Does the thought of breeding a Chihuahua with a Border Collie capture your interest? Numerous individuals are charmed by the energetic and cute qualities of these two parent breeds. However, the idea of mixing them through breeding brings its own set of challenges without proper knowledge and technique, making their management somewhat difficult.
The Border Collie Chihuahua mix is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Chihuahua and the Border Collie. Of course, this practice is done by breeding the male Border Collie with the Female Chihuahua (or vice versa), typically via In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) which developed a very unique hybrid. But what will this mixed breed look and act like?
Is it more like the Chihuahua or the Border Collie? Those are the questions we will try to answer in this post. Continue reading below to learn more about some ideas and even dog training tips for a Chihuahua Border Collie mix.
What is A Border Collie Chihuahua Mix?
As the name suggests, the Chihuahua Border Collie mix is a cross between the Chihuahua and Border Collie. The mix dogs are also commonly known as Collie Chider, Border Chigi, Collie Chihuahua mix, Chihuahua Border Collie mix, Border Collie Chi mix, and Chihuahua Collie mix.
Intelligent and energetic, this cross can be small but can also boast longevity. Even though they are top herders, Chihuahua Border Collie mix dogs are not for everyone. So before deciding to make them a part of your family, you should learn everything about them first including their parents. Let’s take a closer look at the history of their parent breeds below.
Border Collies were bred to control and gather sheep in the hilly border country between England and Scotland. They are known for their intense stare or the “eye,” with which they control their flock. This breed is a dog with unlimited working drive, stamina, and energy, all of which make it a premier herding dog.
Though, they’re still used today to herd sheep on ranches and farms around the world. While moving sheep, they’re also bred to literally run 15 to 20 miles a day for days on end. They were developed to resist harsh weather. Thus, you might want to keep a note of all of these when you are seeking a companion and if you have the stamina to keep up with a Collie.
Chihuahuas, on the other hand, have a very different history. A native to Mesoamerica, this breed descended from a type of dog called the Techichi. These breeds were believed to guide the souls of the dead by the Aztecs, so each family was perceived to keep one.
Though, in modern times, this dog was not favored until the 20th century. It grew in popularity after being recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904. And the Chihuahua Border Collie mix is a combination of these dog breeds.
Border Collie Chihuahua Mix Traits
Appearance
Since it’s a mixed breed, the appearance of the Border Collie Chihuahua mix puppy can vary quite a bit. It can look strikingly similar to a Chihuahua or almost exactly like a Border Collie. But chances are, it will possibly look like a mix of the two.
Height and Weight
The height of a Chihuahua Border Collie mix has an equally large range of 6 to 22 inches. It can weigh anywhere between 3 and 45 pounds.
Coat
The fur of the pup can be soft and short like a Chihuahua’s or medium-length like a Border Collie. They come in a wide selection of patterns and colors. They can range from stable to tri-colored and can be everything from black to white.
Temperament
The Border Collie and Chihuahua mix can suffer from separation anxiety as they are likely to be heavily devoted to their owners. Because of the Chihuahua’s and Border Collie’s high intelligence, the mix pup will possibly be smarter than average too.
However, they might have aggressive tendencies as well, particularly towards small kids. The Chihuahua’s aggression coupled with Border Collie’s herding instinct can cause situations with kids to escalate quickly.
Benefits of a Border Collie Chihuahua Mix
Easy to Train
The Border Collie Chihuahua mix is a highly intelligent dog that will be easy to train. However, they might also be very stubborn. It will require a strong, firm owner who is consistent and won’t allow this pup to take advantage of him.
All dogs respond well to positive reinforcement. So ensure praise when the dog does well. They love to please their handler and needs physical challenges. The more exercise they get the easier it will be to train. To all dogs and puppies, proper socialization is imperative.
Make sure to take the puppy to the doggy daycare and the park to get them around as many dogs and people as possible.
Playful and Energetic
A Border Collie and Chihuahua mix are high-energy pups. Be ready to offer them more options for expelling their excess energy. The best games for the Chihuahua Collie mix are those that engage their physical and mental strength.
They will excel in any military-like training and canine obstacle courses. It is also recommended to plan on accommodating intense exercise requirements, with more playtime or at least two long walks per day.
Good Lifespan
Thanks to their Chi parent’s gene, a Collie Chihuahua can boast of living forever young. Chihuahuas have a lifespan that can reach as long as 20 years. Border Collies come in close as they can live for 17 years.
Thus, a Chihuahua Collie mix can live for 10 to 20 years if cared for properly. With plenty of love and a good diet, this mixed puppy will surpass its life expectancy.
Common Border Collie Chihuahua Mix Health Issues
Even though Border Collie and Chihuahua mix dogs are generally relatively healthy, they are also prone to many distinct health problems. Mostly because both their parent breeds are so different. Some of those health problems include:
Joint Problems
Also known as the dislocation of the kneecap, the Chihuahua is prone to patellar luxation. The Border Collie and Chihuahua mix can inherit this disorder. So if the dog starts exhibiting pain in its legs or is limping, it could be a sign of a joint problem as Collie Chi mix puppies are prone to hip dysplasia.
This is commonly genetic and is not uncommon among dogs. This breed can acquire Pannus from its Collie parent as well. This disorder is where animals grow abnormal tissue in their joints, which can lead to damaged cartilage and arthritis. This illness is linked with certain types of cancer too.
Eye Problems
You should also be aware of eye problems with this dog. It is common for Border Collies to have Progressive Retinal Atrophy, which is also genetic. Thus, it is likely for this hybrid to inherit this ailment from their Collie parent.
Deafness
Border Collies are notoriously prone to a particular kind of deafness and appear to be genetic too. This makes it possible for the mixed pup to inherit [1].
Is a Border Collie Chihuahua Mix the Dog Breed for You?
The Chihuahua Collie mix has a high requirement in mental stimulation and exercise. They will need plenty of time to take proper care of. The Border Collie Chihuahua mix is an energetic and intelligent hybrid that can make an excellent family pet.
However, due to their strong aggressive tendencies and herding instinct, they are not the ideal choice for a family home with small kids. But this hybrid can be an adorable addition to a suitable household. So if you’re an active person who is looking for a smaller pet to take with you, this is a perfect choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big will a Border Collie Chihuahua mix get?
The average height of Border Collies can reach up to 19-22 inches. Chihuahuas’ height, on the contrary, ranges from 6 to 9 inches. Thus, the Border Collie Chihuahua mix can grow about 22 inches.
But depending on which genes are dominant, they can also be tiny. For that reason, the hybrid can weigh anywhere between 3.5 to 50 pounds.
How long will a Border Collie Chihuahua mix live?
The lifespan of a Chihuahua is 12 to 20 years and a Border Collie has an average lifespan of 10 to 17 years. So if cared for properly, the Chihuahua Collie mix can live anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
Does a Border Collie Chihuahua mix shed?
Yes, a dog can still poop if it has a blockage. But the problem is that the pieces would be extremely small and stained by blood. Sadly, forcing pooping through a blockage can strain the excretory tract and lead to symptoms of internal wear and tear. With age, this is something that can be fatal.
Conclusion
If you decide to have a puppy, it is highly recommended to pick one from an ethical breeder. Mixed breeds are gaining traction, nowadays, which means it’s easier to look for them.
However, many puppy mills are also jumping on the crossbreeding chain and do not actually practice ethical breeding. Therefore, it’s always advisable to contact an ethical breeder and choose a puppy from them.
While some people might check with a breeder to get their Chihuahua Border Collie mix puppy, it is also highly recommended that you acquire all animals through a rescue. That is if they have these Collie Chi mix puppies for sale. But if they do, be ready to have an adorable, hyper, and intelligent pet home!
The post What You Need to Know About Border Collie Chihuahua Mix first appeared on Well Pet Coach.