The border collie husky mix is an animal beloved by dog owners for many reasons.
It is the offspring of two highly popular, intelligent breeds, it is almost guaranteed to be a good-natured dog with the right handling and it is undeniably attractive.
There is an instant appeal with this dog but is it really such a good idea to mix these active, smart working dogs together?
This guide to the husky border collie mix will look at some of the basic Husky Border Collie Mix information to help prospective owners decide if this is the best option for them.
We will start with a look at some of the basic stats on the breed, such as weight and size, before looking at key issues regarding behavior and training.
We will also look at grooming, exercise and healthcare before discussing the best place to get collie husky mix puppies.
Finally, we will determine the right kind of owner for this complex hybrid.
Table of Contents
Some Quick Facts About The Husky Border Collie Mix
| Breed Type: | Crossbreed/Designer/Hybrid Dog |
| Other Names: | Borsky, Border Husky, Husky Collie |
| Size: | Medium-sized dog |
| Good Watch Dog: | Yes |
| Average Weight: | 30 to 45 Pounds |
| Average Height: | 18 to 22 inches tall |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 15 years (Some live as much as twenty years) |
| Apartment Living: | No, they are best suited to a large home with a fenced-in yard |
| Ideal for: | Active Individuals and Families with Older Children Looking for a Loyal Companion, Spacious Homes, Experienced Dog Owners |
| Coat: | Double Coat, Smooth or Rough, Short or Medium Length |
| Coat colors: | black and white, red, white, brown, gray, blue merle, red merle, and saddleback sable |
| Suitable for first time owners: | No |
| Trainability: | Moderate Difficulty |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming Needs: | You need to brush your dog at least once or twice per week to reduce the amount of pet hair he sheds around your house (Brush your dog every day during shedding season) |
| Energy Levels: | High |
| Exercise Needs: | At least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day is required |
| Tolerance to being left alone: | Low, should not be left alone for more than 4 to 6 hours |
| Feeding and Diet: | 2.5 to 3 cups of high quality dog food each day, divided into two or three meals |
| Maintenance: | Moderate to High |
| Possible Health Issues: | Hip Dysplasia, osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc disorder, Eye conditions, Seizures, hyperthyroidism, deafness |
| Temperament: | Loyal, Friendly, Energetic, Playful, Loving, Smart, Eager to Learn, Affectionate, Escape artist, Can be Stubborn |
| Cat Friendly: | Low to Moderate, the Border Collie known for his herding background (Early Socialization Is Must) |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes (But Early Socialization Is Always Recommended) |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, best suited for families with older children (Early socialization is must + Adult supervision is necessary if you have smaller kids) |
| Barking Tendencies: | They may bark a lot especially if they take after the Border Collie parent (can be controlled by proper training) |
| Price: | $600 to $1500 |
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What Is A Border Collie Husky Mix Called?
The Border Collie Siberian Husky Mix is also called the Border Husky or Borsky. This is a crossbreed of the Border Collie and the Siberian Husky. This breed of dog has not yet been recognized by the AKC or any other kennel club—but that isn’t surprising.
The major kennel clubs do not normally recognize mixed breeds—also known as designer dogs—because they don’t have a breed standard. However, that should not prevent you from adopting these adorable dogs.
That said, it can be difficult to predict your future Border Collie Siberian Husky Mix puppy’s size, appearance, temperament, and health.
The best way you can determine what your Border Husky will look or act like is to study both parent breeds.
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The Origin and History of the Husky Border Collie Mix
Unfortunately, there’s little information available about the history of the Siberian Husky Border Collie Mix.
This designer dog was most likely developed over 20 years ago by someone looking to breed the two purebred parents to create a beautiful dog.
Let’s study the historical backgrounds of the two purebred parents to get a good feel of this mix.
The History of the Siberian Husky
Many dog owners and dog lovers know the interesting history of the Siberian Husky. If you’re not familiar with it, here’s a brief account.
The Siberian Husky originated from Eastern Siberia, where the breed was used by the Chukchi people as sled dogs and to transport goods to and from their community.
These dogs were ideal for these tasks because they had great stamina and could travel over long distances for extended periods.
The Siberian Husky dog breed eventually made its way to Alaska, where the dogs were used in sledding races.
One Siberian Husky – named Togo – is particularly popular for being part of Seppala’s sledding team of dogs. He led a team of 150 sled dogs that ran 674 miles to deliver diphtheria serum to save lives in Nome.
These days, many people adore the breed, and it is found in different parts of the world. Since the Siberian Husky is intelligent, loyal, and dedicated, it is no surprise that it is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world.
The History of the Border Collie
The Border Collie was originally developed to control sheep in the mountainous border between England and Scotland. They are famous for their intense stare, which they used to control flocks of sheep.
Ranchers and farmers still use Border Collies to herd sheep around the world. These dogs were bred to withstand extreme weather. So if you’re looking for a Border Collie Mix, you need to have the energy and endurance to keep up with your dog.
So what does a Husky Border Collie Mix look like? Will your puppy be more of a Husky or more of a Border Collie? Will he inherit equal characteristics from each purebred parent?
Read on to learn more about the general appearance of a Husky and Border Collie Mix, including its size, height and weight.
How Big Will A Husky Border Collie Mix Get?
The basic border collie husky mix weight is around 35 to 45 pounds for bitches and a heavier 40 to 45 pounds for males. This reflects the more muscular genes of the husky.
The height is around 20 inches, although it varies depending on the genes.
This means your Border Husky will be a medium-sized dog.
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What Does A Husky Border Collie Mix Look Like?
As we’ve already mentioned, the Border Collie Husky Mix has no breed standard. That means that there’s no clear way to know exactly what your Border Husky puppy will look like as an adult dog. Nonetheless, you can expect them to inherit some characteristics from each parent dog.
Some Border Husky dogs will look more like Border Collie while others will look more like Siberian Huskies. However, you can also get any combination of both parent breeds’ characteristics.
They are lean dogs and have beautiful facial features due to the mix of husky and collie traits.
As seen in most pictures, these designer dogs will be medium-sized, they will have wolf like body and head shape with alert and semi-erect ears.
Many Border Collie Husky Mixes will inherit the stunning almond-shaped eyes of the Siberian Husky parent dog – which can give them a striking appearance.
Another common feature found in Border Huskies is heterochromia, a condition that is characterized by two different eye colors. Fortunately, this condition is not dangerous and occurs naturally.
There is something about this dog where you cannot help but smile when you see it – perhaps because some look as though they are smiling back.
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Coat and Coat Colors
The Husky Border Collie Mix has a short or medium-length double coat, that will be either smooth or rough.
These dogs come in many colors. The most common ones are black and white, gray, brown, and red. Other possibilities are blue merle, red merle, and saddleback sable.
Exercise Needs
Both of the parent breeds here are active dogs, requiring plenty of exercise each day and time dedicated to game of fetch and other physical activities. This means that the same is true for their offspring.
Your Border Collie Husky Mix will need around 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise to remain happy and healthy. Make sure to divide their daily exercise into two equal sessions. These dogs also make great companions on runs or hikes.
Border Huskies are also known to be escape artists, especially when bored. So they need to be kept in a fenced in yard that gives them space to exercise and move around.
If you’re unable to commit to this level of exercise, then it’s strongly recommended to consider a different breed altogether.
This need for regular exercise, and the size of the dog, mean that they need to have the right home environment.
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Apartment living is not advised here, even if you have a large park nearby. A larger home with a backyard is preferable.
Being intelligent and playful, your Border Huskies also needs mental stimulation in the form of interactive dog toys.
Without mental stimulation, your dog can develop unacceptable behaviors. So, this dog is ideal for active families and individuals who have the time to exercise them.
By keeping your Border Husky properly exercised, you’ll end up with a sweet, loving and affectionate dog.
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Temperament and Personality Traits
Ask any owner of the border collie Siberian husky mix what their personality is like and they are sure to say the same thing.
Almost all dogs are described as being sweet, calm, loyal family dogs. They are great with kids because of their loyalty to the pack and soft nature.
Most are also pretty good with other dogs and cats once they learn their place. Let the cat teach them who is boss for a week and they will soon get the message.
Another common comment is that this is a comical, expressive breed that it just great fun to be around. Owners have as much fun playing games in the park as having cuddles on the sofa.
An odd quirk with this expressive nature is that these pups share their husky parent’s talkative gene. They love to be part of the conversation.
Talk to them, even if it is just to ask what they want to do or tell them you love them, and they may mouth or vocalize in response.
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Border Collie Husky Mix Behavioral Problems
With all the talk of such a loving, sweet-natured dog, it is easy to assume that there are no behavioral issues to contend with when dealing with this cross.
Unfortunately, this sweet, calm temperament require a lot of work. You are dealing with the offspring of two highly intelligent, active breeds. This can lead to a mischievous streak and some other issues.
There are reports from owners that their collie husky mix pups are pretty good escape artists. A smart, bored dog will find a weak point in a fence.
Others have a tendency to chase after a target, like other dogs, cars and children. It is part of the instinct of these working dogs. This can be a big problem around livestock if the animal is not under control.
Other owners talk about separation anxiety. This mix loves being with its family and prolonged absence, mixed with boredom could be a big problem.
The important thing to remember here is that a tired, fulfilled dog is a calm, well-behaved one.
Are They Good With Cats and Other Pets?
With proper socialization, Yes. Both Border Collies and Huskies are known for being independent dogs with a strong prey drive. Also the Border Collie parent used to herd livestock. Despite this, they can still get along with other pets in your household provided they are socialized from an early age.
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Training
The great thing about getting a husky and collie mix is that you can be sure of an intelligent dog.
Border collies are one of the smartest there is and huskies are not far behind, so their pups are sure to be fast learners.
This speed of learning and a need for mental stimulation mean that these cross breeds are pretty easy to train – as long as you follow the right methods and maintain their interest.
You need to establish yourself as your dog’s pack leader from the word-go. You should start housetraining your dog right away. Your dog needs to learn to respect you. This will help prevent any accidents, disputes, and to keep your fur baby out of trouble.
Proper socialization should be part of your dog’s training routine. You need to socialize your dog as early as possible. Puppy socialization can be a great way to reduce aggression, fear, and anxiety in dogs.
If you notice that your pooch is herding any member of your family, then you should try and discourage this behavior as soon as possible.
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Since he is very intelligent, the Border Husky should be able to pick up his training fast, and if not, simply be patient and consistent with your training methods and you will achieve the desired results sooner rather than later.
The only possible issue will come with leash training This is something that these breeds struggle with and they do tend to pull.
This concern over leash training and the other behavioral issues mentioned means that you might want to turn to a professional.
Doggy Dan’s online dog trainer is a world renowned internet resource that has helped a staggering number of owners with specific issues. His guide is sure to be able to offer guidance on leash pulling, separation anxiety, boundary issues, car chasing or hyperactivity.
Are Husky Border Collies Good With Kids?
Yes. A well-trained and socialized Border Collie Husky Mix should get along well with children. However, supervision is essential if you have small kids.
Are Border Huskies Good for First Time Owners?
The Border Collie Husky Mix is a smart and high-energy dog that isn’t a good choice for first-time dog owners. They are also sometimes stubborn, so training may be a challenge for novice owners. These dogs need plenty of exercise and mental enrichment to stay healthy and happy.
This dog is ideal for experienced owners who can meet their exercise needs every day.
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Do Border Collie Husky Mixes Shed A Lot?
Although many designer dogs were developed to be hypoallergenic or low-shedding, that isn’t the case with the Border Husky.
Neither the Siberian Husky nor the Border Collie is hypoallergenic. Both purebred parents are moderate shedding dogs, so you can expect your Border Husky to be a moderate shedder as well. They shed seasonally and will require proper grooming to keep their coat looking beautiful and healthy.
Husky Border Collie Mix Grooming
The thick coats of huskies means that there are bound to be some concerns over border collie husky mix shedding.
It is true that these dogs can shed a lot and there is nothing that you can do to stop it. It is a natural part of husky ownership and it has continued into their offspring. With a coat this beautiful, you can’t really hold it against them.
It is advisable to brush the coat once a day to stop them from shedding excessively and leaving lots of hair all over the sofa and carpet. They will also like the attention so its a win-win situation.
Be aware that another husky trait can come through here. This dog breed can easily overheat, which can speed up the shedding process.
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Give your pooch baths as necessary, but not so frequently that you end up depleting their natural skin oils. Ideally, use quality deodorizing wipes for dogs to clean and freshen them.
Other essential grooming practices – such as ear cleaning, nail clipping, and teeth brushing – should be the same as any other breed of dog.
Feeding and Diet
The Border Husky is a strong, active, and energetic dog, so he needs a high protein diet that is meant for medium-sized dogs.
These dogs will do well eating around 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dog food every day.
To maintain the health and beauty of your dog’s coat, give them wild Alaskan Salmon Oil and probiotics. Also, make sure your pooch has access to clean, fresh water every day.
Border Husky Health Issues
One of the factors with this dog that owners always highlight as a bonus is their lifespan.
They tend to be long lived dogs, with some animals living as much as twenty years. This is impressive for a larger working dog.
Border collies are long lived but not always that long. As with all dogs, a long and happy life comes down to the amount of care they receive.
It is important that they get the right levels of exercise and right diet across their life time. Reduce activity around the age of 14, but don’t allow them to become sedentary.
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This need for regular exercise and activity is crucial because some of these husky collies crosses can develop issues with their bones. Some must deal with osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc disorder, hip dysplasia, and chronic myelopathy.
A good exercise plan and diet should help to prevent against this.
Moreover, It is recommended that these dogs undergo regular eye and ear checks because of health risks in these areas.
As with all crossbreeds, we also recommend using the Embark Dog DNA Test Kit to learn more about your pup’s genetic heritage, potential health problems and what personality traits to expect.
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Finding A Border Collie Husky Mix for Sale
The first thing to consider when choosing a dog for the family is buying husky collie mix puppies from a breeder.
As with all dog breeders, it is important to make sure that they are responsible and have happy, healthy dogs.
A visit to the home gives you a chance to see the collie and husky parents, so you can be sure of the pups linage, and you can ask questions about health issues or other concerns.
How Much Does A Border Collie Husky Mix Cost?
The price of Border Collie Husky Mix Puppies is around $600 to $1,500+, depending on the location, coat colors, and the breeder’s reputation.
These mixes do not come cheap, but they are not the most expensive, either.
You also need to consider other costs like health checkups, food, and toys – which can increase the costs considerably.
You should also buy a good crate for your dog. We recommend the Midwest Folding Crate for Intermediate Dogs because it is strong and durable. We also suggest buying a comfortable bed like the Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed for your canine friend.
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Husky Border Collie Mix for Adoption
The alternative is the option of border collie husky mix adoption.
A border collie and husky mix isn’t exclusively found at a breeders and you don’t have to get a puppy. There are sure to be families that couldn’t handle the needs of this cross breed and gave theirs up for adoption
We recommend visiting different Husky and Border Collie rescue centers to see if they have this cross available for adoption.
Take the time to rescue this long-lived breed and give them the love they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Husky Border Collies Dogs Do Well In Apartments?
No, your Husky Border Collie Mix will need a large open space and the capability to move freely. Even if they are not big dogs, they don’t do well living in small apartment homes.
What is the Lifespan of A Husky Border Collie Mix?
The Border Collie Husky Mix has an average lifespan of around 12 to 15 years.
Can Husky Border Collies be Left Alone?
No. Both the Border Collie and the Husky have high energy levels. So this is something you need to consider if you’re interested in adopting a Border Husky.
This breed thrives on physical activity and should not be left alone for long. Otherwise, these pooches may develop bad behaviors like chewing, digging or incessant barking.
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Are Husky Border Collies Good For First Time Owners?
No. The Border Husky is not suited to new dog owners due to their high energy levels and the need for regular training and exercise.
This dog is ideal for experienced owners who can meet their exercise needs every day.
How Long Can A Border Collie Husky Mix Be Left Alone?
Border Collie Husky dogs are independent dogs who can be left alone for up to 4 to 6 hours. However, they should not be separated for too long.
Do Husky Border Collie Mixes Bark A Lot?
While Border Collies are known for their barking, the Husky is not an excessive barker. It all depends on how lucky you end up being.
Are Border Collie Huskies Good Family Pets?
Yes, a well-trained and socialized Border Collie Husky Mix can be a great family pet. They are loyal and do well with children who treat them respectfully.
Is the border collie husky mix the right choice for you?
There is no doubt that a husky collie dog is a beautiful dog – both in its looks and its demeanor.
When handled correctly, these animals are sweet, loyal dogs that can behave brilliantly and provide love for a family for a very long time.
However, it is that commitment to providing activity, training and attention that is the issue. You really do need to have the time and patience to handle these dogs.
Give these pups the love they deserve and you won’t regret it.
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Other Husky Mixes
Love Huskies but not sure this particular pup is for you? Check out America’s most popular Husky mix breed dogs.
10. Husky Beagle mix
11. Husky Corgi Mix
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