Rat Terrier Border Collie Mix
The Rat Terrier Border Collie Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Border Collie and the Rat Terrier. Both of these dogs are friendly but are actually rather different breeds. This is of course accomplished by breeding the male Rat Terrier with the Female Border Collie What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Border Collie or the Terrier? 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 Terrier or 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 Terrier Border Collie Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Terrier Border Collie Mix or puppies for sale.
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Here are some pictures of the Rat Terrier Border Collie Mix
Rat Terrier 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.
Rat Terrier History:
This is an American bred dog bred to be a working dog. Being that they are so small, they were bred to act as a hunter and a farm dog to hunt pests like rats and other vermin. They needed them to be fast and able to catch animals as quick as rabbits. Today the Rat Terrier is a stubborn but intelligent dog who is wary of strangers. While they will be good with a family even if not properly socialized they may be aggressive to other pets and strangers. They have a lot of courage and are very good at detecting the mood you are in. They want to please and are affectionate but he needs a lot of exercise or he can become poorly behaved.
Rat Terrier Border Collie Mix Size and Weight
Border Collie
Height: 19 - 22 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 30 - 50 lb.
Lifespan: 10-17 years
Terrier
Height: 10 - 18 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 10 - 24 lb.
Lifespan: 15 - 18 years
Rat Terrier Border Collie Mix Personality
Like all hybrids, you have to look to the parents to get a good read on how they will likely behave. The Border Collie is one of the sweetest dogs you will ever encounter and the Rat Terrier can be a little more feisty for a small guy. This should make a very friendly, family oriented dog. If it takes after the Rat Terrier, they might be an alpha with a strong personality and needs a strong owner with experience who can set themselves as pack leader. Even though they are small they can be feisty little guys. Just because they are small doesn’t mean they don’t want to be in charge. They should get along well with other animals if exposed and socialized properly as well. They are somewhat capable of independence, or alone time when the house is noisy or full. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you.
Rat Terrier 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 Terrier mixed with the Border Collie might be prone to Potential for allergies, epilepsy, hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy
Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.
Rat Terrier Border Collie Mix Care
What are the grooming requirements?
The Border Collie and the Terrier are both pretty moderate shedders. The Rat Terrier should take away some of the more aggressive shedding tendencies from the Border Collie. 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.
Rat Terrier 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.