Assuming that the Border Collie is produced by two outstanding canines, it is guaranteed that you will receive a stunningly attractive puppy, depending on which parent passes on the most genes.
With unparalleled endurance and exceptional intellect, the Border Husky crossbreed possesses qualities inherited from both the Husky and Border Collie breeds. Despite displaying Husky-like determination and Border Collie-like restraint, this type of dog is affectionate and deeply committed to its owners.
The Siberian Husky Border Collie mix is a lively dog that loves being in the spotlight. This trait likely comes from their Husky ancestry. Additionally, be prepared for significant exuberance and noise from your pooch because this gorgeous dog may acquire the talkative nature of the Husky breed, which is still an entertaining quality.
The Border Collie, who is a parent to this breed, is widely known as the top herding dog in the world and rightfully so. The herding ability of this breed is so dominant that it often passes down from one generation to another, even if they have not been utilized for herding purposes.
If you are looking to train the Border Husky hybrid for work, this news is great. However, when it comes to interacting with children or other animals, it may not be as ideal. This is because it has a tendency to nip and herd, which could be damaging to other pets. For the safety of other animals and young children, it is not recommended to have a Border Husky in a household with other pets or young children.
How to Care For Siberian Husky Border Collies
Exercise & Living Conditions
The Border Collie and Siberian Husky are breeds known for their high energy levels that require rigorous daily activity. Therefore, it is unsurprising that a puppy resulting from a combination of the two – a Border Collie Husky mix – would possess the same vigorous energy that must be released to prevent negative behaviors caused by boredom.
Borsky needs daily mental stimulation in addition to his at least 90 minutes of exercise to stay engaged and alert. Generally, Collies are driven by objects while Huskies are motivated by food. Once you figure out your dog’s motivation, you can use it for your benefit.
If you cannot spend time with a dog during the day, the Border Husky mix is not a suitable choice for you, and you should consider getting a less energetic puppy.
In addition, the Borsky, being a highly energetic and driven breed, is not an appropriate choice for those living in apartments. As the parent breeds, originating from Siberia and Scotland, were accustomed to working in the frigid wilderness, access to a yard and fresh air is essential for the Borsky’s happiness.
If you own a Border Husky, it’s important to strengthen your yard because if your dog gets bored, they can effortlessly hop over your 6-foot fence and may develop the escape tendencies of their Husky parent.
Diet & Nutrition
Adequate nutrition for the active Border Collie Husky mix requires a good quality dog food rich in protein and vital nutrients that are appropriate for their age.
The amount of food your puppy consumes daily can range from 2 1/2 to 3 cups, based on his energy levels and size. To keep your dog healthy, provide him with the best nutrition and be cautious of the number of treats he eats to avoid obesity, as you would with any dog.
Training
Despite being a highly trainable and loyal dog, the Border Husky has a tendency to be stubborn, which can pose a challenge when trying to maintain proper training sessions.
Early socialization is imperative for this hybrid breed to learn who holds the authority and to comprehend that certain constraints must be followed. Introducing your puppy to other canines, felines, people, and unforeseen situations at a young age can also establish his self-assurance and guarantee that he develops into a respectable and well-behaved dog.
While it is advantageous to have someone with exceptional intelligence, you will soon learn that failing to challenge or collaborate with them adequately will lead to their rapid boredom and unappealing behavior of disregarding you.
Just like any other breed of dogs, the most effective technique in training Border Collie Husky puppies is the utilization of positive reinforcements, which has been scientifically proven.
Buyer’s Guide
Finding a Breeder
To start looking for a Border Husky breeder, it’s best to contact nearby breeders of Siberian Huskies and Border Collies. Ask them for advice or referrals to trustworthy breeders near you.
In case of failure, seek assistance from members of different social media groups that are dedicated to specific breeds. It is advisable to avoid commercial breeders or puppy mills that prioritize generating maximum profit by breeding numerous puppies.
It is of great importance to view the puppies alongside their litter and both parents, and to ask for the parents’ health certificates, particularly those pertaining to their hip score and canine ophthalmologist evaluation, given that the breed is still quite new and there are no specific health guidelines or required certificates. If the breeder refuses, it is best to look elsewhere. Respectable breeders should not have any issue with or deny these requests.
Price
The Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC) and the American Canine Hybrid Club do not recognize this breed of hybrid dog as it is fairly new to the designer dog world.
Due to various factors such as the lineage of the parents, the fur color of the puppy, the breeder’s reputation and location, pricing for a Border Collie Husky mix puppy can vary from $600 to $1,500.
Is a Husky Border Collie Mix Pup Right for You?
If you’re considering getting a dog solely because of its adorable appearance or impressive intelligence, it’s important to remember that dog ownership is a long-term responsibility. Before making a decision, take some time to reflect on whether you’re truly prepared to become a dog parent. Additionally, if you’re a novice dog owner, it’s best to avoid getting a Husky Border Collie Mix.
Although these puppies possess intelligence, their stubbornness can pose an added difficulty for inexperienced dog owners to effectively teach them. Furthermore, this mixed breed necessitates ample physical activity and mental engagement on a daily basis. Ideally, they would thrive in a spacious residence with a secured yard where they can play, exercise and roam freely.
Furthermore, due to their herding background, it is not recommended to have Borskys in households with young children or other pets. Without adequate training and socialization during their early development, they may cause harm to smaller animals and children through their tendency to nip or bite sharply as part of their herding technique.
BONUS: Ditch the Dog Food Bowl – The Power of Hand Feeding
Hand-feeding your dog is an excellent method to strengthen your bond and improve their bite control. Puppies can particularly benefit from this, as it teaches them to regulate their mouth movement when around your fingers. Additionally, nervous or new dogs can greatly benefit from this method of feeding – it’s definitely worth a try!
- Start by putting some of your dog’s kibble in your cupped hand.
- If you feel the sharp end of a canine or incisor on your hand, close your hand. It’s ok if you feel the flat side of teeth as your dog eats.
- Open your hand enough that your dog can easily lick kibble out of the opening in your hand.
- Your puppy will quickly learn that she needs to be gentle in order to earn her meals!
- I think of my hand like a Kong and shape it so that puppies need to lick instead of bite to get the kibble out of my hand. I’ve actually used this to teach bite inhibition to sharky puppies!
The Benefits of Throwing Out Your Food Bowl
Consider the amount of time your dog is probably left by itself. Since most of us are employed and cannot afford doggy daycare, our loyal companions are left alone at home for extended periods. What activities does your dog engage in during this time?
Providing ample stimulation is beneficial for the mental, physical, and emotional health of your dog. A simple way to increase their stimulation is by refraining from giving them free meals. Like humans, dogs enjoy a challenge!
By asking your dog to work for his dinner, you can effectively decrease undesirable behaviors in him, including:
Boredom often leads to destructive behavior in dogs such as chewing and digging. A puzzle toy can provide a positive outlet for their energy while you’re away, giving them something to do and helping to prevent destructive tendencies.
Food-dispensing toys can provide benefits even if you are distributing food during training sessions or being present. It is highly recommended to provide ample mental stimulation.
Frequent barking in dogs can indicate boredom or the need for increased attention and mental stimulation. Utilizing non-traditional methods, such as eliminating food bowls, can effectively address these issues.
Many dogs find it difficult to be left alone due to separation distress. However, if being alone involves engaging in enjoyable activities to earn food, several dogs tend to become more calm and comfortable.
Providing dogs with sufficient mental and physical exercise can reduce their stress levels, making it essential to give them ample exercise along with a puzzle toy. Some dogs may become too anxious to eat when left alone, and in such instances, seeking the services of a behavior specialist or veterinarian may be helpful.
Having a lot of energy can cause hyperactivity in young dogs, but providing them with something to channel that energy towards can be extremely beneficial. You can easily use puzzle toys to feed your high-energy pup, which will help to release some of that pent-up energy. It’s important to remember that puzzle toys are not a replacement for exercise, but they can certainly be used in conjunction with an exercise program for lively dogs.
Eating too quickly is not advisable. If dogs gulp their food so fast that they end up choking, it is recommended that they slow down intentionally by earning their dinner.
Working for their meals is highly advantageous even for dogs without particular behavioral problems. A lot of canines derive pleasure from having a task, even if it involves foraging for their meal.
Alternatives to Food Bowls: More Delightful Ways to Enjoy Dinner!
Instead of using a conventional food bowl, there are a multitude of alternatives you could experiment with. Rather than simply emptying your canine companion’s meal into a regular dish, why not consider:
Puzzle Toys Make Your Dog Work For Dinner
By earning their food through using their nose or paws to solve a problem, puzzle toys can challenge both the mental and physical capacities of your dog, distinguishing them from slow feeders.
Similarly to slow feeders, these products are capable of decelerating the pace at which your dog eats, proving especially beneficial for those dogs that consume their food and water in no time. Furthermore, these devices furnish mental stimulation, ensuring your beloved canine’s cognitive function remains sharp.
In addition to their other benefits, puzzle toys can also enhance the appreciation of your dog towards its meals. The act of working for something actually adds value to it, a phenomenon known as the IKEA effect in humans. When you make your dog earn their food, you are essentially improving the quality of their meal!
Use Dinner Time as a Training Session
Why not teach your dog something new while you’re doling out dinner?
Taking 10 minutes to teach your dog something new is far more valuable than just tossing kibble into a food bowl . Some fun ideas to teach your dog include:
Behaviors such as sit, down, stay, heel, and come that are useful in everyday situations.
Some fundamental commands include shaking, giving a high five, speaking, and rolling over.
Amusing and demanding maneuvers such as weaving through obstacles, performing a playful bow, sitting up elegantly, crawling on the ground, and jumping over or passing beneath objects.
The practice of Mat training involves instructing your dog on a particular sequence of actions that aids in his ability to remain relaxed and composed during times of stress.
Learn box tricks such as sniffing a box, entering a box, or carrying a box by referring to the informative article titled “101 Things to do With a Box” by Karen Pryor.
Games with a practical purpose, such as Look At That, which trains your dog to focus on distracting objects or individuals. Despite appearing to be counterproductive, this exercise is claimed to minimize reactive responses to the trigger. Additionally, It’s Your Choice is an exercise that aids in teaching your dog self-discipline, as shown in the video below. Furthermore, Exchange Games can be used to teach your dog how to exchange an unappealing chew toy for a tasty treat, gradually leading to the ability to follow take it and leave it orders.
Practice handling your dog’s sensitive areas by rewarding him for allowing you to inspect his paws, ears, teeth, and genital areas. This is an important skill to develop for veterinary appointments or handling during shows.
