The Border Collie Chihuahua mix hybrid designer dog breed is usually created by mixing a male Chihuahua with a female Border Collie.
Many people have begun to fall in love with these hyper, adorable dogs. But, without the proper care, they can be quite the handful. The Border Collie Chihuahua mix has a high need for exercise and mental stimulation. They require a lot of time to take proper care of and are often not good with children. The Border Collie’s herding instinct coupled with the Chihuahua’s aggressive tendencies make them a no-go for households with small kids. But this dog can be an adorable addition to the correct household.
If you are very active and looking for a smaller dog to take with you, this is a wonderful option. Their high intelligence also means that they take very well to training.
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Where Does the Border Collie Chihuahua Mix Come From?
The border collie is thought to have originated from the breeding of Roman herding dogs with the Viking spitz-like dogs in Britain. This combination produced the brilliant, agile herding dogs we know today.
However, it took hundreds of years for the Border Collie’s herding instinct to become refined. In fact, it wasn’t until the 1880s, when a dog named Hemp was born, that the modern Border Collie breed was created. All Border Collies are thought to descend from this one dog who sired nearly 200 puppies in his lifetime.
The Chihuahua descend from a type of dog called the Techichi, which is native to Mesoamerica. These dogs were thought to guide the souls of the dead by the Aztecs, so each family was known to keep one.
In modern times they are popular pets and prized as lapdogs around the USA.
Border Collie Chihuahua Mix Appearance
Because it is a mixed breed, the Border Collie Chihuahua mix’s appearance can vary quite a bit. It can look strikingly similar to a Border Collie or almost exactly like a Chihuahua. But the odds are that it will likely look like a mixture of the two.
This mixed breed can weigh anywhere between three and forty-five pounds. Its height has an equally large range of six to twenty-two inches.
It will likely not be quite as stable and robust as a Border Collie, but also not as small and dainty as a Chihuahua.
Their fur can be medium-length like a Border Collie or short and soft like a Chihuahua’s. They come in a wide array of colors and patterns. They can be everything from black to white and range from stable to tri-colored.
Border Collie Chihuahua Mix Temperament
Intelligence is the pride of place in the Border Collie Chihuahua temperament. These are both very clever pups, easy to train using positive methods but still headstrong and independent.
Border Collies are an athletic dog to their core. They have high energy needs and are extremely intelligent. But their instincts can cause them to attempt to herd small animals and children. This can lead to biting if left to escalate.
On the other hand, the Chihuahua is devoted while also sassy. They can quickly become jealous but are also profoundly dedicated to their owners. Despite their small size, they can be somewhat aggressive, especially with other dogs, children, and strangers.
The Border Collie Chihuahua mix can have any combination of these traits. They are likely to be heavily devoted to their owners and might even suffer from separation anxiety. Because of the Border Collie’s and Chihuahua’s high intelligence, this hybrid will likely be smarter than average as well. However, they might also have aggressive tendencies, especially towards children.
The Border Collie’s herding instinct coupled with the Chihuahua’s aggression can cause situations with children to escalate quickly.
Training Your Border Collie Chihuahua Mix
Because of their above average intelligence, this dog will likely take to most types of training quickly. The only problem that might occur is with potty training, especially among the smaller dogs of this crossbreed.
Small dogs are notorious for their potty-training problems, so we recommend taking extra care and beginning early. You should also start crate training as soon as possible.
These dogs can be quite attached to their owners and need special attention to learn to be by themselves.
Socialization is essential. The Chihuahua can be somewhat aggressive with other dogs and strangers. Early socialization can help curb this fear response.
This mixed breed will likely need lots of exercise. We recommend planning to accommodate intense exercise requirements, with at least two long walks per day and even more play time beyond that.
Border Collie Chihuahua Mix Health
Although typically two very long lived breeds, the Border Collie and Chihuahua do both have some potential for health issues. And any of these could be passed onto their hybrid offspring.
The best way to avoid genetic health problems is by purchasing a puppy from health tested parents. Your Chihuahua Border Collie mix puppy should have a Border Collie with good hip scores, a PRA clear test and no family history of cancer or Pannus. The Chihuahua parent should have good dental health, a recent clear eye test and no family history of patellar luxation.
Susan Wilson's says
I want a Deer Head Chihuahua.Had one las She die from cancer,she was great Dog loved her greatly.
Dawn Simpson says
I have a male Chihuahua and a female border collie I wanted to know how to breed them seeing how it would be almost impossible and I’m trying to find pictures of A border collie Chihuahua mix and I can’t seem to find one do you think you might be able to find one ?
Erin says
Did you ever breed them? Looking for a female:)
Tavi says
I have one. I was trying to figure out how to post a picture lol