Border Collie Pyrenees

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Border Collie Pyrenees is a cross between two superb herding and working breeds. The Border Collie, topping Cohen's rank of intelligence in dogs, has long been a favorite for herding, driving and guarding livestock due to its high natural instinct for herding and trainability. Its origins are in the area around the border of England and Scotland, and the Border Collie is excellent in activities requiring speed and agility. The Great Pyrenees, or Pyrenean Mountain Dog, is a very old breed that has been relied on for centuries for Herding and guarding livestock. It originally came from the region of the Pyrenees Mountains, in between France and Spain, and has been a herding dog for the Basque people living in the region through the years.

Color

The Border Collie Pyrenees has a double coat that is its primary protection against weather elements, its work being the in the outdoors most of the time. Coat color, if from the Great Pyrenees, will be mostly white, with just slight markings of grey or cream. The Border Collie parent will pass down more colors and color patterns, such as classic black and red tricolor, and solid colors.

Coat

The Border Collie Pyrenees may have two coat types. One is a short, smooth coat, while the other is a longer, coarser coat. Both will overlay a dense, fine undercoat, and will offer protection with growth tight and close to the skin. The longer coat is straight, or wavy at times, but never curly. A ruff, or thicker fur, may be present around the neck. This is an evolutionary measure for dogs with natural enemies that go for the neck, like the wolf.

Personality

The Border Collie Pyrenees is a great choice for a working dog, or a pet that will enjoy the outdoors and lots of activity. It was bred to live and work with its master, and will not be happy if constantly ignored, left alone, or stimulated. It is a take-charge kind of dog and considers animals and even children it has grown up with part of its herd, and therefore its responsibility. It is highly devoted and loyal to its owner, and while not out rightly aggressive, it will stand its ground and guard against strangers in its territory. It is not an ideal dog for those with a relaxed and sedentary lifestyle. Older children, with proper training, will be able to appreciate the Border Collie Pyrenees' stamina and propensity for actively enjoying the outdoors, but smaller children should be supervised with this large dog.

Care

The Border Collie Pyrenees' dense coat is an average shedder, with blowing once or twice a year. A good weekly brushing with stiff bristles will keep it clean of shed fur and be less harsh on natural coat oils than a shampoo and a bath. A working dog in most weather types, the Border Collie Pyrenees will require a bath only when the doggy smell comes through the coat. Ears should be checked for parasites and infections.

Training

The Border Collie Pyrenees is a dog that is comfortable living separately from its owner. If allowed, it will take over a household and follow its herding instinct in trying to boss around other dogs and even younger children. But it is a highly trainable and eager to please animal. Varied and reward-oriented training routines will work best and take full advantage of its tractability and quickness to learn.

Activity

A working dog, the Border Collie Pyrenees will not thrive with lack of exercise and stimulation, and will develop undesirable behavior if bored or under exercised. At least an hour of walking, jogging, running or vigorous training or games is recommended. The Border Collie Pyrenees is a highly intelligent animal, and repetition will quickly bore it. It is capable of quickly learning commands and being trained for different skills.