Border Collie Pomeranian Mix – Everything You Need to Know
The Border Collie Pomeranian mix is a delightful, cheery, active, and intelligent dog breed. They’re the result of breeding a purebred Border Collie and a Pomeranian – so you can imagine just how cute they are.
And you’re right, there’s quite a size difference between a Border Collie and a toy Pomeranian, so you can expect your mixed pooch to be a medium-sized dog that can vary a lot (depending on whether they take more after their mum or dad).
These beautiful pups are great watchdogs, loyal, and often combine the best traits of both parent breeds. Read on to find out all about these incredible dogs and whether they’d make the right addition to your family!
History of the Border Collie Pomeranian Mix
Like other Border Collie or Pomeranian mixes, such as the Border Collie Springer Spaniel mix and the Pomski, it’s very difficult to know the exact history of the mixed breed. It’s quite possible that this unique mix existed naturally before a puppy was first recorded.
There was a large designer dog boom in the 1990s so these doggos may have first been bred then. Even so, they’re still pretty rare today.
As these pups are a mixed breed, there’s no standard when it comes to appearance or temperament. Your best bet is to look at the parent breeds thoroughly. This should give you a good idea of how your pup will behave although when it comes to looks, it really is a bit of a gamble.
History of the Border Collie
Border Collies were first bred in the Borderlands between Scotland and England. They were bred to be incredible herding dogs (which they still are!) and highly intelligent. They’re very active pups that love to work and can spend hours out in the fields herding livestock.
These black and white dogs can have two coat types – rough and smooth. Dogs with rough coats have slightly longer hair and smooth coats are shorter. Border Collies are known for being highly intelligent dogs and really benefit from lots of physical and mental stimulation.
They’ll enjoy puzzle toys as well as snuffle mats and they love a challenge!
History of the Pomeranian
Pomeranians have been around for centuries and are the smallest of all the Spitz breeds. These little foxy-faced pups were a favorite of Queen Victoria. She’s responsible for breeding Pomeranians into the toy breed we recognize today.
Pomeranians are very alert little dogs that love to keep an eye on everyone. According to the American Kennel Club, they have a tiny body (up to 7 pounds), but a big dog demeanor. They don’t mind being vocal if they don’t like something and love to play with toys and kids.
They’re charming, fluffy dogs that are one of the most popular toy dog breeds in the world.
The Appearance of the Border Collie Pomeranian Mix
It’s difficult to know for sure what a mixed-breed dog will look like. It can vary a lot, especially when there’s such a difference in size between the parent breeds.
A Border Collie is usually between 18 and 22 inches tall, whereas a Pomeranian is 6 to 7 inches. So there’s a big difference. You can expect your pup to be anywhere in between although some will likely be smaller like a Pomeranian or larger like a Border Collie.
The Border Pom, as they’re sometimes called, will likely have a fluffy coat that’s the beautiful mix of both parents. If the Border Collie being bred has a rough coat, your Pomeranian Border Collie mix will probably have a slightly longer coat.
Most people think that Border Collies can only have black and white coats, but that’s not actually true. These stunning pups can be merle dogs, as well as gold, lilac, red, and brindle.
Pomeraninans are often red dogs but they, too, can be many different colors such as chocolate, beaver, cream, and blue sable. So, your Border Collie Pomeranian mix can be a real mixture of all these colors. Some may be black and white with red or tan markings but it depends on the parent dogs.
A Border Collie Pomeranian mix will most likely have brown eyes but this may vary too.
One thing you can be sure about, whichever physical traits your pup inherits, they will be beautiful, fluffy, and very cute!
The Temperament of a Border Collie Pomeranian Mix
Again, because the Border Collie Pomeranian mix is quite a new mixed breed, you can expect their personalities to differ from dog to dog. There are, however, quite a few similarities between both the Pomeranian and the Border Collie which their offspring may inherit.
In all likelihood, a Border Collie Pomeranian mix will be a very active pup. These designer dogs are part of one of the most active dog breeds around (the Border Collie). Even though Pomeranians are toy dogs, they’re still pretty active and love to chase after balls or play with their humans.
You’ll need to take your pup for daily exercise as well as give them lots of toys to keep them entertained. Because of their herding instincts, they’ll probably benefit from one of the best herding balls.
Both parent breeds are also very alert. Poms love to sit by their owner’s side watching for danger and Border Collies are so intelligent that they can be trained to be good watchdogs too. As with other mixed-breed dogs, such as the Maltipom, it’s not a given that your doggo will inherit this trait, but it is likely.
Border Collies and Pomeranians are fun dogs to have around. They love playing and interacting with individuals and larger families. They’re great at learning new tricks and are wonderful companions.
If your pup is a smaller Border Collie Pomeranian mix and inherits some of the Pomeranian’s feisty attitude, they may have small dog syndrome. They won’t know how big they are and will quite happily let bigger dogs know who’s boss.
Training and Socializing a Border Collie Pomeranian Mix
As with any mixed breed, it’s very important to train your Border Collie Pomeranian mix from a young age. They’ll benefit from basic commands (like how to roll over) but will also love learning new tricks and using their brains. You could also enroll them in doggy classes to help put their intelligence to good use.
Socialization is also essential. These pups need to be exposed to new people, canines, smells, places, and sounds from puppyhood so they don’t become overly anxious or suspicious. This is especially true if your pup is a little more feisty.
How Much Exercise Does a Border Collie Pomeranian Mix Need?
Your Border Pom will likely be an active dog and will need regular exercise. If they’re large and more like their Border Collie parent, they’ll be good running partners and will enjoy going on long hikes.
If they’re a little smaller, they might prefer a walk to the park, playtime with their friends, or a good run around a fenced-in yard with a cute toy.
Grooming A Border Collie Pomeranian Mix
Both parent breeds shed, so it’s likely that your beautiful mixed breed will too. It’s best to brush them twice a week to get rid of any mats and distribute oils. You may also notice that they blow their coats before the change in seasons. During this time, you’ll probably find yourself brushing them even more and probably vacuuming! If you want a Pomeranian mixed pup that has fewer grooming needs, you could always consider the Pomapoo!
You also need to check their nails and ears. Ears should be kept clean and free of debris to ensure there’s no infection. Whenever you clean them, make sure you dry them too. Nails should naturally stay short, but if they’re too long you can trim them. Ask a groomer if you’re unsure.
Feeding a Border Collie Pomeranian Mix Breed
All pups need to be fed high-quality food. It should be nutritionally balanced and, of course, yummy! These active dogs need good food that will give them lots of energy but that won’t allow them to put on weight.
A great option is feeding your pooch quality fresh dog food. It retains a lot of the natural vitamins and minerals and many of the brands are formulated by a canine nutritionist. It’s also preportioned to help with weight management.
Treats can also be a great way of rewarding good behavior and training pups. Try to treat your pup with healthy alternatives such as chunks of cucumber, pineapple, or raspberries. They’ll love the difference in texture and it will give them a boost of extra goodness!
Health Problems Associated With The Border Collie Pomeranian Mix
Opening the gene pool can help reduce the chances of your pup suffering from known health problems associated with a breed – which is why mixed breeds are often considered healthier than pedigree dogs.
However, any pup can inherit certain health issues from its parents.
Common health conditions that Border Collies can suffer from include:
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Deafness
- Progressive renal atrophy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
Common issues that many Pomeranians face are:
- Luxating Patellas
- Hypothyroidism
- Alopecia
- Collapsing Traceas
The best way to ensure you’re getting a healthy dog is to research the breeder well. You should always avoid puppy farms and get to know the parent dogs where possible. A responsible breeder will provide you with all the necessary health checks and paperwork so you know your dog has come from a happy and healthy pooch.
Living Conditions for a Pomeranian Border Collie Mix
These dogs need to be part of an active family as they’re probably going to have lots of energy that needs to be burned off. They’ll love to play lots and go on exciting walks to the park. If they’re more Border Collie, they’ll enjoy games of fetch with a frisbee and more Pomeranian mixes will enjoy games in their doggy park.
These dogs would preferably have a fenced-in yard for them to play in and blow off a bit of steam. They could potentially live in an apartment (depending on your unique pooch) but you’d have to be prepared to take them out regularly for lots of mental and physical stimulation.
Border Poms are likely to be extremely affectionate with their families meaning they need lots of love from someone who has the time to give it to them.
Do Border Collie Pomeranian Mixes Suffer from Separation Anxiety?
Pomeranians are known to suffer from separation anxiety, so your hybrid breed may too. Early training can help to reduce this. Start by leaving them at home for a little while and generally increase this over time.
Make sure they have lots of toys to play with and some pup parents even suggest leaving a radio or the TV on so they can hear talking.
Is The Border Collie Pomeranian Mix a Good Breed for First-Time Dog Owners?
Border Collie Pomeranian mixes are highly intelligent dogs that are relatively easy to train. They respond well to treats and positive reinforcement and love to please their owners by learning new tricks and showing off their skills.
Their high energy, exercise needs, and grooming requirements mean that these dogs aren’t exactly the most chilled-out dog breeds around. But if you’re a first-time puppy parent and don’t mind going out for lots of walks and keeping your pooch entertained, then they could be a great option.
Should You Adopt a Border Collie Pomeranian Mix?
Are you looking for a fluffy, adorable, intelligent, and active dog to adopt into your family? Then the Border Collie Pomeranian mix could be a great addition. These beautiful dogs are loyal and affectionate and adore being loved by their chosen humans. They’re very aware of their surroundings and make great watchdogs too.
As with many mixed breeds, there is some variation when it comes to temperament and appearance so you can never be 100% sure of what your cute pup will be like. Make sure you research a breeder well and you can always check in your local shelter. You might be lucky and be able to give a pup a much-needed home.
Even though they vary a lot, one thing is for sure, these dogs are wonderful and would make a great addition to the right family.