What do you get when you cross an athletic, medium-sized herder with a gentle giant?
The result is the Border Collie Mastiff Mix, also affectionately known as the Border Collstiff or Borderstiff!
The Border Collie Mastiff Mix is a rare cross between a Border Collie and a Mastiff, two popular dogs in today’s world!
This mix typically inherits the body features of the Mastiff, but the Border Collie’s coat. His coat will most likely be dense with the most common colors being black and white.
One major difference between the two parent breeds is their size. Mastiffs can grow to a whopping 200 pounds, while Border Collies barely exceed 45 pounds.
Despite this, the Border Collstiff is intelligent, loving, protective, and in need of human companionship.
Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about this interesting mix and determine whether he’s the right fit for your family!
Table of Contents
Some Quick Facts About The Border Collie Mastiff Mix
Below we’ve laid out the facts about the Border Collie Mastiff Mix, so you can determine if this dog is the best choice for you.
| Breed Type: | Mixed Breed/Crossbreed/Designer Dog/Hybrid (Border Collie and Mastiff) |
| Size: | Large-Sized Dog |
| Other Names: | Border Collie English Mastiff Mix, Border Collie Tibetan Mastiff Mix, Border Collie BullMastiff Mix, Border Collstiff, Borderstiff |
| Good Guard Dog: | Yes |
| Good Watch Dog: | Yes |
| Average Weight: | 70 to 120 pounds (It’s important to keep in mind that the size and weight of a Border Collie Mastiff mix can be difficult to predict, as it depends on the specific genetic combination of the parents) |
| Average Height: | 23 to 30 inches tall (There is a significant variation in size between the parent breeds, and it’s impossible to know Tibetan Mastiff Corgi Mix size and weight) |
| Lifespan: | 8 to 12 years |
| Apartment Living: | No, due to their size, exercise needs, and energy levels |
| Ideal for: | Active families with older children, as well as active singles. People in need of a watchdog/guard dog |
| Coat: | Dense, Thick, Short or Long (The exact appearance of the coat can vary widely among individual dogs) |
| Coat colors: | Black and White, Red, Gray, Tan, Brindle, Golden |
| Suitable for first time owners: | Not Recommended (Due to their strong personality, exercise requirements, size and training challenges) |
| Training: | Reasonably easy to train; just make sure to start training them immediately to avoid stubborn behavior |
| Hypoallergenic: | No, not suitable for people with allergies |
| Shedding: | Moderate to Heavy Shedding, but requires minimal grooming |
| Grooming Needs: | Weekly brushing, During seasonal shedding, more frequent brushing may be required to keep the coat healthy and shiny |
| Energy Levels: | Moderate to High |
| Exercise Needs: | At least 60 t0 120 minutes of physical and mental exercise every day is required |
| Tolerance to being left alone: | When properly exercised, they can be fine staying alone for 6 to 8 hours |
| Feeding and Diet: | 3 to 5 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 low maintenance dogs. However they have incredibly high levels of energy, requiring active training and exercise |
| Possible Health Issues: | Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Collie eye anomaly, Allergies, Bloat, Epilepsy, Hypothyroidism |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, Loyal, Alert, Protective, Friendly, Loving, Affectionate, Active, Energetic, High prey drive or tendency to chase after animals, Can be stubborn |
| Cat Friendly: | Your Collie Mastiff mix can be good with cats if the two have been socialized together from an early age |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes, but with proper training and timely socialization |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, with early socialization, this dog is perfect for families with older children (They do need to be watched around smaller kids) |
| Barking Tendencies: | High, especially if they take after the Border Collie parent (Mastiffs do not bark much unless they have a reason) |
| Prey Drive: | Medium to High |
| Price: | Average $500 – $2000 USD |
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What is a Border Collie Mastiff Mix Called?
A Border Collie Mastiff Mix is called a Border Collstiff or Borderstiff. This dubious mixed breed also makes for a well-balanced pup.
They are friendly and good with their owners and families, but more excitable out there. The Border Collstiff will be brave and protective when necessary, but he is also gentle, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
The History of the Border Collie Mastiff Mix?
The Tibetan Mastiff Border Collie Mixes will have different temperaments, depending on the breed they take after. Since both parents are working dogs, these mixes have plenty of energy.
No one can tell who first created the Border Collie Mastiff Mix. The American Kennel Club has not yet officially recognized the breeds, and finding reputable Borderstiff breeders can be difficult.
However, both parent breeds have well-known histories. For example, the Tibetian Mastiff was originally bred for guarding buddhists and their flocks of animals.
On the other hand, Border Collies are working dogs that were bred for herding livestock, particularly sheep. Border Collies also served as police dogs and took part in rescue missions due to their loyalty and intelligence.
When you mix the Mastiff and the Border Collie, you get a Border Collstiff or Borderstiff – a cute and intelligent dog that enjoys being out and about!
What Does a Border Collie Mastiff Mix Look Like?
As a mixed breed, the Border Collie Mastiff Mix has varying physical characteristics. They inherit any features from both parent breeds.
By studying the general appearance of both parent breeds, we can get a good idea of what your Border Collstiff puppy might look like.
Generally, full-grown Border Collie Mastiff mixes will be large, sturdy, and athletic dogs. We already know that the Mastiff is large, muscular, and powerful. The Border Collie is smaller. With this in mind, you can expect a Border Collie Mastiff Mix to resemble an overgrown Collie, but with the Mastiff’s head.
How Big Does a Border Collie Mastiff Mix Get?
When it comes to size, the Mastiff can grow to a whopping 200 pounds, with the Border Collie barely exceeding 45 pounds.
For that reason, the Border Collie Mastiff Mix will be smaller than the Mastiff parent, but larger than the average Border Collie.
That said, the Borderstiff reaches 23 to 30 inches tall and weighs about 70 to 120 pounds.
Coat and Coat Colors
When it comes to coat and coat colors, the Mastiff Collie Mix can take after either of the parents or inherit features from both parents.
Regardless, the Border Collie Mastiff mix’s coat should be dense and thick and comes in the black and white coat colors of the Border Collie.
Other possible colors are red, gray, tan, or golden. This makes the Border Collie Tibetan Mastiff a designer dog with a unique appearance.
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Border Collie Mastiff Mix Temperament & Personality Traits
Friendliness, loyalty, and affection perfectly describe the Border Collie Mastiff Mix, a unique designer dog that balances the different personality traits of the Border Collie and the Mastiff.
Despite their massive size, the Borderstiff is surprisingly calm and loving, even with children. However, this rare hybrid dog will quickly defend its owner and loved ones if threatened.
You can expect the Border Mastiff to be an even-tempered giant: calm and sweet with his family at home but quite active and excitable outside. This makes them a good choice for people who want a gentle but exciting dog. They make great family dogs but will need plenty of room because of their size.
Are Border Collie Mastiff Mixes Protective?
Yes! Border Collie Mastiff mix dogs are loyal companions who enjoy protecting their owners and families. This makes them good guard dogs and watchdogs.
However, start socializing your Border Collie and Mastiff Mix puppy immediately after you bring him home by allowing him to meet other people and dogs and experience different places and situations.
Are Border Collie Mastiff Mixes Good For First-Time Owners?
No. These energetic dogs require a lot of exercise each day and are not recommended for first-time owners.
Are Border Collie Mastiff Mixes Good with Other Dogs?
If well socialized, Border Collie Mastiff Mixes can tolerate other canines well. However, they may be more interested in playing with their owners or spending time with them.
Are Border Collie Mastiff Mixes Good with Cats and Other Pets?
Mastiff Border Collie Mixes may have moderate prey drives, so it is advisable to teach them to leave cats and other small pets alone.
Border Collies also have natural herding instincts, so although they may not attack small pets, they may be tempted to chase them around.
Do Border Collie Mastiff Mix Dogs Do Well In Apartments?
The Boderstiff won’t make a good choice for apartment dwellers. Weighing up to 150 pounds or even more, they need plenty of space where they can explore, run, and play around.
Are Mastiff Border Collies Good With Kids?
Yes! Border Collie Mastiffs are good with children and do even better with older children. They are patient with children and protective of their owners. However, they can be very energetic, so you should supervise smaller kids around this pup since they might accidentally knock them down.
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Exercise Needs
Mastiff Border Collies are active dogs, so they need a high level of exercise each day. You will need to invest plenty of time to meet the exercise needs of your Borderstiff.
He will most likely require about 90 to 120 minutes of exercise daily, but some Borderstiffs may need more.
In addition to daily walks, your dog will need hikes, jogs, and interactive dog toys for mental stimulation. With a Border Collie parent, your Borderstiff can also excel in dog sports such as tracking, flyball, fetch, and agility.
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Training
The Borderstiff is an intelligent dog so training can be relatively easy. However,they need an owner with a firm hand that will let them take their position. These large dogs will require patience and consistency during training.
The best thing to do is to use positive reinforcements during training and divide the training sessions into short sessions to keep them interested. Use praise and treats as rewards for good behaviors to encourage them when housetraining them.
The Border Collie Mastiff Mix can have a high prey drive and might be tempted to chase small prey. Therefore, proper socialization is the key to getting Mastiff Border Collies geared toward protecting the family instead of being aggressive toward strangers and other animals.
Do Border Collie Mastiff Mix Shed a Lot?
This dog has a low shedding tendency, so grooming should be easy.
Grooming
Both parent breeds are easy to groom, but brushing them regularly will help keep your mix in good condition. Brush their coat each week, and brush them every day during the heavier shedding seasons.
In addition, you need to bathe your Borderstiff only when necessary or every few months. Avoid bathing them too frequently as doing so can dry out and irritate your pet’s skin.
If you’re worried about slobber, then any Mastiff Mix may not be a good choice for you. Although a Border Collie Mastiff Mix won’t leave a lot of drool on its way, it can still be frustrating if you aren’t ready for it.
That said, you can use the best deodorizing wipes for dogs to keep up with your dog’s overall cleanliness.
The rest of your dog’s grooming includes basic care practices like ear cleaning, nail trimming, and teeth brushing.
To prevent ear infections, consider checking your dog’s ears weekly and cleaning them regularly.
Brush your dog’s teeth every day and start early to ensure they get used to this routine.
Lastly, trim their nails every 4 to 6 weeks, and if you don’t know how to do it safely at home, you can ask your groomer or vet to do it for you.
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Feeding and Diet
Diet plays an important role in the life of any dog, and is important for their overall health and well-being. With that in mind, your Border Collie Mastiff Mix dog’s diet should include protein, healthy carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
An adult Borderstiff should eat high-quality dog food formulated for large dog breeds and have two to three evenly-spaced meals every day.
For puppies, consider buying high-quality puppy food designed for large dog breeds and feed them 4 times every day.
You should also consider supplementing their diet with glucosamine, probiotics, and wild Alaskan salmon oil to support their joints, skin, and coat health.
Mastiff Border Collie Mix Health Issues
Although crossbreeds are generally healthier than pure breeds, the Border Collie and Mastiff Mix can still inherit health issues that affect Border Collies and Mastiffs.
The Border Collie Mastiff Mix is vulnerable to hip and elbow dysplasia. Therefore, fulfilling their exercise needs and maintaining a healthy weight is strongly recommended.
These mixes are also susceptible to cancer and heart disease like the parent breeds. Owners should also be aware of other possible illnesses to ensure their dog’s optimal health, including skin allergies and Collie eye anomaly.
The best way to prevent such health problems from affecting your dog is to buy your puppy from a reputable breeder.
How Long Do Border Collie Mastiff Mixes Live?
The Border Collie has a lifespan of around 10 to 15 years with the average lifespan being 12 years.
Differering lifespans are stated for the Mastiff and the BullMastiff. Purebred Mastiffs can be expected to live 6 to 10 years while the BullMastiff lives 7 to 9 years on average.
Therefore, you can expect a Border Collie Mastiff Mix to live 6 to 12 years and a BullMastiff Mix to live 7 to 12 years on average.
For that reason, you should be ready for a long-term commitment and vet bills along the way before adding this mix to your family.
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Border Collie Mastiff Puppies for Sale
When searching for Border Collie Mastiff Mix puppies for sale, do your research beforehand. It can be difficult to find reputable Border Collie Mastiff breeders because this mix is rare and there may be some unscrupulous breeders out there.
Be sure to visit the parent dogs of each puppy you’re interested in. Ask as many questions as possible and learn more about the puppies before you make your purchase.
How Much Does A Border Collie Mastiff Mix Cost?
The Border Collie Mastiff Mix price ranges from a few hundred dollars to a couple of thousand dollars. Breeders usually consider the parents’ pedigree and history when pricing Borderstiff puppies for sale.
These dogs also find themselves in shelters and rescues, so be sure to check with any local shelters and rescue centers first.
Border Collie Mastiff Mix For Adoption
You can avoid unwanted behaviors by rescuing a dog in need. With a full-grown dog, you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into as most dogs have already been trained and socialized.
But before buying a puppy or rescuing an adult dog, you should consider the overall costs of owning a dog, including the cost of recommended dog products like the MidWest Folding Crate for Large dogs and the Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed for large dogs.
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FAQs
Is A Border Collie Mastiff Mix A Good Family Dog?
With proper training and the correct living conditions, Border Collie Mastiff mixes make great family dogs. They are friendly, loyal, and great with children.
Are Border Collie Mastiff Mix Dogs High Maintenance?
Overall, Border Collie Mastiff Mix dogs are not high maintenance because they are easy to groom. However, they are high-energy dogs that require tons of exercise to stimulate their brains.
Can Border Collie Mastiff Mix Dogs Be Left Alone?
Some Border Collie Mastiff Mix dogs can be left alone and be okay, while others do not like being left alone. These intelligent dogs need a lot of exercise and companionship. Being left alone for too long can cause stress, anxiety, and destructive behavior.
How Long Can A Border Collie Mastiff Mix Be Left Alone?
Although there is no rule for how long you can leave your Mastiff Border Collie Mix alone unattended, you should not leave them alone for longer than 6 to 10 hours. However, every dog is different so monitor their behavior before you can start leaving them alone.
Are Border Collie Mastiff Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No! They are not! While these dogs don’t shed a lot, they can still cause allergies.
Are Mastiff Border Collies Lazy?
No. Mastiff Border Collies are usually energetic and intelligent dogs that require a lot of exercise each day.
Do Border Collie Mastiff Mixes Bark A Lot?
Border Collies can bark a lot because of their natural herding instinct while Mastiffs bark infrequently, so this is something you want to consider to prevent your dog from becoming a nuisance to your neighbors.
Are Border Collie Mastiff Mixes Hard to Train?
Fortunately, Border Collie Mastiff mixes are intelligent, eager to please, and relatively easy to train.
Do Border Collie Mastiff Mixes Like To Cuddle?
Despite their size, Border Collie Mastiff Mixes love cuddling and spending time with their owners. They are also friendly, affectionate, and eager to please.
Are Mastiff Border Collies Aggressive?
Despite being highly energetic, active, and intelligent, Mastiff Border Collies aren’t aggressive. Many owners report that their Mastiff Border Collies are gentle and friendly, even to strangers.
Are Border Collie Mastiff Dogs Smart?
Yes! They are known for their intelligence and can excel in agility training. These dogs have learned to be committed to their work. They are also very alert and responsive.
Can Mastiff Border Collies Be Off Leash?
Border Collies are excellent off-leash dogs, but you need to gradually transition them to staying off-leash in a supervised environment with training.
What Are Some Negatives About Border Collie Mastiffs?
- They are prone to genetic health conditions.
- They are likely to bark a lot.
- They shed, but grooming is easy.
- They are large dogs that require plenty of exercise each day.
- They are also prone to chewing and boredom, so they shouldn’t be left alone for too long.
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Is A Border Collie Mastiff Mix Right For You?
When you combine a Mastiff with a Border Collie, you get a loyal, intelligent, and friendly Borderstiff dog that is very eager to please. However, despite being playful and friendly, these pups aren’t for everyone!
Mastiff Collies are high-energy dogs that require a lot of exercises and mental stimulation. They are large dogs that require a long-term commitment to bring one of these pooches to your home.
If you want to add this breed to your life, research reputable breeders, and make sure you can provide enough space for their training and exercise needs.
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.
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