If you’re looking for an intelligent and easily trainable dog breed, the Border Collie Bichon Frise Mix might be a great choice for you.
Also known as a Border Bichon, Bichon Collie, or simply Borchon, this rare crossbreed is a wonderful small-to medium-sized crossbreed that is ideal for relatively active households with older children.
If you’re considering getting a Border Collie Bichon Frise Mix puppy, this guide is for you. We’ll cover everything you need to know before adopting or buying this designer dog, including what to expect in terms of physical appearance, temperament, health considerations, and general care requirements.
So keep reading!
Table of Contents
Quick Facts About The Border Collie Bichon Frise Mix
| Breed Type: | Mixed Breed/Crossbreed/Designer Dog/Hybrid (Border Collie and Bichon Frise) |
| Size: | Small to medium-sized dog |
| Other Names: | Bichon Collie, Border Bichon, or Borchon |
| Good Guard Dog: | No |
| Good Watch Dog: | Yes |
| Average Weight: | 20 to 30 pounds (Keep in mind that individual dogs may fall outside this range) |
| Average Height: | 15 to 18 inches tall (Keep in mind that individual dogs may fall outside this range) |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 15 years |
| Apartment Living: | Generally, they can adapt to apartment living if provided with sufficient exercise, mental stimulation, and attention |
| Ideal for: | Active owners, Active families with older children, People seeking a playful and affectionate pet, Experienced Owners, People who lead an active lifestyle |
| Coat: | Most likely, a medium to long, dense, double coat and often curly or wavy coat |
| Coat colors: | Black, White, or Black and White |
| Suitable for first time owners: | Yes, for active first-time dog owners and active families with older children |
| Training: | Easy to train |
| Hypoallergenic: | No, not suitable for people with allergies |
| Shedding: | Low to moderate |
| Grooming Needs: | Brush them at least 2 to 3 times a week (brush them more often during the shedding season) |
| Energy Levels: | Moderately High, regular exercise and mental stimulation are important to keep them happy and healthy |
| Exercise Needs: | At least 60 minutes of physical and mental exercise every day is required to prevent destructive behaviors. However, this will vary depending on your dog’s age, health, and general fitness |
| Tolerance to being left alone: | Must not be left alone for longer than 4 to 6 hours |
| Feeding and Diet: | 1.5 to 2 cups of high quality dog food divided into 2 or 3 meals. Of course, this amount varies depending on the dog’s age, size, and activity level |
| Maintenance: | When it comes to grooming they are moderate maintenance dogs. However they have incredibly high levels of energy, requiring active training and exercise |
| Possible Health Issues: | Hip and elbow dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy, Collie eye anomaly, Cataracts, Allergies, Dental issues, Patellar Luxation, Ear infections, Canine epilepsy, Hypothyroidism, Urinary tract infections, Heart conditions, Skin problems |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, Lively, Energetic, Cheerful, Friendly, Intelligent, Social, and Playful |
| Cat Friendly: | Your Collie Bichon Frise mix can be good with cats if the two have been socialized together from an early age. It’s important to introduce them slowly and carefully to ensure a positive relationship |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes, but with proper training and timely socialization |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, They make great companions and playmates for older active children (They do need to be watched around smaller kids) |
| Barking Tendencies: | High, especially if they take after the Border Collie parent (They will bark at anything that moves quickly, such as bikes, skate boards and the like) |
| Prey Drive: | High |
| Price: | $500 – $1500 USD, depending on the breeder |
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The Origin and History of the Border Collie Bichon Frise Mix
The Bichon Frise x Border Collie Mix is a very rare designer dog, so the best thing we can do is study the origins of both parent breeds.
Fortunately, both parents have long histories, but with different backgrounds.
The Origin of the Border Collie
The Border Collie descended from ancient Scottish herding dogs. They emerged from a region near the English-Scottish border and date as far back as the 1700s. That’s why the word “border” is part of their name.
The Border Collie breed’s ancestors include other kinds of collies, including the Scotch Collie and the Bearded Collie.
In the 19th century, the breed was commonly used for herding livestock and as family dogs.
Since they are easy to train, Border Collies have also been used for search and rescue missions and police work.
Today, the Border Collie is known to be one of the smartest and hardest-working dog breeds in the world.
The Origin of the Bichon Frise Breed
The Bichon Frise hailed from the Mediterranean region in the 14th century. The breed soon became popular among the royal families in Europe.
Although their numbers decreased over time, the breed’s popularity rose after it was officially registered with the French Kennel Club in 1934.
The Bichon Frise breed made its way to America in the 1950s and was officially recognized by the AKC in 1972.
Now, let’s find out more about the Bichon Frise Border Collie Mix dog.
The Physical Appearance of a Border Collie Bichon Frise Mix
So, what does a Border Collie English Bichon Frise Mix look like?
The Border Collie x Bichon Frise Mix is most likely a blend of characteristics from both parent breeds. However, it’s not easy to accurately predict the appearance of your designer dog.
One great way to make an informed guess is to meet both parents before getting the puppy, so you can get a good idea of its possible appearance once it’s fully grown.
Some puppies will inherit the brown eyes of the Border Collie and the Bichon Frise’s short coat. Others will inherit the curved tail of the Bichon Frise or the long, feathered tail of the Border Collie parent.
How Big Does a Border Collie Bichon Frise Mix Get?
Since the Bichon Collie is a cross between two very different breeds, you can expect their size to vary considerably. If the mother is a Border Collie and not a Bichon Frise, the puppies should be larger. Similarly, if the female is a Bichon Frise, the puppies will be smaller.
In theory, the ideal weight for this small to medium-sized dog is around 20 to 30 pounds, and they stand about 15 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder.
Coat and Coat Colors
Most Bichon Frise X Border Collie dogs have a double coat that needs weekly brushing.
Despite the fact that the Bichon Frise is considered to be hypoallergenic, Bichon Collies are not hypoallergenic. Some may shed a lot, and they are not suitable for allergy sufferers.
They usually come in black, white, or black and white. Other possible coat colors include cream, buff, red, red and white, with or without black or black and white patterns.
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Border Collie Bichon Frise Mix Temperament, Behavior, and Personality Traits
Bichon Collies inherit their personality traits and behavior from both their Border Collie and Bichon Frise parents.
That means that your Bichon Collie puppy may have a friendly and lively personality from an early age.
Most of these hybrid dogs are very smart and highly energetic. However, most Border Collie Bichon Frise Mixes are not as energetic as purebred Border Collies. Although they still need daily exercise, they are quite easy to exercise and manage.
They are affectionate and eager-to-please dogs that respond best to positive reinforcement training methods.
Since Border Collie Bichon Frise Mixes love human companionship, they can get bored quickly and start chewing, barking, and digging around your lawn. With proper attention, training, and socialization, these dogs can grow into well-mannered adults.
Are Bichon Frise Border Collies Good With Kids?
Yes! Properly socialized, Bichon Frise Border Collie Mixes get along well with children. That said, you should supervise any interactions between dogs and small kids.
Are Bichon Frise Border Collies Good with Other Dogs?
Yes! Bichon Frise Border Collie Mixes get along well with other canines, especially if they have been raised and socialized together from a young age.
Are Border Collie Bichon Frise Mixes Good with Cats and Other Pets?
Like the parent breeds, Border Collie Bichon Frise Mixes have a moderate to high prey drive. That means they can chase after other pets and animals. Without early socialization, they do not usually get along well with other small animals and pets.
Are Bichon Frise Border Collies Good for First-Time Owners?
Yes! The Bichon Frise Border Collie Mix can be a great choice for active first-time dog owners and active families with older children. Just make sure you exercise them daily and avoid leaving them alone at home for too long.
Do Bichon Frise Border Collie Dogs Do Well in Apartments?
Since the Bichon Frise Border Collie Mix is half Border Collie, they can become destructive in apartments if they do not get enough exercise.
Ideally, the Bichon Collie needs a spacious yard and access to a large space where they can play and go for walks.
Since they are small to medium-sized pooches, they do not require massive amounts of playing space. However, a fenced-in yard where they can play and run to meet their exercise needs should come in handy.
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Exercise Requirements
Bichon Collies require a lot of exercise, training, playtime, and mental stimulation. If they are bored or neglected, these dogs can develop destructive behaviors like digging, chewing, and barking.
This mixed-breed dog is ideal for active owners who enjoy daily walks and moderate jogs and hikes. That’s because Bichon Collies need about 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise to stay fit, healthy, and happy.
Bichon Collies also enjoy playtime and are great at agility and other non-strenuous doggie sports.
To fully meet their mental stimulation needs, we recommend providing them with plenty of interactive dog toys.
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Training
Bichon Collies are naturally intelligent and pick up commands quickly. They are eager to please and respond best to positive reinforcement techniques.
These smart dogs may become bored if they are not exercised and trained properly from a young age.
Start housetraining and obedience training immediately to reinforce house rules and minimize common problems such as slow puppy training, chewing, and excessive barking.
Early socialization is also recommended for all puppies and dogs. Be sure to introduce them to as many dogs and other people as possible to help build their confidence and keep them out of trouble.
Grooming and Maintenance
Bichon Frise Border Collie Mixes require regular brushing and even more frequent brushing if your pup inherited its coat from the Border Collie parent.
If your pup has inherited the Bichon Frise’s coat, shedding shouldn’t be a problem. In such cases, bathing them once per month should keep the coat in good condition. Depending on which parent breed’s coat your dog has inherited, plan to brush them 2–4 times per week.
And with supplies like deodorizing wipes for dogs, you can keep them clean and smelling good.
Make sure to brush their teeth at least three times a week to prevent tartar buildup. Also, be sure to wipe their ears to avoid ear infections and trim their nails as needed.
Last but not least, provide optimum comfort for your Bichon Collie Mix by getting them this super cozy Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed and crate them in a safe and secure space with the high-quality MidWest Folding Crate for intermediate dogs. These two highly recommended products have all the features you need to offer a safe, secure, and convenient space for your new pet.
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Feeding and Diet
The best diet for your Border Collie Bichon Mix is balanced and suitable for their age, weight, and energy requirements.
Give them high-quality dog food that is formulated to provide the perfect balance of carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals that your pup requires in an easy-to-digest form.
Bichon Collie puppies should eat 3 to 4 small meals every day, up to about 6 months of age. After that, they can eat two to three meals a day.
But be careful not to overfeed your Bichon Collie, including by giving them too many treats.
To determine the exact amount of food your hybrid pup requires each day and the best food brands for your Border Collie Bichon Frise Mix, we recommend checking with your vet.
To support a healthy gut, skin, and coat, we recommend giving your pup wild Alaskan salmon oil and probiotics.
In addition, make fresh water available to your pup every day and night.
Lifespan
The Bichon Frise Border Collie Mix is generally healthy and can live about 12 to 15 years.
Common Bichon Frise Border Collie Mix Health Issues
Despite being relatively healthy dogs, Bichon Frise Border Collie Mix pups may be vulnerable to certain health conditions, including:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Urinary tract infections
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Cataracts and other eye problems
- Dental issues
That’s why regular vet checkups are highly recommended.
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Finding Healthy Border Collie Bichon Frise Mix Puppies for Sale or Adoption
Whether you want to adopt a Border Collie Bichon Frise Mix or are considering buying a Border Collie Bichon Frise Mix puppy for sale, it’s important to find a reputable breeder or rescue organization.
If you want to adopt, your best bet is to find a responsible animal shelter or rescue organization. If you’re looking to purchase a puppy, be sure to work with ethical breeders only.
The Bichon Frise Border Collie Mix price ranges from $500 to $1500, but can also rise depending on the border and your location.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Border Collie Bichon Frise Mix a Good Family Dog?
Yes! Border Collie Bichon Frise Mixes are friendly and smart dogs that are eager to please. They get along with kids and other dogs if they are socialized properly. This makes them great choices for families.
As with all pets, however, you should supervise interactions between your Bichon Frise Border Collie Mix and kids to ensure everyone is happy and safe.
Are Border Collie Bichon Frise Mix Dogs High Maintenance?
Border Collies are moderate-maintenance dogs, while Bichon Frises are low-maintenance pups. That means your Bichon Frise will most likely be a low- to moderate-maintenance pup.
Can Border Collie Bichon Frise Mix Dogs Be Left Alone?
No. Border Collie Bichon Frise Mixes don’t enjoy being alone for extended periods and can suffer from separation anxiety. They do best in homes where someone is available most of the time.
How Long Can a Border Collie Bichon Frise Mix Be Left Alone?
You can leave them at home alone for three to six hours, but not any longer, as this can lead to separation anxiety. These social dogs thrive in environments where they play and interact with their human friends.
Are Border Collie Bichon Frise Mixes Hypoallergenic?
While the Bichon Frise is said to be hypoallergenic, the Bichon Collie is not. In fact, some Border Collie Bichon Mixes tend to shed a lot and require their fair share of grooming and maintenance.
How Long Do Bichon Frise Border Collie Mixes Live?
These small to medium-sized dogs have quite a long life expectancy. Generally, they can live around 12 to 15 years.
Are Bichon Frise Border Collies Lazy?
While the Bichon Frise Border Collie does not have the energy of a purebred Border Collie, they are not lazy. They are energetic and playful dogs that need 45 to 60 minutes of outdoor activities daily.
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Do Border Collie Bichon Frise Mixes Bark A Lot?
Generally, Border Collie Bichon Frise Mixes are not very vocal. However, they need attention and bark when needed to alert their masters to intruders.
If left alone for long, they can also bark excessively, so early socialization and training are important.
Are Bichon Frise Border Collie Mixes Protective?
While Border Collie Bichon Frise Mixes are not the best guard dogs out there, they are alert and protective of their owners. This makes them good watchdogs.
Are Border Collie Bichon Frise Mixes Hard to Train?
No! Both parent breeds are intelligent and easy to train.
Do Border Collie Bichon Frise Mixes Like to Cuddle?
Yes! Border Collie Bichon Frise Mixes are friendly and affectionate in nature. Many of these dogs love cuddling and staying close to their families and owners.
Are Bichon Frise Border Collies Aggressive?
While the Bichon Frise Border Collie Mix is not naturally aggressive, their energy and intelligence could lead to behavioral problems if not well channeled.
Exercise, training, and socialization can help prevent behavioral problems from developing.
Are Border Collie Bichon Frise Dogs Smart?
Yes! Border Collie Bichon Frise Mixes are very smart. These dogs are also eager to please, making training quite easy.
Can Bichon Frise Border Collies Be Off Leash?
With proper recall training, you and your Border Collie Pomeranian can enjoy being free off-leash while keeping them safe and happy. However, a comfortable and secure harness will help keep your Border Collie Pomeranian Mix safe and secure on-leash.
Never let your Bichon off its leash in public until it has mastered the “come” command.
What Are Some Negatives About Border Collie Bichon Frises?
- They are not hypoallergenic.
- They are very rare.
- They are prone to separation anxiety and do not tolerate being left alone.
- They are prone to health problems that affect both parents.
- They require a fair level of grooming and maintenance.
- They are not the best choice for families with small kids.
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Is a Border Collie Bichon Frise Mix Right for You?
The Border Collie Bichon Frise Mix, or Bichon Collie, is a rare designer dog. However, it’s a wonderful mix that inherits the intelligence of the Border Collie parent and the low-shedding qualities of the Bichon Frise.
This mixed-breed dog is ideal for a relatively active person or family that wants a reliable family dog but also wants a dog that can accompany them on walks or family activities.
Other Border Collie Mixes
Love Border Collies but not sure this particular pup is for you? Check out America’s most popular Border Collie mix breed dogs.
3. Border Collie Shiba Inu Mix
4. Border Collie Blue Heeler Mix
6. Border Collie Schnauzer Mix
7. Border Collie Springer Spaniel Mix
9. Border Collie Dachshund Mix
10. Border Collie Cocker Spaniel Mix
11. Border Collie Great Pyrenees Mix
12. Border Collie Rottweiler Mix
13. Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix
15. Border Collie Shih Tzu Mix
16. Border Collie Brittany Spaniel Mix
17. Border Collie Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix
19. Border Collie Pomeranian Mix
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