Flat Coated Retriever Border Collie Mix
The Flat Coated Retriever Border Collie Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Border Collie and the Flat Coated Retriever. Both of these dogs are friendly and most Flat Coated Retrievers are of course bird dogs. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Border Collie or the Flat Coated Retriever? 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 Flat Coated Retriever 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 Flat Coated Retriever Border Collie Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Flat Coated Retriever Border Collie Mix or puppies for sale.
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Here are some pictures of the Flat Coated Retriever Border Collie Mix
Flat Coated Retriever Border Collie Mix History
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.
Flat Coated Retriever History:
The Flat-Coated Retriever, like virtually all dogs has a diverse lineage, their ancestry includes the Labrador, Newfoundland, spaniel-type water dogs, setter, and sheepdog. He was developed in England in the mid-1800s. The purpose of his development was to serve as a close-working shooting dog. They were used widely on British estates and were known as a “gamekeeper's dog,”Flat Coated Retriever Border Collie Mix Size and Weight
Border Collie
Height: 19 - 22 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 30 - 50 lb.
Lifespan: 10-17 years
Flat Coated Retriever
Height: 22 - 24 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 55 - 80 lb.
Lifespan: 8 - 10 years
Flat Coated Retriever Border Collie Mix Personality
The Border Collie Flat Coated Retriever is a great dog, they are very smart, loving and loyal. They are also very affectionate and friendly. They make great family pets and get along fine with other pets and kids. They were both bred to work alongside their owners and are therefore good companion dogs. This is an extroverted dog that will greet everyone with a smile. This is a high energy dog, so if you are a couch potato it is probably best to sit this one out. This is a dog that is eager to please. She does not do well being left alone though and can suffer from separation anxiety. It will need a lot of exercise so plan on having a lot of time to keep his exercise and temperament in check. 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.”
Flat Coated Retriever Border Collie Mix Health
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 Flat Coated Retriever mixed with the Border Collie might be prone to Allergies, hip dysplasia
Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.
Flat Coated Retriever Border Collie Mix Care
What are the grooming requirements?
The Border Collie is a much heavier shedder than the Flat Coated Retriever. The Flat Coated Retriever will help take some of the shedding away. They will need routine grooming and baths as needed, depending on how they feel.
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.
Flat Coated Retriever Border Collie Mix Feeding
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.