Adopting or purchasing a mixed breed dog often leaves new owners with many questions. You might find yourself wondering how your new pup will behave and which physical and mental characteristics they will adapt from each breed in their mix.
A Border Collie Chow Mix is a beautiful combination of two super popular dog breeds. Both Border Collies and Chow Chow dogs, which make up the mix, have a ton of intelligence and loyalty. All potential owners of this fantastic mix should fully prepare themselves for hours of training, along with planning physical and mental activities.
A Background on the Border Collie Breed
Border Collies are knowledgeable, quick, and active. They can range anywhere from 40 to 70 pounds, so it's challenging to know what to expect weight-wise when you purchase a purebred Border Collie, let alone a mix!
Border Collies require plenty of space to run. They make incredible agility dogs, and they're much easier to train and work with when they're tired, which is true for most dog breeds. If it's time for an obedience training session with a Border Collie, you'll want to take him for a nice long run first.
Border Collies shed a ton, and they are not hypoallergenic. If you have even slight allergies to dog dander, a Border Collie probably isn't the right choice for you.
They can be vocal, so consider that if you enjoy the quiet immensely. On the other hand, Border Collies are affectionate with their family, showing plenty of love to their human pack.
Getting to Know the Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a unique breed with a very lion-like appearance. They can grow up to twenty inches tall, and they're incredibly muscular, which makes a nice contrast to the slender, agile frame of a Border Collie.
Chow Chows have a famous blue-black tongue. Most Chow Chow mixes have spots of the same color on their tongues. Owners of Chows and Chow mixes must take great care to socialize their dogs, as they can be aggressive toward other dogs (and occasionally people) when poorly socialized.
Chow Chows can be aloof, but they're loyal to those they love. They don't require much exercise, but they don't mind a long walk through city blocks.
What to Expect From a Border Collie Chow Mix
Not every Border Collie Chow Mix is the same. All dogs of every breed are very different, with varying personalities, preferences, and temperaments. However, based on the breed generalizations of Border Collie and Chow Chows and information collected regarding mixes of these two breeds, it's possible to know what to expect when bringing home a Border Collie Chow dog.
Projected Size
Both Border Collies and Chow Chows range significantly in size, often based on the sex of the dog. The size of a Border Collie and Chow Chow mix can vary anywhere from 17 to 22 inches, and they can weigh between 30 and 70 pounds. Before bringing a Border Collie Chow home, you should be fully prepared to have a decent-sized pup on your hands.
Expected Lifespan
Border Collie Chow mixes have a relatively general lifespan expectation, ranging from 9 to 15 years. It's difficult to determine how long a dog will live, no matter the breed, as nobody can predict medical problems or unforeseen accidents. The lifespan of the Border Collie Chow is an average of the Border Collie, which is 10 to 17 years, and the Chow Chow, which is 9 to 15 years.
Temperament and Behavior
The temperament and behavior expected from a Border Collie Chow mix vary. Breeding is a huge factor, as it's not uncommon for puppies to take on their parents' characteristics, including aggression. However, how you raise and socialize your pup is essential to how they'll view the world when they're adults.
When it comes to training these breeds, it's never a bad idea to consult a professional trainer. This way, you can develop training that will suit the temperament and personality of your dog. While aggression and aloofness can be a factor, both breeds are also fiercely loving and loyal.
Grooming Maintenance
Border Collies have long, thick fur, while Chow Chows have shorter but even thicker coats. A mix between the two is a dog that will shed and need consistent grooming with a tool to remove undercoat fur. If adequately acclimated, your Border Collie Chow mix will not mind a trip to the groomer.
Training Sessions
Border Collies are energetic and intelligent, while Chows are just as bright but don't mind hanging out on the couch all day. The amount of energy your mix has will significantly affect how you train and how often you exercise him. Whenever you're spending time outside with your dog, we recommend utilizing a Fi GPS tracking collar. It's always better to be safe than sorry, and the Fi provides 24/7 location and activity tracking, which is the perfect peace of mind for owners with dogs that like to run.
Speaking of running, Border Collies can seemingly run for days, while Chows are always up for a nap. Regardless of the energy reserve your Border Collie Chow has, a mentally tired dog is a dog that has an easier time paying attention, so before active training, you can play an engaging game of fetch or utilize a snuffle mat! Know your pup, and plan for training sessions accordingly.
Family Friendliness
The American Kennel Club suggests that neither breed is excellent for families with small children or, on occasion, other pets due to potential aggression. Always speak with your veterinarian or training professional to determine the best decision for your family before bringing a new pet into the mix.
Border Collies and Chow Chows: A Perfect Mix
While previous dog ownership is not essential for owning a Border Collie Chow mix, they can be incredibly demanding, stubborn, and dominant. If this is your first time around the block, you'll definitely want to enlist the help of a professional trainer.
Overall, Border Collie Chows make a great, loyal, funny, kind addition to almost any family.
