Border Collie Great Pyrenees have increased in popularity over the past ten years. The puppy is a designer cross breed between the intelligent Border Collies and the Great Pyrenees. Therefore, the Border Collie Pyrenees mix inherits some traits from both parents. For example, the crossbreed is very smart, energetic, and easy to train.

Border Collie Great Pyrenees can reach between 20 to 32 inches tall and weigh up to 120 pounds. It inherits the colors in the parent’s genes. Thus, Border Collie Great Pyrenees’ coat colors can be combinations of black, white, cream, red, and red tricolor. The dog mix can live between 10 to 13 years with the proper care and diet.

This guide discusses the facts about the Border Collie Great Pyrenees dog mix. You will learn to identify the dog’s temperament and general care info. Border Collie Great Pyrenees are vulnerable to dog diseases such as hypothyroidism and cataracts. But don’t worry. You will find the tips to keep the dog happy and healthy in this article.

What is a Border Collie Great Pyrenees Mix?

A Border Collie Great Pyrenees Mix is the dog breed you get when you cross a Border Collie and the Great Pyrenees. It has thick fur. Therfore, it is much happier in cold to moderate climates.

You can adopt or purchase the puppy at your nearest pet store or online. One Border Collie Great Pyrenees puppy can cost you $1000 or more. 

Thats why I strongly recommend dog adoption. Not only is dog adoption cheap, but you will also give a homeless dog the love and care it deserves. 

One excellent online platform to adopt a Border Collie Great Pyrenees Mix is Petfinder. Assessing the dog’s health history before taking it home is essential. Avoid a Border Collie Pyrenees mix that appears sickly, weak, or tired. 

Ask the pet store to show you the puppy’s mother if possible. If the mother’s features are satisfying, adopt the puppy. If not, avoid the Border Collie Great Pyrenees. 

A Border Collie Great Pyrenees crossbreed is friendly to families and children. It will be an excellent addition to your home for its watchfulness and overprotectiveness.

Here is a summary of Border Collie Great Pyrenees:

Size (height)	20 to 32 inches.
Weight	30 to 120 pounds.
Lifespan	10 to 13 years.
Temperament	Intelligent, energetic, loyal, loving.
Common colors	Combinations of black, white, cream, red, and red tricolor.
Suitability	Spacious backyards

Border Collie Great Pyrenees Mix info

Here is everything you need to know about Border Collie Great Pyrenees Mix:

1. Breed information

Although not much is known about the origin of Border Collie Great Pyrenees Mix, their parents have a long historical heritage. 

For instance, Border Collies can be traced back to the 1700s. Border Collie’s ancestry includes dogs such as the Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Kelpie, and Blue Lacy, among others. 

On the other hand, the Great Pyrenees came from the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. Both dogs were originally guarding dogs. Therefore Border Collie Great Pyrenees Mix has a vast gene pool. 

Like their parents, the crossbreed is friendly, loyal, and protective. They can deter predators such as wolves and bears and watch your livestock. 

Most importantly, Border Collie Great Pyrenees Mix can be brilliant. Therefore, the dog mix requires significant mental and physical stimulation.

2. Size

Border Collie Great Pyrenees can reach between 20 to 32 inches tall and weigh up to 120 pounds. But generally, the males are usually a bit larger than the female crossbreed. The best way to know how big the dog will grow is to look at its parents.

Border Collie Great Pyrenees puppies will gain between 5% and 10% of their weight daily. The dog’s large size means it has a lot of energy. Although Border Collie Great Pyrenees Mix is a large and active dog, caring for it is relatively easy. However,You must be a strong dog leader to keep the Border Collie and Great Pyrenees mix. The dog will look up to you for training and exercise. 

Lack of exercise can be a health risk to the dog. Since more than 25% of Border Collies are diagnosed with obesity annually, their puppies could inherit the disease. Promote the dog’s  correct size by feeding the crossbreed twice a day.

You may not get a portion of breed-specific dog food for Border Collie Great Pyrenees Mix. However, Premium high-quality foods for large dogs such as Merrick Grain-Free, Diamond Naturals, and Instinct Raw Boost will do just fine. 

3. Temperament and family friendliness

Like its parents, the Border Collie Great Pyrenees is affectionate, gentle, alert, energetic, loyal, intelligent, and highly responsive. In short, the dog is very family-friendly. It can play and cuddle with children and family members.

However, Border Collie Great Pyrenees need a lot of space. I don’t recommend keeping the dog in an apartment. The dog requires a lot of exercise beyond just a short walk. Give it vigorous training to keep it occupied and healthy.

The Border Collie Great Pyrenees mix temperament can change if you don’t give it enough training and exercise. With nowhere to release their energy, the dog can destroy your home items, bark excessively, and pull the leash.

It is advisable to start training the dog from an early age. A Border Collie Great Pyrenees mix will appreciate a vigorous hour of training and gaming. Some games to keep the dog occupied are tug and release.

4. Color and appearance

Border Collie Great Pyrenees mix resembles its parents in many ways. The dog’s coat colors can occur in black, white, cream, red, and red tricolor combinations. 

Border Collie Great Pyrenees have a thick cold weather undercoat like its parents. The coat plays an essential role in regulating the dog’s body temperature. It keeps the dog warm in winter and protects it from water and ice.

You can also identify a Border Collie Great Pyrenees mix with the ears. In puppies, the ears are fallen. But adult Border Collie Great Pyrenee’s ears come to a point at the end. The ears can be alert or semi-alert. 

The dog’s beautiful coat makes it an attractive companion. To keep the dog’s coat smooth and shiny, bathe it at least once a month. Don’t forget to use commercial or homemade dog shampoos to improve the dog’s skin health and appearance.

5. Lifespan

With the proper care and diet, a Border Collie Great Pyrenees mix can live between 10 to 13 years. Correct care involves bathing, grooming, feeding high-quality dog food, and stimulating the dog mentally and physically. More about the dog’s care later.

The easiest way to know the crossbreed’s lifespan is to follow up on its parents. Knowing how long your puppy’s mother or father lived, you can estimate the dog’s lifespan. Knowing the parents of your Border Collie Great Pyrenees will also help you identify any health issues.

The best food for Border Collie Great Pyrenees should have about 25% proteins. One of the best dog foods for Border Collie Great Pyrenees is Adirondack 30% Protein High-Fat Recipe Dog Food for Performance Dogs.

You can also help the dog live longer by maintaining its dental hygiene, paying extra attention, and visiting the veterinary regularly.

6. Health issues

Although you can try hard to keep the dog healthy and happy, the Border Collie Great Pyrenees mix can be vulnerable to some dog diseases. The dog is prone to cataracts, hypothyroidism, and patellar luxation.

• Cataracts: The dog’s eye has proteins and water. Therefore, as the dog ages, a cloudy film will form in its eyes. The condition can worsen and cause inflammation and glaucoma, which could be very painful to the dog.
• Hypothyroidism: The dog will develop hypothyroidism when its thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone to facilitate metabolism. The slow metabolism will cause weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance in Border Collie Great Pyrenees.
• Patellar luxation: The dog’s kneecap can eventually move out of its normal position. Patellar luxation can result in hindlimb lameness and osteoarthritis in dogs. Grade I and II luxating patella are manageable, but grade III and IV will require surgery. 

General care info

Here are some ways to care for a Border Collie Great Pyrenees mix:

• Give the dog ample space in your backyard or lots of daily exercises
• Stimulate the dog mentally by training it on simple commands and how to act in specific situations
• Bathe the dog once every four or six weeks; use dog shampoo to promote smooth skin and a healthy coat in the dog
• Feed the dog twice daily
• Develop a close relationship with the Border Collie Great Pyrenees mix so you can detect early signs of illnesses
• Brush the dog’s teeth once or twice a day
• Trim the dog’s nails
• Take the Border Collie Great Pyrenees mix to the veterinarian for medical examination once a year.

References

Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program. (2022) Dog Breed Identification Chart & Photos. College of Veterinary Medicine. 

The American Kennel Club. (2017) Breed Weight Chart. AKC