The Border Collie Pyrenees hybrid’s history is not well documented, but we can look at the histories of its parent breeds, the Border Collie and the Great Pyrenees. The Border Collie is an English breed that possibly dates back to the first century. It is believed that invading Romans introduced larger shepherding types, which were then crossed with spitz-type dogs brought by the Vikings. These dogs were developed in the highlands of Scotland, England, and Wales to be strong and sturdy for herding sheep. While they may still be used for herding today, most people keep them as companions and for security. The AKC recognized this breed in 1995.
On the other hand, the Great Pyrenees was developed for herding purposes in the Pyrenees Mountains of Northern Spain and Southern France as early as the 1400s. These massive dogs were used to protect sheep on mountainous terrain. They gained popularity in the 1600s among the French nobility and even caught the attention of the Grand Dauphin. The Great Pyrenees shares ancestry with other large, white livestock guardian dogs from various parts of Europe, as well as the St. Bernard and Newfoundland. The AKC recognized this breed in 1933.
Both parent breeds have dense, thick coats, which require only light maintenance.
Below, we look at Border Collie Pyrenees dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Border Collie Pyrenees, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Border Collie Pyreneess!
| Dog Breed | Border Collie Pyrenees |
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 30-120 lbs (average) |
| Height | 20-32″ (average) |
| Location | Unknown |
| Ancestry | Border Collie, Great Pyrenees |
| Date of Origin | Unknown |
| Group | Companion, Guard Dog |
| Life Expectancy | 11-15 years |
| Price | $600 – $800 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The Border Collie parent breed has a long history dating back to the first century. It originated when the Romans brought larger shepherd dog breeds to England for herding livestock. Later, the Vikings introduced smaller spitz-like breeds and crossed them with the existing shepherding dogs to create a breed similar to the Border Collie we know today. The Border Collie became smaller and more agile, making them well-suited for herding in the highlands of Scotland and Wales.
The Great Pyrenees parent breed is believed to have appeared in Europe between 1800 and 1000 B. C. It is thought to have originated in Central Asia or Siberia, eventually migrating to Europe with the Aryans. Fossilized remains of mastiff-type dogs, which are believed to be ancestors of the Great Pyrenees, have been found along the coasts of the North Sea and Baltic Sea. These remains were discovered in the oldest strata containing evidence of domesticated dogs. The Great Pyrenees is closely related to the Italian Maremma Sheepdog and the Hungarian Kuvasz. They were traditionally tasked with guarding flocks from wolves, bears, and other predators in the Pyrenees Mountains, which stretch along the border of France and Spain. With their exceptional sense of smell, hearing, and vision, along with their thick fur and spiked collars, they were highly valued as working dogs and companions.
🐕 Border Collie Pyrenees Appearance
The Border Collie Pyrenees hybrid is a big dog that weighs more than 65 pounds and can have characteristics from either or both of the parent breeds. It is a mix between the Border Collie and the Great Pyrenees. With a coat that can be long and coarse or short and smooth, and a deep undercoat that shields them from lower temperatures, the hybrid will have a powerful, sturdy, and well-proportioned physique. They are also weather resistant. The coat might be white, grey, or cream in color or black and red tricolor. The medium-sized ears were borne upright, semi-erect, or near to the head. The eyes might be oval or almond-shaped and either rich brown or blue. The look on the face might be sophisticated, clever, and thoughtful or sophisticated, attentive, eager, and interested. There are two ways to carry a loaded tail: low and over the back. The skull’s breadth and length are almost equal, and it has a robust snout with snugly fitting lips and a scissor bite. The toes are highly arched, the feet are rounded, closely cupped, and well-padded.
| 👀 Eye Color | Varies |
| 🐽 Nose Color | N/A |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Ranges |
⚡ Fun Fact: Border Collie Pyrenees dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Border Collie Pyrenees
The temperament of any or both of the parent breeds, the Border Collie and the Great Pyrenees, can be inherited by the Border Collie Pyrenees. He may be attentive, active, intellectual, devoted, caring, responsive, kind, independent, and quiet. He can also defend others. Both parent breeds get along with strangers and like spending time with children and other animals. Although the Great Pyrenees parent breed adds independence to the mix, both parent breeds are clever, making training difficult. Both breeds have a moderate amount of energy, with the Border Collie breed parent adding more energy to the biological mix. The Great Pyrenees parent breed adds more prey drive, wanderlust, and barking and wailing to the biochemical mix. Although neither parent breed does well in hot temperatures, both do well in cooler climates. When either parent breed is left alone for extended periods of time, harmful habits might develop out of boredom.
🤝 Are Border Collie Pyreneess Friendly or Aggressive?
Border Collie Pyrenees dogs tend to get along well with other pets and are generally friendly towards them. They also have an average level of friendliness towards strangers, although they may need some time to warm up to new people. These dogs are known to be very kid-friendly and enjoy being in the company of children. They are also cat-friendly and have an average level of friendliness towards other dogs.
In addition, Border Collie Pyrenees dogs are considered one of the best breeds for elderly individuals. Their gentle nature and ability to adapt to different lifestyles make them suitable companions for older people.
This breed is known for being:
- Energetic
- Protective
- Alert
- Intelligent
- Confident
- Responsive
- Affectionate
- Patient
- Loyal
- Gentle
- Strong
- Willed
- Tenacious
- Fearless
🐩 Border Collie Pyrenees Care & Maintenance
Like its breed parents, the Border Collie Pyrenees hybrid needs occasional light brushing, with more frequent upkeep needed during typical seasonal shedding times. It is advisable to brush one or two more times each week during those seasonal shedding seasons to assist keep the shedding under better control. Brushing at least twice a week will help. The suggested brushing method to preserve the longish and dense hair free of matting and debris is thorough brushings, paying attention to both the dense undercoat and the softer outside coat. Regular brushings will keep the coat feeling cleaner and lessen the amount of hair that has to be cleaned. To keep the oil in the coat, which makes it more weather and water resistant, bathe and shampoo your pet only when absolutely required. This hybrid is similar to the majority of other dog breeds in that systematic and regular eye and ear maintenance is advised for the eyes to avoid or minimize periodontal disease, which can result in tooth loss, as well as for the ear cleanliness and reduced possibility for infections. Hypothyroidism, cataracts, and patellar luxation are common ailments in Border Collies and Great Pyrenees. To prevent exorbitant veterinarian care costs, get pet health insurance right now. Presented to you by Wag Pet Insurance! Pet owners may compare insurance packages from top providers like Figo and Spot using Wellness. With only a few clicks, find your pet’s “pawfect” plan!
Border Collie Pyrenees dogs have a higher than average amount of shedding. This shedding is a normal part of their hair growth cycle. The extent and frequency of their hair loss mainly depend on their health and the specific breed they belong to. If you dislike having to frequently vacuum clean your home, you might want to reconsider getting a puppy from the Border Collie Pyrenees breed. As for bath time, it is recommended to give them a bath every 6-8 weeks.
🍖 Food: We recommend few cups daily, costing you about $0.49 – $1.49 daily, or around $30.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Border Collie Pyrenees dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly few miles per week, which equates to about 15 – 35 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: Border Collie Pyrenees dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
❤️🩹 Border Collie Pyrenees Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Border Collie Pyrenees Dog Breed can be:
- Deafness
- Hip Dysplasia
- Collie Eye Anomaly
While minor concerns include:
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Cervical Vertebral Instability
🤧 Important: Is Border Collie Pyrenees hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Border Collie Pyrenees.
⚡ Border Collie Pyrenees Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Border Collie Pyrenees a great choice for families with young children?
The Border Collie Pyrenees is a great choice for families with young children because both parent breeds, the Border Collie and the Great Pyrenees, are known to be great with kids. They are gentle, loyal, and protective, making them reliable companions for children.
Is the Border Collie Pyrenees breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
The Border Collie Pyrenees breed is not considered a suitable breed for apartment living. Both parent breeds are fairly energetic and require ample space to exercise and roam around. They are better suited for homes with a yard or access to open spaces.
How much exercise does a Border Collie Pyrenees require compared to other breeds?
The Border Collie Pyrenees requires a significant amount of exercise compared to other breeds. Both parent breeds are fairly energetic, with the Border Collie contributing higher levels of energy. Daily exercise such as long walks, runs, or playtime is necessary to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
Is the Border Collie Pyrenees breed known for being good with other pets?
The Border Collie Pyrenees breed is known for being good with other pets. Both parent breeds are generally friendly with animals, and with proper socialization and training, the Border Collie Pyrenees can coexist well with other pets in the household.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Border Collie Pyrenees?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Border Collie Pyrenees include the Labrador Retriever, Boxer, and Beagle. These breeds generally have shorter coats and require less grooming compared to the Border Collie Pyrenees.
What are the common health issues that Border Collie Pyreneess are prone to?
Common health issues that Border Collie Pyrenees are prone to include hip dysplasia, bloat, and eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Regular vet check-ups and proper care can help mitigate these health concerns.
Are Border Collie Pyreneess known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Border Collie Pyrenees are generally intelligent and trainable, but they can be a bit challenging to train due to the independent nature inherited from the Great Pyrenees parent. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and early socialization are key to successful training.
Are Border Collie Pyreneess more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Border Collie Pyrenees can be more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds. Both parent breeds are known for their loyalty and attachment to their owners, so leaving them alone for long periods of time can lead to anxiety and destructive behaviors. They thrive best in homes where someone can be present most of the time.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Border Collie Pyrenees that are suitable for people with allergies?
Dog breeds similar to the Border Collie Pyrenees that are suitable for people with allergies include the Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Portuguese Water Dog. These breeds have hypoallergenic coats that produce fewer allergenic substances, making them a better choice for individuals with allergies.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Border Collie Pyrenees are best for individuals or families with limited space?
Smaller-sized dogs similar to the Border Collie Pyrenees, which are best for individuals or families with limited space, include the Shetland Sheepdog, Cocker Spaniel, and Australian Terrier. These breeds have similar characteristics and energy levels but are more suitable for smaller living spaces.
Is the Border Collie Pyrenees breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Border Collie Pyrenees breed is known to be good with children, including those with special needs. Both parent breeds are gentle and protective, making them patient and understanding with children who may have special requirements.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Border Collie Pyrenees?
The grooming and shedding needs of the Border Collie Pyrenees are moderate to high compared to other breeds. Both parent breeds have dense, thick coats that require regular brushing to prevent matting and to keep their fur clean. They are also moderate shedders, so regular grooming sessions are necessary to maintain their coat’s health.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Border Collie Pyrenees dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
