Border Point Dog (Border Collie & Pointer Mix): Info, Pictures, Facts

The Border Point is a hybrid breed mixed with a Border Collie and a Pointer. They fit right in between the medium and large-sized dog categories. Their size is determined by the size of their parents and which one they favor more.

Both the Border Collie and the Pointer are working dogs. They have a high work ethic and are always eager to feel like they are being productive. The hybrid is newer and has an unknown date of origin.

The combination makes it difficult to pull out specific, well-known traits of the Border Collie Pointer mix. We can gather most knowledge by observing the characteristics of their parents.

Border Point Puppies

 

Border Points are popular dogs, so the breeders are prolific. As with any dog breed, if the Border Collie Pointer mix puppy’s parents have an excellent pedigree, they will be even more expensive. Buying from a reputable breeder is also more costly. It is worth it to find Border Collie Pointer mix breeders with a solid reputation, though, as it means your investment is going to a good business.

Research and ask around to ensure that you aren’t supporting a puppy mill. Breeders should always be willing to guide you around the area where they raise the dogs and show the health records of both the puppies and the parents.

You can also ask for a Border Point at your local shelter or rescue. They might not be so easy to find, but you can also try to look for a mixed dog that resembles the Border Point.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Border Point

1. The Border Collie’s lineage dates part of these pups back to the 1st century.

Border Collies have been around for centuries. The theory is that a version of the dog was brought by the Romans to the European continent when they first arrived in the first century. At the time, the residents recognized the usefulness of the dog and adopted it as their own.

Border Collies quickly became ordinary dogs to have as a farmer or shepherds after this. They are a herding breed and earned their way into the hearts of the people by working hard.

The version of the Border Collie that we have today is mostly thanks to an ancestor named “Old Hemp.” The dog was a top-class sheepherder in England in the 1890s. The stories say that he never lost a competition trial. Thus, many breeders were keen to have such a fine dog in their mix. He is reported to have fathered over 200 dogs throughout his entire lifetime.

2. Pointers have ancestors such as the Foxhound, Greyhound, and the Bloodhound.

The current theory behind the Pointer’s origin is that their development began in Spain starting in the 17th century. They came into their own in England later, though. They became one of the top hunting dogs as they were bred with various Hounds.

It is this lineage that gives the Pointer their incredible athletic ability. They were bred for speed, strength, and a keen instinct for the hunt.

3. The combination of the Border Collie and the Pointer makes the dog a stellar hunter’s companion.

Together with the Border Collie’s herding and alert attitude, along with the hunting prowess of the Pointer, the Border Pointer makes an exquisite hunter. They are full of instincts and sensitivities that go further than any human hunters could have to heave.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Border Point 🧠

There is currently no standard for the temperament of the Border Point. However, much can be determined by analyzing the parent breeds’ personalities.

The traits that the Border Collie and the Pointer share are likely to show up in their puppies. They are both protective and are quick to act on their instincts. Both dogs are known to be courageous and stunningly loyal. They are considered hard workers that pursue a goal until completion. Since they are alert, they often make for excellent guard dogs.

The combination of a high prey drive from the Pointer and the Border Collie’s herding instinct means these dogs are not good around other small animals. Keep them away from small pets like cats, rabbits, and rodents until you are confident that they will react with care.

Both breeds have a high level of intelligence. They are accustomed to learning new things, especially when it has to do with doing a good job.

They like to vocalize any of their emotions. Both breeds communicate by barking to other dogs and their masters. It takes extra work to train this tendency out of Border Points.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Border Collie Pointer mixes can be good fits for individual families. They are a bigger dog and should be carefully monitored around small children. Their tolerance of young kids is determined by which parental line they favor.

Border Collies have more tolerance for kids as a whole, while Pointers might react much more sharply. Neither are aggressive dogs, but a little nip doesn’t feel so small to children. Border Points are better dogs for families with older kids.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Socializing Border Points from an early age ensures a higher likelihood of agreement between them and other dogs. The real challenge is getting them to behave appropriately around small animals. Carefully monitor any time they spend around other family pets or secure them away from the animals when they are out.

Things to Know When Owning a Border Point

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

There is currently not a recommendation for how much to feed your Border Point. Since they are highly active dogs but are only medium-sized, they shouldn’t eat more than 4 cups of food each day.

To get a more specific recommendation, talk to your vet about the needs of your Border Collie Pointer mix. Otherwise, invest in high-quality dog food for medium-sized dogs. Find one with high protein content because active dogs need plenty of energy to power them.

Follow the recommendations that the chosen brand provides for how much of that particular food you should feed your pup.

Exercise 🐕

The Border Point is not well-suited to apartment living because they like to be active. Since Pointers were bred with so many hounds, they tend to follow their nose on instinct. This instinct fuels their love of wandering. Anyone with a Border Point needs a securely fenced-in backyard.

Try to give your dog at least 45 minutes of consistent activity each day. This time can be spent training, running, walking, or working on socializing at the dog park. Since both parent dogs are highly intelligent, it is helpful to combine mental and physical stimulation. Work with them on agility training or finding and training them in a job to suit both these needs.

Training 🦮

The Border Point is an easily trained pup. They want to feel like they are being productive and doing the right thing. During training sessions, reward them with plenty of positive affirmations, and they will continue trying their hardest for you.

These dogs can be trained as excellent guard dogs. They are always alert and have enough wariness toward strangers to keep a family safe.

Early socialization is one of the essential parts of training the Border Collie Pointer mix. They don’t tend to be aggressive, but they need to learn how to relate positively to other animals and humans. They can have food aggression, and if they get nervous around strangers, they might nip or otherwise lash out.

Another part of training these dogs is teaching them the appropriate time to bark. Start this from as young an age as possible, even if it seems cute at first. As they grow older, they grow louder and bark even more.

Grooming ✂️

The Border Point is considered a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. They have a short coat that sheds moderately. Brush them with a comb or pin brush once a week to reduce shedding around the house.

These dogs have droopy ears. Clean them at least once a week with a soft cloth to keep them free from ear infections. Only clean around the outer ear, never inserting anything farther into the ear.

Trim their nails as needed, usually about once a month. If your Border Collie Pointer mix gets plenty of exercise, it might not be necessary. Don’t forget to brush their teeth multiple times a week to keep their dental hygiene healthy even into old age.

Health and Conditions ❤️

There are not many serious health problems associated with these dogs. Both their parents are relatively healthy breeds. Prepare yourself for any potential health issues that your puppy can experience, and check into the parent’s vet records before adoption.

Male vs. Female

There are no recognizable or established differences between males and female Border Collie Pointer mixes.

Final Thoughts on the Border Point Dog

Border Points are excellent hunting dogs and have great instincts for a variety of working situations. However, they do not make the perfect dog for every family. If you have small children or small pets, you might want to consider other breeds.

Owners of the Border Collie Pointer mix need to make sure they give them plenty of time and attention. Ensure their brains and bodies are being exercised as the perfect way to have a good relationship with these dogs.

See also:

• Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog Mix: Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts
• Irish Goldendoodle: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits

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Featured Image Credit: Erik Lam, Shutterstock