pitbull mix was bred to combine the intelligence and agility of the Border Collie with the loyalty and strength of the Pitbull.

Border Collie Pitbull Mix Appearance

Pitbull Border Collie mix tongue out
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The Border Collie Pitbull mix is a medium-sized hybrid dog that can vary in appearance depending on the traits it inherits from its parent breeds.

They usually have broad and muscular heads with slightly tapered muzzles, which can give them a strong and confident appearance.

In addition, a Pitbull mixed with Border Collie has medium-sized ears that can be either floppy or upright. Its eyes are typically almond-shaped and range in color from brown to blue.

Their coat can vary in length and texture but is usually short and smooth. As for colors, they usually come in black, white, brown, and brindle. Still, they can also exhibit blue, red, tan, and combinations of these colors.

Some Border Collie Pitbull mixes may also have markings on their coat, such as patches or spots.

To get a better idea of what a Border Collie Pitbull mix looks like, watch this video:

Border Collie Pitbull Mix: Borderbull Breed Information

Border Collie Pitbull Mix Size and Weight

The size and weight of a Border Collie Pitbull mix can vary depending on the traits it inherits from its parent breeds.

Generally, a fully-grown Border Collie Pitbull mix typically stands between 12 and 22 inches at the shoulder and weighs 30 to 60 pounds. The size and weight of this dog may vary depending on genetics, diet, and exercise.

The Border Collie parent breed is a medium-sized dog that typically weighs between 30 and 55 pounds, while the American Pitbull Terrier parent breed is a slightly larger dog that typically weighs between 55 and 70 pounds.

Hence, the size and weight of a Border Collie Pitbull mix can fall anywhere within this range.

Border Collie Pitbull Mix Temperament and Personality

Border Collie Pitbull mix resting on the grass
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The Border Collie Pitbull mix is a loyal, energetic, and intelligent breed. It is known for its high energy levels, athleticism, and strong desire to please its owners.

Because of their high intelligence, Border Pitbull mixes learn quickly and respond well to positive reinforcement training.

They enjoy learning new things and are eager to please their owners, making them great candidates for agility and obedience training.

The breed is also known for its loyalty and protective nature. It is affectionate with their families and has a strong willingness to protect them.

However, proper socialization and training are crucial to ensure the breed behaves appropriately around other people and animals. When these dogs are socialized from a young age, they are less likely to act aggressively.

Border Collie Pitbull Mix Lifespan and Health Issues

The Border Collie Pit is recognized as a healthy crossbreed thanks to the effects of hybrid vigor. Generally, it has a lifespan of 8 to 15 years, comparable to its parent breeds.

Despite being generally regarded as healthy, it’s still important to know that the Border Collie Pit may be susceptible to certain diseases inherited from either of its parent breeds.

These are typical health problems that Pitbull Border Collie mixes are prone to:

  • Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip joint does not develop properly, causing discomfort and pain for the dog. In the long run, this can lead to restricted mobility for the dog.
  • Allergies: Similar to humans, dog skin allergies can be triggered by various factors, such as food, parasites, and environmental factors. This can lead to discomfort and itchiness, which, if left untreated, may worsen and cause the dog to scratch and develop cuts.
  • Collie Eye Anomaly: Border Collie Pitbulls may inherit a genetic condition where certain parts of their eyes don’t develop properly. It’s crucial to have them tested before they reach nine weeks of age to determine if they’re affected.

While there are no established breed standards for the Pitbull Collie mix, requesting health clearances from the breeder is still advisable.

As the two parent breeds are well-established, obtaining health screenings for the Pitbull Collie mix shouldn’t be challenging.

Reputable breeders should be able to provide documentation proving their puppies’ good health, while backyard breeders and puppy mills typically cannot.

How to Take Care of Your Pitbull Border Collie Mix

Pitbull Border Collie mix on a harness
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Regardless of whether your Border Collie Pit has inherited the best genes from both parents, the daily care and attention you provide can significantly impact its overall health and well-being.

Neglecting your Border Collie Pit’s daily needs could lead to health issues, despite their healthy disposition.

As a responsible pet owner, it’s essential to provide the necessary care and attention to ensure your furry friend remains happy and healthy.

Here are some simple tips on how to care for a Pitbull Border Collie mix:

Food and Diet

Pitbull Border Collie mixes require high-quality food suitable for their size and age to prevent potential health problems.

When selecting dog food, seeking the AAFCO-approved label is important. This certification guarantees that the food is nutritionally “complete and balanced” for your dog’s specific age.

Since both parent breeds are susceptible to gaining weight, regulating your Pitbull Border Collie mix’s meal portions and treats is essential. Dogs of their size usually consume two to two and a half cups of food each day.

In addition, as they are energetic dogs, always provide them with fresh water. If you have any questions about their diet or feeding schedule, it is best to consult your veterinarian.

Cleaning and Grooming

Border Collies have long, double coats, while Pitbulls have short and flat coats, making their coats completely different.

Pitbull Border Collie mix may have a coat similar to either parent or a combination of both. Regardless, brushing their coat at least twice a week is important to maintain their health and cleanliness.

If your dog has a longer coat, giving them a quick daily brushing is best. This can also help manage your dog’s shedding.

Additionally, regularly clean your dog’s ears, trim their nails, and take care of their oral hygiene. Doing so will prevent infections caused by the buildup of dirt and bacteria on their ears and teeth.

Developing good grooming habits for your Pitbull Border Collie mix during their puppyhood will prevent diseases and keep them comfortable in their everyday life.

It’s also a good idea to take them to professional groomers occasionally to make grooming easier.

Training and Exercise

Border Collie Pits are highly motivated to please their humans and will go to great lengths. To take advantage of this trait, begin training them at an early age.

This will help channel their abundant energy positively and ensure they become well-behaved and obedient companions.

But while Border Collie Pits are generally receptive to learning, patience is important when training them. Positive reinforcement techniques are highly recommended.

Healthy treats can be used as motivators to keep their attention during training sessions.

Border Collie Pits can also thrive with a variety of exercises, but it’s important to ensure that their physical activities are appropriate for their age and energy level.

As they go through different development stages, preventing injuries is crucial. Consulting with a veterinarian can provide guidance on suitable exercises for your Border Collie Pit at various stages of its life.

How Much Does a Border Collie Pitbull Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

The price of a Border Collie Pitbull mix depends on several factors, such as your location and the breeder’s reputation. Generally, the cost of buying this crossbreed from a reputable breeder would range from $700 to $1,500.

However, acquiring the puppy is just the start, as there are additional expenses associated with owning a Border Pit. Along the way, you will have to spend on other necessities, such as dog food, beds, and a dog license.

Below is a summary of the initial expenses associated with owning a Border Collie Pitbull mix puppy:

Type of ExpenseCost
Food and Treats$70 – $110
Bowls$10 – $30
Toys$30 – $60
Beds$40 – $200
Collars and Leashes$15 – $50
Crates and Carriers$50 – $370
Grooming Essentials$50 – $160
Initial Vet Visits$100 – $500
Initial Vaccine Shots$50 – $200
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications$40 – $300
Neutering or Spaying$50 – $500
Microchipping$40 – $60
Dog License$10 – $20
Other Essentials$20 – $50
Total Initial Cost$505 – $2,710

In addition to the items listed above, investing in pet insurance for your Border Pit is recommended due to its high activity levels, which may lead to injuries. The typical cost of pet insurance ranges from $30 to $50.

Places to Find Border Collie Pitbull Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Pitbull Border Collie mix front profile
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Since Border Collie Pitbull mixes are newer breeds, it may take more effort to find them due to a limited number of reputable breeders. There are no clubs dedicated to them like there are for more established breeds.

Nevertheless, we’ve listed a few reputable places where you can find Border Pits for sale. 

Here are reputable platforms to find Border Pit puppies for sale:

  • AKC Marketplace – This platform is the way to go if you are looking for reputable breeders. Although it advertises purebred dogs, you may still want to check on the Border Collie and Pitbull breeders on this site, as they might have a Border Pit mix for sale.
  • Greenfield Puppies – The website features advertisements for both purebred and mixed-breed dogs, including Pitbull Border Collie mixes. If you come across a mix that interests you, you can contact the breeder directly, as their contact information is available on each puppy’s information page.
  • Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies is another platform that markets mixed-breed puppies for sale. They have specific categories for Border Collie mixes and Pitbull mixes, making it feasible to discover a Border Pit on their website.

If you do not want to buy, the other option is to adopt. You can visit nearby shelters to find a Border Collie Pitbull mix.

You can also check these rescue organizations for a Border Collie Pit mix in need of a new home:

  • Blue Ridge Border Collie Rescue – This organization rescues Border Collies and Border Collie mixes in several states, including Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the District of Columbia. The standard adoption fee in this rescue is $300.
  • Pit Bull Rescue Central (PBRC) – PBRC is a volunteer group in the United States that helps Pitbulls and Pitbull mixes by assisting other rescue organizations and foster homes in finding new homes. All their rescued dogs are health-checked and behaviorally trained.
  • Petfinder – Petfinder also has listings of Pitbulls, Border Collies, and their mixes from different rescues and shelters throughout the United States. In addition, details of the organization handling the dog are included on their information page.

Remember that if you’re planning to adopt a dog instead of buying one, you should be prepared to adopt an adult dog since finding rescued puppies can be more challenging.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Pitbull Border Collie Mix

Owning a Border Collie Pitbull mix comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.

While their affectionate and loyal nature makes them excellent companions, their high energy levels and needs for exercise may pose a challenge for some pet owners.

Understanding the pros and cons of owning a Border Collie Pitbull mix can help determine if this breed fits you and your lifestyle.

Here are some of the advantages of owning a Border Pit mix:

  • Affectionate and loyal: Border Collie Pitbull mixes are highly affectionate and loyal towards their owners, forming strong bonds with their families.
  • Intelligent and trainable: Border Collies and Pitbulls are known for their intelligence and trainability, and Border Collie Pitbull mixes are no exception. They can excel in obedience training, agility, and other activities.
  • Active and athletic: Border Collie Pitbull mixes are highly active and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. This makes them great companions for individuals who enjoy hiking, running, and other outdoor activities.
  • Protective: Due to their Pitbull ancestry, Border Collie Pitbull mixes can be protective of their families, making them excellent guard dogs.

Meanwhile, here are some of the disadvantages of owning a Border Pit mix:

  • Prone to the health issues of its parent breeds: Like all dogs, Border Collie Pitbull mixes can be prone to specific health issues, such as hip dysplasia, allergies, and skin conditions. They may develop any of the health issues of their parent breeds.
  • High exercise needs: Border Collie Pitbull mixes are highly active and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. This can be a challenge for owners who cannot provide enough exercise or mental stimulation for their dogs.
  • Strong prey drive: Due to their Border Collie ancestry, Border Collie Pitbull mixes can have a strong prey drive and may chase after small animals like squirrels and cats.
  • Not ideal for first-time dog owners: Due to their high energy levels and strong personalities, Border Collie Pitbull mixes may not be suitable for first-time dog owners or individuals not experienced with training and socializing dogs.

Border Collie Pitbull mixes can make great companions for individuals who can provide them with plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization.

However, they may not be the best fit for all households, and potential owners should carefully consider the pros and cons before deciding to bring a Border Collie Pitbull mix into their home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Border Collie Pitbull mix getting some vitamin D
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Are Border Collie Pitbull Mixes Good Family Dogs?

Border Collie Pitbull mixes can make good family dogs. However, proper training and socialization are important, as they can be wary of strangers and other animals if not properly socialized from a young age.

They may also have a strong prey drive due to their Border Collie ancestry, which can make them prone to chasing after small animals.

In addition, because of their high energy levels, Border Collie Pitbull mixes may not be the best fit for families with young children or elderly family members who cannot keep up with their energy levels.

Are Border Collie Pitbull Mixes Aggressive?

Border Pits are not inherently aggressive. However, like all dogs, they need to be socialized, trained, and cared for properly to keep them from becoming aggressive.

If a Border Pit is not socialized properly, it may become fearful or aggressive toward other dogs or people.

They may also exhibit aggressive behaviors towards small animals due to their strong prey drive.

Do Border Collie Pitbull Mixes Shed?

Border Collie Pitbull mixes shed moderately, but regular grooming and proper nutrition can help to reduce shedding and keep their coat healthy and shiny.

They are known for their double coats, which consist of a dense undercoat and a longer, coarser topcoat. Meanwhile, Pitbulls have short, smooth coats that do not require much grooming.

The coat of a Border Collie Pitbull mix can be a combination of these traits, resulting in a coat that may shed moderately.

Are Border Collie Pitbull Mixes Hypoallergenic?

Border Collie Pitbull mixes are not typically recommended for those with dog allergies since they are not considered hypoallergenic dogs.

If you are considering a Border Collie Pitbull mix and have allergies, it is important to spend time with the dog before bringing them into your home and to take steps to reduce allergens in your environment.

Final Thoughts

A Border Collie Pitbull mix would make an excellent pet for families who enjoy outdoor activities.

Nonetheless, although they can adapt to any environment, this mixed breed is more suitable for homes with yards where they can play and run around due to their energy.

They require significant time and attention in addition to their physical and mental needs. As social dogs, they should not be left alone for extended periods.

Do you think this Border Collie Pitbull mix is the right pet for your family? Let us know in the comments below!

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