As you can probably tell from the name, the Border Collie Husky mix is a hybrid dog breed of two beloved parents: the Border Collie and the Siberian Husky.
Both breeds are renowned for their loyalty, energy, and intelligence. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that their offspring would take on the same traits.
Yet, they don’t stop there. This hybrid mix takes it a step further and has somehow managed to bring out the best of its parents while adding a few personal touches of its own to bring something truly unique to the table.
Interested in finding out more? Keep reading to discover whether this new designer dog breed is as amazing as it sounds or is simply too much to handle.
Border Collie Husky Mix Parent Breed Information
The Border Collie Husky mix is renowned for its intelligence and high levels of energy. These dogs are also very loving and friendly, which is why they make great family pets.
Yet, before we get to know more about these lovable, active dogs, here’s a bit of background info on their parents.
Border Collie
Border Collies date as far back as 43 AD in Great Britain where it’s believed they were bred from a mix of the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Roman herding dog.
It’s a fast and energetic dog breed capable of guiding its herd across rough terrain. Not only that, but it’s also been proven to be the most intelligent breed of all!
Yet, because they share a few feature traits, Border Collies often get mistaken for Australian Shepherds.
In 1995, Border Collies were recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Then, in 2019, the AKC identified the Border Collie as one of America’s most beloved dog breeds.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are believed to be one of the oldest dog breeds known to man. Having been created in Russia hundreds of decades ago, this breed was believed to have transported goods between the various indigenous tribes of Siberia.
They’re hailed for their impressive strength and tireless energy. Plus, they’re extremely loyal and intelligent, which is why they’ve become one of the world’s most popular dog breeds. In fact, Huskies rank among the most well-known mixed-breed dogs.
Border Collie Husky Mix Features
Now, let’s take a closer look at this new hybrid breed.
Size and Height
The Border Collie Husky mix is of medium build. It’s slightly taller and more muscular than its Border Collie parent, but with a more compact build than the Siberian Husky side of the family.
They can weigh anywhere between 30 and
60 pounds, while their height typically ranges between 18 and 24 inches.
Appearance
Hybrid dog species almost always look like one parent more than the other. Yet, the Border Collie Husky mix combines the best of both worlds.
It has the famous black-and-white color scheme of the Border Collie. Yet, he still manages to hold on to some of its wild and wolfish traits that give him an edgier look compared to regular collies.
Another thing they inherited from their Husky parents is their piercing blue eyes and long eyelashes. However, these dogs may occasionally appear to have two different colored eyes.
The ears on this hybrid mix are also Husky ears, which are always alert and pointed upward in anticipation.
Coat Color
The majority of the Border Collie Husky mix sports a thick double coat with a soft, fluffy undercoat.
The top coat is a handsome blend of black and white like its Border Collie parent. It can be either short or medium length and can feel either rough and bristly or smooth and silky.
Yet, sometimes you’ll have a mix that’s brown and white, rather than black. Some of them even have gorgeous red and white fur, which makes them look even more adorable!
Here are a few more color variations you can expect to see on the Border Collie Husky hybrid. While these colors are mostly rare, there are a few instances where offspring have inherited the recessive gene, giving them a unique, but equally delightful, coat color.
- Sable
- Brown
- Gray
- Saddleback sable
- Red merle
- Blue merle
Temperament
As we mentioned above, Border Collie Husky mix breeds are super smart and super active. They’re talkers and love sharing their feelings with the people they’re most comfortable with because they love being the center of attention!
It’s not a secret that these dogs need plenty of exercise and love spending lots of quality time with their owners running, playing, and having a marvelous time!
They’re also celebrated for their friendly demeanor, especially around children. So, if you’re looking for a protective and loyal addition to your family, this is it!
Another thing to keep in mind is that Border Collie Husky mixes can also be friendly toward other pets as long as they have the same level of energy and tenacity. Otherwise, any small or lazy pets should just stay out of their way or they risk getting injured.
As such, if you think you won’t be able to spend time with your dog each day or keep up with his high energy demands, then this may not be the right dog breed for you. You should look for a more laid-back dog with fewer demands.
Also, these hybrids might be a challenge for novice dog owners because they need constant care and attention.
Border Collie Husky Mix General Care
Caring for these adorable pups is no easy feat. Take a look.
Grooming
Border Collies are notorious for their extra coats that are in constant need of grooming. The same goes for Siberian Huskies, which also have a double coat that helps keep them protected from the harsh cold of the Arctic tundra.
So, it makes sense that their hybrid offspring would also have a lush double coat that requires an extensive grooming routine.
To help maintain their plush coat, Border Collie Husky mixes need to be thoroughly brushed once every 7–10 days. They also need a brief brushing in between to remove any loose fur before it ends up on your furniture.
These mixes are moderate year-round shedders. Yet, you should pay extra care to your dog’s coat grooming routine during the warmer months. Experts even recommend that, during this time, you should brush his coat every day to ensure it stays clean, healthy, and manageable.
Other grooming tasks, like nail clipping and teeth brushing, are the same as other dog breeds and should be tended to once every 3–4 weeks. In the meantime, take a look at your dog’s nails and teeth once a week to make sure everything is in good shape.
Food and Diet
Border Collie Husky mixes are a strong, robust breed that loves being active for the most part of the day. So, they need to consume a diet rich in protein, carbs, and other nutrients to ensure they’re in good health while reducing the risk of becoming overweight.
The best option is dry kibbles specifically made for medium-sized high-energy dogs. Yet, it has to be age-specific because what puppies need in their diet won’t necessarily work for adult dogs, and vice versa.
The recommended daily serving for an average Border Collie Husky mix is about 2.5–3 cups of food, depending on his age and weight.
Puppies should get three meals a day to provide them with enough nutrients for their growing bodies. As they get older, cut it back to two meals per day.
It’s true that this hybrid mix isn’t prone to obesity. Still, it’s wise to monitor his food intake and adjust when necessary to avoid other health problems that can show up over time.
Training Requirements
Because the Border Collie Husky mix is an intelligent breed, they’re easy to train. They also love being active, which means they need plenty of mental stimulation.
The best way to make the most of their training is to start as early as four weeks old. Experts recommend you start with obedience training. This type of training is all about teaching your dog basic behaviors and commands.
It’s an effective way to ensure you have proper control of your dog from a young age at any time and place.
Keep in mind that this strong-willed, highly intelligent dog responds best to positive reinforcement techniques rather than punishment. So, be prepared to give out lots of treats and cuddles.
Another point worth considering is that even though intelligence is a great quality to have in a dog, yours may use it against you if he feels he isn’t being challenged enough. That’s when he’ll get bored, which will cause him to ignore you and look around for something more interesting to do instead.
Just as teaching basic commands is important, so is socialization. The most effective way to do this is to expose your pup to other animals and humans, as well as unfamiliar situations.
Start by going out once a week for 10–15 minutes for a short walk around the block. Then, increase the time and distance bit by bit to slowly build up your pup’s confidence.
Socialization also ensures that your puppy matures into a well-behaved adult.
Border Collie Husky Mix Health Needs
Below are some of the things you need to keep in mind to keep your pooch in good health for years to come.
Physical and Mental Stimulation
Border Collie Husky hybrids aren’t necessarily high-maintenance. Yet, they do require large doses of exercise and mind games to stay active and sharp.
Take a look.
Physical Exercise
These dogs need no less than 60–90 minutes of vigorous exercise each day. This is why experts recommend owners set up a reinforced area for their Border Collie Husky breeds to run around as they please.
Having access to fresh air and a safe area to play in will keep him happy and healthy.
It’s worth noting that these mixes aren’t just energetic, they’re also super athletic. They have an impressive ability to run for miles on end without getting tired, which is why many joggers consider them to be great workout buddies.
They may even motivate you to exercise more and stay fit, thanks to their tireless bursts of energy.
Unfortunately, they don’t do well in apartments unless there’s a daily outlet for their energy. They quickly get cabin fever and start to become agitated and on edge.
While these mixes are generally affectionate and well-behaved, they can wreak havoc on your home if they don’t get the chance to stretch their legs each day.
Brain Games
Just like all high energy dogs, they also become restless and destructive when they’re bored. So, make sure to provide your Husky hybrid with plenty of mental stimulation throughout the day. Yet, this may be easier said than done.
For starters, the Border Collie is motivated by objects, whereas the Husky is driven by food. So, you have to work out what drives your pup, then use it to your advantage.
A couple of great ideas are puzzle toys filled with treats. These games help keep your pup’s mind sharp, and when he finally masters the puzzle, he gets a nice tasty treat for his hard work.
Other entertaining mind activities are tug of war, hide and seek, and obstacle courses. These not only put his problem-solving skills to the test, but they also give the two of you some great one-on-one bonding time.
Health Problems
While this hybrid breed is considered healthy overall, it’s still susceptible to certain health problems. The most common health problems they often suffer from include:
- Elbow dysplasia: abnormal development of the elbow joint
- Hip dysplasia: abnormal development of the hip joint
- Hypothyroidism
- Epilepsy
- Eye conditions, such as Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Life Expectancy
Husky Border Collie mixes can live between 10 and 12 years, which is the average range for most medium-sized dogs.
Although, with the right care, diet, and lots of TCL, you can expect them to live for a couple more years.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for an intelligent, high-energy dog that’s also loyal and affectionate, then the Border Collie Husky mix is the perfect pick for you!
Just remember that these dogs can be a handful. They love being active, so make sure you provide them with daily exercise. They also enjoy being challenged, so prepare to have some tricks up your sleeves, along with plenty of hugs and cuddles.
So, if you have the time and space, they’ll certainly reward you with their loyalty, inherited wit, and charming personalities!