Border Collie Pit -- Border Collie X American Pit Bull Terrier

		Border Collie Pit
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Great Britain -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Border Collie Pit

The Border Collie Pit is a new hybrid and little information is available on the hybrid, however, there is breed information available on the breed parents, the Border Collie and the American Pit Bull Terrier. The Pit Bull breed parent could be one of three varieties of Pit Bull Terrier (English Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Pit Bull Terrier) and shares a common history with them. The common breed history of both parent breeds seems to have begun in England before the 1800s, and their initial purpose was herding, hunting and security. Both parent breeds are similar in size, although the Pit Bull Terrier may weigh more than the Border Collie. Both breeds are solidly built, with well-muscled bodies and alert, vigilant expressions. The personalities and temperaments of the breed parents are similar, boasting alertness, intelligence, loyalty and high energy, with moderate levels of grooming maintenance provided by the Border parent and minimal levels of grooming maintenance brought to the mix by the Pit Bull parent.

History of the Border Collie Pit

The Border Collie Pit is a relatively new hybrid and there isn't much history about it. However, there is an abundance of history on the parent breeds, the Border Collie and the American Pit Bull Terrier, both of which originated in England. The Border Collie Pit originated in the USA, and today they live on as pets and guardians.

	A little of the Border Collie
	The Border Collie's roots go back to the first century, when invading Romans brought their largest sheepdogs to England. They were then crossed with smaller spitz-type dogs imported to England by the Vikings, resulting in the breed we know today. Initially, the Border Collie breed was used for sheep breeding, and the Border Collie's physique and temperament make it perfect for the topography of Scotland, England and the Welsh highlands. They really are canine workhorses, making them indispensable in their shepherding duties.

	Standard of the Border Collie
	A little of the American Pit Bull Terrier
	Pit Bull Terrier is a term that actually refers to several breeds of dog: the Staffordshire Terrier, a mix of the Old English Bulldog and a variety of Terrier breeds, being the dominant one. Historically, the Staffordshire Terrier was introduced to the USA in the mid-1800s and became known as the Pit Bull Terrier, the American Bull Terrier, the American Pit Bull Terrier and finally the Yankee Terrier. The Pit Bull Terrier was the first breed to be recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1898 and later by the American Kennel Club in 1936, but as a Staffordshire Terrier. The breed name was later changed to American Staffordshire Terrier in 1972 because breeders had developed a much heavier, stronger version of the Staffordshire Terrier and wanted to distinguish between the two breeds. Originally, the Staffordshire Terrier was used by butchers to manage bulls and by hunters to help hold wild boar and other game.

	Presentation of the American Pit Bull Terrier

Appearance of the Border Collie Pit

The Border Collie Pit is a hybrid, having Border Collie and Pit Bull Terrier as parent breeds, and can take on the physical characteristics of one or both parent breeds. Thus, your pet may be medium-sized or a larger version, with a strong, sturdy, well-muscled body, it could have a smooth or slightly wavy coat or a short, stiff textured coat that could be virtually any color combination with a variety of markings. His ears could be erect or semi-erect or rose-shaped, his eyes could be oval or round and of any color, and, they can't both be the same color. Its tail could be short or longer, and will probably be carried low. Your pet will probably have a solid muzzle and a scissor bite or light bite. It will probably have compact, medium-sized feet and medium-length nails.

Temperament of the Border Collie Pit

Your Border Collie Pit hybrid may have the temperament of either of the breed's parents. As such, he could be alert, energetic, intelligent, loyal, responsive, protective, affectionate, cheerful, friendly and social. He will probably have a high level of sensitivity and a moderate level of barking. He will probably have a moderate level of mouthing, chewing and playing. He will probably be good with children, but not so much with cats and other dogs, and may try to herd other animals and people. Both parent breeds are good with strangers, although there may be some mistrust in his behavior. Early socialization will help him overcome this distrust of strangers. He may have a moderate hunting drive and a high level of wanderlust. Because both parent breeds are intelligent and industrious, training will be easier if appropriate methods are incorporated. Both parent breeds contribute to high energy levels, with the Border Collie having a very high energy level.

Needs and activities of the Border Collie Pit

The Border Collie Pit's parent breeds are energetic dogs that have been bred for hunting and breeding. They love to run, jump and play, and will require long walks or runs several times a day, as well as lots of fetch and Frisbee games. They require mental and physical challenges to avoid boredom, which leads to destructive tendencies brought on by both breed parents. They are not particularly suited to apartment living, as they can be exuberant with unused energy. Homes with fenced yards will work very well in addition to the exercise described above. These are not dogs that do well when left alone for long periods of time, as they get bored and will get into things to pass the time. They can live in urban or rural homes as long as they have plenty of opportunity for exercise. They can tolerate warm and cooler temperatures so they can live in many different climates, although their coats are not suited to icy climates.

Maintenance of the Border Collie Pit

The Border Collie Pit has a moderate maintenance level, mainly due to the contribution of the Border Collie breed's parent. Since it has the possibility of inheriting some or all of the characteristics of one or both of the breed's parents, its coat will probably need to be carefully brushed at least once or twice a week to reduce matting and shedding. Your pet should only be bathed or shampooed when necessary. Periodic trimming will be necessary if he inherits the Border parent's coat. Your pet's coat will probably be of the shedding type as both breed parents are excretors and neither is hypoallergenic, so it's important for you to keep it brushed and groomed to avoid problems for those in your household with asthma or breathing problems. As with most canine breeds, this hybrid will need regular teeth checks and cleaning, eye examinations and attention to their ears to keep them clean and free from infection.

Details: Written by: Francis Vandersteen; Also available:; Last Updated: 11 March 2024; Hits: 576

Border Collie Pit -- Border Collie X American Pit Bull Terrier