Border Schnollie -- Border Collie X Schnauzer

		Border Schnollie
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


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

A brief presentation of the Border Schnollie

The Border Schnollie is a cross between the Border Collie and the Standard Schnauzer. The appearance and personality of each Border Schnollie litter is difficult to determine solely because it depends on which traits of the parent breed are most dominant. As a general rule, the common Border Schnollie will have the body type of the Schnauzer with the coloration of the Border Collie. As for personality, since both parent breeds are very high-energy working dogs, you can expect the Border Schnollie to need plenty of exercise to put that intelligence and athleticism to good use. The Border Collie was developed to be a herding dog, while the Schnauzer was designed to eliminate vermin and protect the home from unwanted intruders. With jobs like these, the combined result is an extremely intelligent hybrid dog that is loyal, courageous and a serious workhorse. The Border Collie is considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds, so when paired with the courageous Schnauzer, the Border Schnollie will be quite the handful. This is a gentle breed, but will need a determined, well-experienced owner to help it develop its potential.

History of the Border Schnollie

Because the Border Schnollie is a relatively new breed, we don't know much about its origins. But we do know a lot about the Border Collie and the Schnauzer. The combination of these two breeds results in an optimistic, intelligent, loyal and athletic dog that needs a strong leader in order to be well trained. Although they do wonderfully well with other animals and people, the Border Schnollie may not be the best choice for a first-time dog owner.

	A little of the Border Collie
	The Border Collie was first bred somewhere between the border country of Scotland and England. They are the definition of a classic working farm dog and are well known for their intense eyes that compel almost anyone to move. Border Collies are excellent working dogs, highly prized for their intelligence, work ethic and friendly personality. The breed was accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1995 and has since been divided into two categories: working and show. Today, Border Collies are used as farm dogs, show dogs and companion animals.

	Standard of the Border Collie
	A little of the Schnauzer
	The Schnauzer was born around 1492 and was formerly known as the Wirehaired Pinscher. The Standard is thought to be the oldest of the three types of Schnauzer - standard, miniature and giant - and was used on farms to keep house and kill rats, mice and other vermin. In the 1870s, the wirehaired Pinscher became the Schnauzer after starting to be shown at dog shows. The breed was introduced to the USA in 1900 and was soon recognized by the American Kennel Club a few years later in 1904.

	Standard of the Schnauzer

Appearance of the Border Schnollie

Because the Border Schnollie is a hybrid breed, its appearance will depend entirely on the combination of Border Collie and Schnauzer, the typical appearance of this breed tending to take on the body of the Schnauzer, while retaining the markings and colors of the Border Collie. The Border Schnollie is a medium-sized dog with floppy ears, stiff coat, intelligent eyes and an athletic build. Their color patterns can vary from gray, black, brown and beige with white markings. The eyes are always light or dark brown, full of life and constantly alert. The stiff coat of the Border Schnollie takes after the Schnauzer and has an undercoat. Whereas the Schnauzer doesn't shed often and is in fact hypoallergenic, the Border Collie sheds seasonally. Despite this, it's a beautiful and unique dog that will undoubtedly steal hearts all day long.

Temperament of the Border Schnollie

This breed will take on the temperament of its parent breeds, the Border Collie and the Schnauzer. Be prepared for a high-energy, eager-to-please dog that will be attached to your hip. Border Collies and Schnauzers love their people fiercely and aren't afraid to defend their home. Don't be surprised if your dog barks at newcomers and suspicious activity until he's more comfortable. In addition to this, bear in mind that the Border Collie is a breeder, which means that your Border Schnollie may tend to try to guard you, small children and other animals. It's extremely important to remember that while this breed is loving and playful, it's also extremely energetic and stubborn. This means that training will be difficult, even if your dog wants to please you. The Border Schnollie will need an experienced dog owner and a strong-willed person to ensure it is well trained. Early socialization is also important to properly limit their protective nature into something healthy. If training is carried out correctly, you'll end up with a great family dog who is loyal, fun-loving, intelligent and eager to please. The Border Schnollie is an excellent working and companion dog.

Needs and activities of the Border Schnollie

Because the Border Schnollie has very active parent breeds, it will need plenty of physical and mental stimulation throughout the day. This includes activities such as training, jogging, hiking, long walks and playing lots of fetch in the yard. Fortunately, because this breed has a thick coat, he can do very well in cold weather and you won't have to worry about not giving him enough outdoor exercise during the winter months. Be sure to give your Border Schnollie plenty of exercise so he doesn't become destructive. High-energy dogs who don't have a way to release their energy productively tend to destroy things you enjoy. However, if you can spend 1-2 hours a day giving your Border Schnollie good mental and physical stimulation, he'll be perfectly content and happy all day long.

Maintenance of the Border Schnollie

Based on the combined Border Collie and Schnauzer coat, the Border Schnollie is relatively low-maintenance. Brushing its coat at least twice a week with a metal comb and brush should be enough to minimize shedding. Bathing should only take place occasionally, or when your dog is really dirty. Keep in mind that every time you bathe your Border Schnollie, you need to dry its ears thoroughly. Because this breed has folded ears, any extra moisture or foreign bodies trapped inside can cause infection and irritation. If you clean the ears and dry them properly, you can reduce the risk of infection. In addition to this, trim your dog's nails every few weeks or when you hear them clicking on the floor.

Details: Written by: Francis Vandersteen; Also available:; Last Updated: 12 March 2024; Hits: 557

Border Schnollie -- Border Collie X Schnauzer