German Shepherd Border Collie Mix: A Pet Parent’s Guide To A Shollie

German Shepherd Border Collie Mix Feature

The German Shepherd Border Collie Mix is possibly the most trainable designer dog in the world.

When you combine the intelligence of the impeccable Border Collie with the trainability and loyalty of the German Shepherd, the Shollie is a superb addition to any active family home.

These dogs love being busy and will perfect any commands you teach them.

Ticking every box for experienced dog handlers, read on if you think you’ve got what it takes to make this mix a part of your life.

German Shepherd Border Collie Mix Facts Table
SizeUp to 29″ in height
WeightUp to 80 pounds
Lifespan13–15 years
Breed TypeMixes and more
PurposeCompanion
Suitable ForActive families
Color VariationsBlack and White, Black and Tan, Black
TemperamentIntelligent, Trainable, Smart, Energetic and Affectionate
Other NamesShollie, Border Collie German Shepherd Mix

What Is A German Shepherd Border Collie Mix? Breed Guide

Border Collie German Shepherd Mix Dog

A Shollie is the affectionate name given to a German Shepherd Border Collie Mix.

Combining the best qualities from the German Shepherd and the Border Collie, this breed is super intelligent, trainable, athletic and energetic.

Being a hybrid dog, they aren’t currently recognized by any Kennel Clubs and it seems they’re taking a while to be noticed by the Designer Dog registries too, this might be because it is not clear when this incredible mix first appeared.

Let’s take a look at both parent dogs’ histories to get an understanding of where the Border Collie German Shepherd Mix came from.

Border Collie History

Border Collie Dog
A tri-colored Border Collie Dog

We can thank the Vikings for what we now know as the Border Collie.

During the British Invasion, dogs were brought alongside humans and food. Roman and Viking dogs were crossed to suit the hilly and rocky landscape that they found themselves on; here the Border Collie was born.

They were first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 and are prized for their herding capacity and agility.

Border Collies ranks 38 out of 193 for popularity in the AKC, but, we wonder if their lower score is a reflection on the fact that they just don’t suit all families.

The Border Collie is an incredibly smart herding dog. They pick up skills and commands super quickly, but, they also get bored quickly too. They love being busy, whether this is agility, flyball, practicing commands or working.

German Shepherd History

German Shepherd Dog
Described by the American Kennel Club as courageous, smart and confident, this breed ranks 2 of 193 for popularity in the US.

Being a herding dog, as their name suggests, they have an unwavering work ethic.

Eager to please and wholeheartedly loyal, they are widely used in service from the military to the police.

Despite this, many find themselves equally happy as pet dogs, providing they are exercised and stimulated.

German Shepherd Border Collie Mix Puppy

Looking at this hybrid puppy, many often see it as a pure-bred puppy, this is because a German Shepherd Dog and Border Collie can be similar in size, appearance and even have similar colorings.

Puppies often look like a typical Shepherd or Collie, rather than an obvious mix breed. You may never notice they are a hybrid by appearance.

For a German Shepherd Border Collie Mix puppy you can expect to pay anywhere between $450 – $900 USD.

Litter sizes vary, but you can expect anywhere between 5-9 puppies. As always, make sure you research both parent breeds, and find a reputable breeder who carries out the necessary tests on the parent dogs (we will speak more about this in the health section).

German Shepherd Border Collie Mix Temperament

Whilst the German Shepherd Border Collie Mix can be an impeccable dog, in terms of trainability and loyalty – this assumes they have inherited the best qualities from both parents.

Being a hybrid dog, this may not always be the case.

There is always the risk that any mixed breed inherits negative characteristics from both or either parent:

  • German Shepherds can be protective and aloof
  • Border Collies, due to their intelligence can appear neurotic or highly strung if not stimulated enough

Your hybrid could also inherit these temperament issues, for that reason, you need to seriously consider if you are experienced enough to handle this hybrid dog.

When a German Shepherd Border Collie Mix has a stable temperament, and there is strong training and socialization, they are friendly, smart, active and a little cheeky.

They are super hiking buddies, agility partners and companions (they adore their owners).

Generally, when they are exercised and stimulated enough, they are quiet and content in the home not being renowned barkers – so neighbors will barely even notice you have a dog.

If raised with them, they tolerate kids and other pets. Some will argue that due to their herding heritage, small household pets aren’t the best idea, but, using desensitization and counter-conditioning, this mix can learn to live with them.

When their training and socialization hasn’t been consistent, you can end up with a protective, aloof and highly strung mix:

  • They may be wary of strangers and bark
  • They may become destructive in the home
  • You run the risk of hyper-arousal out on walks

Shollie Dog

Owning a Border Collie German Shepherd Mix (Care Guide)

As you have probably understood, from the temperament section above, the Border Collie German Shepherd Mix is best suited to active families who have experience of smart and active breeds.

These breeds are very demanding with care requirements, read on to see if you have got the time, energy and patience for this active mix.

Food and Diet Requirements

Daily Food Consumption
Calories 1,300
Cups of Kibble Three Bowls of Kibble Required per Day

How much you feed your German Shepherd Border Collie Mix will depend on how much he weighs.

He won’t be fully matured until at least 18 months to two years old. Check the feeding guidelines of his food to ensure you are meeting his nutritional requirements.

As a puppy, you will have a good idea of how big he will get by looking at his parents and breed weight charts:

German Shepherd and Border Collie Growth Chart
Month
German Shepherd (Male)
Border Collie (Male)
33015
655 30
97045
1275 40

This hybrid should be eating 12.5g of protein per kg of bodyweight, so make sure his feed contains enough protein, as this is critical for his development. Protein sources predominantly include animal meat.

Fat is also vital to your dog’s diet (it is where they get their energy from). As a puppy, 8% of his diet should be fat and when he is fully grown, this reduces to at least 5% of his diet.

Exercising a German Shepherd and Border Collie Mix

Daily Exercise Requirements
Minutes 120 minutes
Activity Level This is a high activity dog breed

If you’ve not yet realized, the German Shepherd Border Collie Mix is super energetic!
They love:

  • Walking
  • Running
  • Hiking
  • Training
  • Agility
  • Flyball

They need upwards of 60 minutes exercise per day, ideally 120 minutes. But, as we mentioned earlier, keep it calm and controlled. Rather than heading out to mindlessly throw the ball for 30 minutes, consider doing 30 in 30.

The idea behind 30 in 30 is to ask your dog to perform 30 commands in 30 minutes.

So whilst out on your walk, ask him to “sit.” Reward. You may then ask him to “stop,” or “lay down.” You can repeat commands throughout your walk, you don’t have to think of 30 separate commands.

The purpose is to keep his attention to you and to make the walk a little more interesting. If you think one command per minute is pushing it, do 15 in 30 – so one command every two minutes.

How to Train a German Shepherd Border Collie Mix

German Shepherd Border Collie Mix Feature

The best way to tackle the 30 in 30 dog training routine is by using positive reinforcement and reward-based training. Here are some puppy training tips to help.

A Border Collie German Shepherd Mix is super-trainable, providing you know what you’re doing.

Dog’s learn through the consequences of their behavior. That is, when they experience a positive consequence, the probability of repeating that same behavior increases.

When they are praised, or rewarded after doing something, they will want to do it again.

Encourage the behavior you want to see, praise and reward. Label the behavior and repeat. Avoid the use of punishment or coercive techniques – it never works and can create problematic behaviors (use more carrot than stick).

The German Shepherd and Border Collie Mix is super at picking up party tricks. Trick train them how to be a “shy dog” – kids love teaching this one:

  1. Start by putting a post-it-note on his muzzle
  2. He should instinctively paw at it to get it off
  3. As he does, reward him and label the behavior “shy.”
  4. Don’t worry, if he pulls the note off.
  5. Repeat, until he is “shy” on command.

Health Problems

Being a hybrid, the Border Collie German Shepherd Mix could end up with any of the health issues commonly found in its parent breeds:

  • Hip and Elbow Dysplasia – pain and stiffness due to the abnormal development of their joints
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy – degeneration of the retina which leads to vision loss
  • Bloat – where their stomach twists and fills with gas. It is often fatal, so immediate veterinarian attention is essential

Breed Appearance: Coat, Color and Grooming

Border Collie German Shepherd Mix

As the German Shepherd Border Collie Mix is a hybrid, their appearance can vary.

They generally weigh up to 80 pounds and stand up to 29” in height.

Some may look more German Shepherds than Collie or vice versa.

Border Collies, are most commonly found in black and white, but, they also come in a range of colors:

  • Black
  • White
  • Blue
  • Red
  • Brindle
  • Chocolate
  • Liver
  • Blue Merle
  • Sable Merle And Gold

German Shepherds, are most often black like the black German shepherd, or black and tan, blue like the blue German shepherd, and also solid white like the white German Shepherd.

For those reasons, this dog can be any color, however, they are most commonly black and white or black and tan.

They tend to have a medium length coat which comes in high maintenance on the grooming front. Regular brushing is essential to keep it in tip top condition. You should also regularly clean their ears as Border Collies are predisposed to ear infections.

Whilst you’re at it, brush their teeth several times a week, this prevents plaque and tartar build up, keeping those pearly whites exactly that.

Dog Breed Summary

The super intelligent and trainable German Shepherd Border Collie Mix is an impressive dog.

They are affectionate, athletic and energetic.

Best suited for active families, they love being busy and having a job to do, even if that job is just learning new party tricks with the kids.

High on exercise and stimulation requirements, these guys need a lot of time, energy and patience.

When done right, with the correct socialization and training you couldn’t want a more eager-to-please pooch. If mistakes are made, you can end up with an aloof and neurotic dog.

Not for first time owners or those with limited time. Affectionate and loyal, do you have what this smart dog needs?

Other German Shepherd and Border Collie Mixes

If you’re interested in learning about other German Shepherd mixes or Border Collie mixes, check out the hybrid dog breeds below.

German Shepherd Mixes

Border Collie Mixes

About John Woods 300 Articles
John Woods is the founder of All Things Dogs, member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, graduate in Animal Behavior & Welfare and recognized author by the Dog Writers Association of America.

3 Comments

  1. I read this and wonder if my boyfriend’s Dog Alfy is a Alsatian border collie. He rescue dog and not sure of his identity.

    • I had a Border Collie German Shepherd mix from the age of 12. Best dog in the world for an active child or teenager. I had her for 14 years. I have had many breeds since but that was the best dog ever. I would hike with her in the mountains for hours and my parents knew she would protect me but she still would let me put cats and rabbits on her. Her protection mode was fierce rapid bark, lunge and retreat like they do with livestock so she was scary but never had to bite anyone. She traveled everywhere in the car, loved all my friends, pulled sleds and bicycles. She played hide and seek, fetch, floated with me on the lake in a lifejacket, did anything I asked and was smart as a whip. I am too busy now with family to devote the mental stimulation and time needed for another, but maybe when I retire (sigh).

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