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Border Collie Bernard (Border Collie & Saint Bernard Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Border Collie Bernard

Height: 20–35 inches
Weight: 45–120 pounds
Lifespan: 9–12 years
Colors: Blue & brown, white & brown
Suitable for: Families, people in houses with a lot of room
Temperament: Intelligent, loyal, loving, protective, stubborn

Border Collie Bernards are mixed breeds that are cross between a Saint Bernard and a Border Collie. Although the parents have several differences, they produce exceptional hybrids.

Chances are that you don’t know a lot about this hybrid, even if you have owned one of the parental breeds. If so, you are going to find this guide very useful. We will tell you what you should expect and what having a Border Collie Bernard in your home will be like.

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Border Collie Bernard Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

Adding a new dog to your home is a big decision. That’s why you want to learn as much as possible about the breed and the best tips for finding a healthy puppy. When looking for your breeder, ensure you get references and meet the parents, if possible.

You should visit the breeder and get to know them before you purchase your puppy to ensure that you aren’t buying from a puppy mill. The dogs there should be well cared for and clean. You also should ask for health records.

Finding a Border Collie Bernard at a dog shelter might not be easy, but you can always visit, and you might even find another mixed dog resembling the Border Collie Bernard. Remember that you’re more likely to find adult dogs in a dog shelter, but you will be positively changing a dog’s life.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Border Collie Bernard

1. They’re good at doing search & rescue

Because they are part St. Bernard, they are often used for search and rescue operations.

2. They’re really agile

Although they are half Saint Bernard, they’re a lot more agile than you’d expect. This helps them find people who are lost.

3. Little is known about their background

Even though their two parents are well known, not much is known about the Border Collie Bernard. However, those who have them love them, so it’s probably not that important.

Parent Breeds of Border Collie Bernard
Image Credit: Jumpstory

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Border Collie Bernard 🧠

Border Collie Bernards are gentle dogs that love relaxing with their family on the sofa instead of running around. This is due to the St. Bernard in their genes. However, they can be feisty due to their Border Collie half. It can take time for them to become comfortable around strangers since they are very protective. Once you show that the person is fine, the dog will be less anxious and eventually accept them as friends.

Border Collie Bernards might be cautious around kids and will require early training and supervision so fear aggression incidents are prevented. Even though they’re generally calm, you want to be proactive around dogs and other animals. Both of the parents are eager learners but can also be stubborn. So, you want to give them the patience and time needed to learn how to behave around your family and others.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The Border Collie Bernard can be remarkable family pets, but you have to supervise them and train them early to avoid fear aggression. Early training can help immensely.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Not much is known about how the Border Collie Bernard interacts with other pets, but it’s important to be proactive if you have other dogs and animals. Most canines, including Border Collies and Saint Bernards, can become friendly with other pets if introduced early.

Border Collie Bernard
Image Credit: CebotariN, Shutterstock

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Things to Know When Owning a Border Collie Bernard:

Are you thinking of adopting a Border Collie Bernard? If so, you should know about their diet, exercise requirements, and health concerns. Read on to find out more about Border Collie Bernards.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Border Collie Bernards are big dogs, so you want to give them plenty of food. Your dog will need 3 cups of high-quality food made for large dogs each day. If you get your Border Collie Bernard young, ask the breeder when they should be fed and how much to give them. Then follow it precisely because the dogs have very specific nutritional requirements, so they can develop and grow as the breed should.

Avoid discount brands because they have a lot of fillers in them, which can lead to problems with your dog’s digestive system. You can give your Border Collie Bernard table food and treats occasionally, but only give them small amounts. Don’t do it too often, or they’ll get used to it.

Exercise 🐕

This mixed breed has a moderate amount of energy because St. Bernards are very low-key, which counters the Border Collie’s restlessness. The dog thrives in homes with spacious, large yards because they love exploring and roaming outside. Remember that both breeds are working dogs, so they require a lot of mental stimulation.

Your Border Collie Bernard will love playing outside with the family. Obedience and agility trials are two good options for keeping them engaged and healthy. When you give your dog mental and physical stimulation during the day, they’ll be happy relaxing on the sofa in the evening.

Training 🦮

Border Collie Bernards are eager to learn and thrive when you are keeping them physically and mentally stimulated. You want to use treats when you’re training and avoid harsh reprimands. The Border Collie and St. Bernard are sensitive canines, and they’ll become frightened if they’re punished for making a mistake during training.

Grooming ✂️

Border Collie Bernards aren’t hypoallergenic dogs, and they have moderate shedding. Saint Bernards are known for their drooling, so you shouldn’t be surprised if your dog is a drooler. The Border Collie Bernard’s coat is usually dense and short, making it easy for you and your dog when it comes to grooming. Brush your dog’s coat each day using a brush with firm bristles, and use a comb on it each week. Trimming their hair every 6-8 weeks is also a good idea.

Your Border Collie Bernard’s ears are floppy, so you want to check them regularly to ensure moisture doesn’t accumulate because it can cause yeast to grow. Brush your dog’s teeth daily and trim their nails every 3 weeks or when needed.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Border Collie Bernards can have various health conditions you should know about. Below are some of the issues that you should keep an eye on.

Minor Conditions
  • None
Serious Conditions
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Final Thoughts

There isn’t a lot known about the Border Collie Bernard. However, they come from two truly spectacular breeds that humans have loved for years. So, it’s a pretty good bet that their offspring are friendly and loyal. Border Collie Bernards make excellent pets for families and active singles. They will be loving, protective, and entertaining each day. They have excellent temperaments, are extremely intelligent, and are relatively easy to train.

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Featured Image Credit: PeterHauschild, Pixabay

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