The Chow Border Collie Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Border Collie and the Chow. The Chow probably has more of a reputation for being aggressive and the Border Collie is much friendlier and people oriented. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Border Collie or the Chow? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Border Collie Chow Mix.
While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Chow Border Collie Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Chow Border Collie Mix puppies for sale.
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All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. Please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.
Border Collie History:
The Border Collie was bred to gather and control sheep in the hilly border country between Scotland and England. He is known for his intense stare, or “eye,” with which he controls his flock. He’s a dog with unlimited energy, stamina, and working drive, all of which make him a premier herding dog; he’s still used today to herd sheep on farms and ranches around the world. They were bred to literally run 15-20 miles a day for days on end all while moving sheep. They were also bred to withstand harsh weather. You might want to keep this in mind when you are looking for a companion and if you have the stamina to keep up with them.
Chow History:
The Chow Chow is thought to be well over 2000 years old. It is one of the oldest dog breeds known. Theoretically it originated from a cross of the Tibetan Mastiff and the Samoyed in the northern parts of Siberia. It resembles both the Mastiff and the Samoyed. Due to the black tongue, there is some argument as to the origin. Regardless of ancestry, the Chow Chow hails primarily from China. Where it was used for centuries as a sporting dog. It is said to have been favored by emperors and wealthy sportsmen. It is a diverse dog as it has been used as both scenting dogs and pointers. You wouldn’t think it, but they have great speed and stamina. This speed and stamina made them good at hunting birds. Their working background has shown them being used for herding, pulling and protection. Unfortunately, in the early days in China, it is well known that the Chow was an important source of food and fur. This culture was protein-starved and needed a good food and supply source. Today, the chow is easily distinguishable by its black tongue.
Border Collie
Height: 19 - 22 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 30 - 50 lb.
Lifespan: 10-17 years
Chow
Height: 18 - 22 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 44 - 70 lb.
Lifespan: 9 - 15 years
This mix has the ability to be a bit aggressive with the Chow Chow background. You are going to want to observe any puppies or dogs before you get them for aggressive behavior. You also might want to consult professional trainers as this might not be the best dog for a first time dog owner. He will need to be watched with strangers to see if he is kind and amicable towards them before he can be fully trusted. Early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack.”
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
The Chow mixed with the Border Collie might be prone to Allergies, hip dysplasia, Obesity
Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.
What are the grooming requirements?
Both of these dogs have longer coats and will probably be heavier shedders. Get ready to invest in a good vacuum and keep your floors clean anyways. Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.
What are the exercise requirements?
This is a high energy dog that will need that from an owner. As I stated previously, they were bred to work and run all day so they will not be content just laying around. Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. Don’t be surprised if it starts to herd you as the Border Collie has a very strong herding instinct. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.
What are the training requirements?
This is an extremely intelligent dog that will be easy to train, however, it might be extremely stubborn. It will need a strong, firm handler that is consistent and won’t let this dog take advantage of them. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.
A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible.
Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.