Bernese Mountain Dog Mixed with Border Collie: A Complete Guide

The Bernese Mountain Dog mixed with Border Collie is a unique and fascinating breed. They are often referred to as Berner Collies.

This crossbreed combines the gentle nature of the Bernese Mountain Dog with the intelligence and energy of the Border Collie. They are highly trainable and thrive on mental and physical stimulation.

Their coat can vary in length and texture, but it's often a combination of the Bernese Mountain Dog's thick coat and the Border Collie's medium-length coat. Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and tangling.

Discover more: Bernese Mountain Dog Coat

When getting a Bernese Mountain Dog mixed with Border Collie, it's essential to consider their potential health issues.

Veterinary care is crucial for this breed, but it can also be pricey, especially for large dogs.

Medications are often dispensed by weight, making them even more expensive for bigger dogs.

Before bringing home your new pet, consult a trusted veterinarian to ensure you can handle their medical needs.

It's still best to be prepared for the costs of veterinary care.

A unique perspective: Bernese Mountain Dog Care

Your Bernese Mountain Dog mixed with Border Collie needs a diet that's tailored to their unique needs. High-quality food with protein as the main ingredient is a must.

Feeding multiple small meals throughout the day is a good idea, especially for large breed dogs. This can help prevent a life-threatening medical emergency called Bloat.

You want to avoid commercial foods with filler materials like corn or animal by-products. Instead, opt for a food packed with high-quality protein.

Two meals a day is a good feeding schedule, rather than allowing your dog to free-feed. This can help prevent obesity, which is a common issue in this breed.

A food rich in glucosamine and chondroitin is a good choice, as it can help prevent joint problems. If your kibble doesn't have these ingredients, consider adding a supplement to your dog's food.

On a similar theme: How Much to Feed a Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy

Exercise and training are crucial for a happy and healthy Bernese Mountain Dog Border Collie mix.

They require at least half an hour of vigorous playtime or a long walk daily, but they can easily keep up with you on an all-day hike if needed.

Their impressive IQs make them naturals for demanding sports like agility training, and they can excel as hunting or tracking dogs.

Training is just as much about giving them something to do as it is to teach them manners, and socialization is also important from the first day you bring your puppy home.

They generally pick up on obedience training quickly and respond well to positive reinforcement training.

Beware that they can get bored easily, so vary up your routine often and consider signing up for a puppy socialization class or basic obedience class.

When it comes to temperament, some breeds are naturally more laid back than others. Bernese Mountain Dogs, for example, are known for being gentle.

Their loyal nature makes them great companions, but also means they can be protective of their family and property.

A moderate energy level means they don't need as much exercise as some other breeds, like a Border Collie.

Your Bordernese can be satisfied with a half hour of vigorous playtime or a long walk, but they can also keep up with you on an all-day hike if needed.

They're flexible with their exercise needs, making it easy to fit them into your life without drastic changes.

You can give them whatever time you can spare during the week, and then make it up to them with a weekend full of activity.

Their impressive IQs make them naturals for demanding sports like agility training, and they can easily be taught to excel as hunting or tracking dogs.

Exercise is a great way to bond with your Bordernese and provide them with mental and physical stimulation.

Socialization is also important, and you should be diligent about it from the first day you bring your puppy home.

With their people-pleasing personalities, they can generally pick up on obedience training quite quickly.

Just remember to vary up your routine often, because they can get bored easily.

For more insights, see: How Much Exercise Does a Bernese Mountain Dog Need

Grooming is a must for Bernese Mountain Dog mixed with Border Collie owners.

You'll need to brush them once a week or so, as they shed but not excessively.

Cleaning their teeth and trimming their nails regularly is a good idea, although active dogs might not need nail trimming as often.

Cleaning their ears is extremely important, especially if they've spent time in the water, as they're prone to ear infections.

You'll want to use a damp cotton ball to clean out dirt and grime at least once a week, and dry their ears after bathing or swimming.

Their long coats shed throughout the year, but especially twice a year during shedding season.

You'll need to invest in heavy-duty brushes, brooms, and a good vacuum cleaner to deal with the shedding.

If you can't tolerate dog hair on your clothes and furniture, this breed might not be for you.

You can try to reduce shedding, but you'll never be able to eliminate dog fur in your house.

You might enjoy: Bernese Mountain Dog Shedding Level

If you're looking to bring a Bernese Mountain Dog Border Collie mix into your life, you'll likely have more luck finding one through a rescue group or animal shelter than a breeder.

You can start by visiting your local animal shelter, even if they don't have a Bordernese available, the staff can take down your name and phone number in case one becomes available.

Reaching out to rescue groups that specialize in Bernese Mountain Dogs, Border Collies, or giant breed mixes is also a good idea.

Websites like Petfinder.com, Adoptapet.com, and Getyourpet.com can help you search for adoptable Bernese Mountain Dog Border Collie mixes in your region.

Adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog Border Collie mix from an animal shelter or rescue group can cost between $75 and $300, which may include basic veterinary services like spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchip, and a heartworm test.

Adoption fees can vary depending on the shelter or rescue, but this cost is generally lower than buying from a breeder.

Allie, the author, has worked in animal welfare for over ten years and has adopted many dogs herself, so she knows firsthand the joys and benefits of adopting a mixed-breed dog.

A fresh viewpoint: Bernese Mountain Dog Group

The Bernese Mountain Dog Border Collie mix is not a hypoallergenic breed, so if you suffer from allergies, this might not be the best mix for you.

Unfortunately, this means you'll need to consider other options if you're looking for a hypoallergenic dog.

The lifespan for a Bernese Mountain Dog Border Collie mix is generally between 10 and 13 years, which is a bit longer than a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog.

This extended lifespan is likely due to the mix of a giant breed with a smaller breed.

For more insights, see: Bernese Mountain Dog Age

The lifespan for a Bernese Mountain Dog Border Collie mix is generally between 10 and 13 years.

Giant breeds simply don't live as long as other dogs, so mixing a Bernese Mountain Dog with a smaller breed can extend the lifespan by a few years.

This extended lifespan is a significant advantage of mixing breeds, especially for those who want a loyal companion that will be by their side for a longer period.

Recommended read: Mini Bernese Mountain Dog Lifespan

Unfortunately, not all breeds are created equal when it comes to hypoallergenic status. The Bernese Mountain Dog Border Collie Mix is not hypoallergenic.

If you suffer from allergies, this mix might not be the best choice for you. If you're looking for a hypoallergenic breed, there are other options available.

This mix is not suitable for households with allergy sufferers. Check out our article for other options of hypoallergenic dogs.