My family and I are thinking about adopting a dog (well, a puppy).
We’re actually more used to cats. I’m the only one in the family who’s quite well-informed on the subject, so I’ve been given free rein to do the research. I was looking into Golden Retrievers – they’re absolute gems! Then Labradors!
But not so long ago, I came across a crossbreed of two breeds I don’t know that much about – but I really like the look of them.
It’s a cross between a Border Collie mum and a Beauceron dad! I was a bit gobsmacked, to be honest. I’ve done a bit more digging and it turns out both breeds actually fit our ‘criteria’ perfectly. BUT, it’s quite an unusual cross, so their temperament might be a bit unpredictable...
We have plenty of time to dedicate to him, and everything seems fine. But you can understand that I’d really like to know what we should be expecting?
I should point out that if we choose him, he’ll be just one month and nine days old when he comes home. Do you have any tips for starting out with such a young pup?
Oh, and I should also mention that we live in a flat. It’s a very large flat, though, so I don’t think it’ll be a problem...
Thanks in advance for everything.
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I’ve adopted a male puppy—his mum’s a Border Collie and his dad’s a Beauceron. He’s 3 months old now and weighs just over 23 lbs. I can't complain; he already knows 'sit' and 'down' and is house-trained most of the time. I reckon a lot of it comes down to the training from the owner.
I don't see why some people are getting their knickers in a twist about this crossbreed 🤷
The Beauceron is quite calm for a shepherd, so I think it could temper the Border Collie’s hectic nature. Borders are very obedient, which could help balance out the Beauceron's occasional stubbornness. Beaucerons can be a bit shy with strangers, whereas Borders are usually quite outgoing... To me, it's a rather interesting cross; the two breeds really complement each other.
As a first dog, why not? I reckon any breed can work as a first dog. It all depends on your temperament, your personality and your approach to training.
I adopted a female Beauceron who had been mistreated as my first dog. By nature, I’m quite firm but never aggressive (I’m used to working with horses, and trying to use brute force on a 95-stone beast is just ridiculous). In my view, a dog needs to be perfectly trained and responsive to commands to live in harmony with people. And it’s going brilliantly with my girl!
I don’t see why it wouldn't work out! Definitely don't hesitate to head to puppy classes to get a head start on their training and to have people around who can give you proper advice whenever you have questions.
Look, if you’ve never had a dog before, stay well away from Border Collies, and even more so from Beaucerons! Not to mention a crossbreed! Honestly, what kind of reputable breeder would suggest:
1- letting you take it before 8 weeks
2- such an irresponsible crossbreed!
3- offering it to a first-time owner
This person clearly knows nothing about breeding, and you’ll end up with a high-energy dog that won't hesitate to nip your hands, bite, and lunge at anything that moves because it hasn't learned any social cues, bite inhibition, or proper socialisation!
And you said you'd done your research... MY GOD!
I’d never had a dog before my Border Collie/Beauceron cross! And I’m doing a better job with her than some people I know who have had dogs for years!
As far as I’m concerned, my girl is obedient, very sweet, and doesn't destroy anything in the house; she can be left alone all day without any mess at all indoors...
So, the breed and the mix, whatever they are... it’s not what determines a dog's behaviour! It all depends on the training and upbringing you give them!!
Plus, I live with two cats, two free-roam rabbits, two tortoises in the garden, and two lizards! My dog has never once tried to attack any of them! She even sleeps with my rabbits and the cats!!!
Anyway, if you've never had a dog before, stay well away from Border Collies, and even more so from Beaucerons! Never mind a crossbreed! Honestly, what kind of reputable breeder would suggest:
1- letting you take it home before it’s 8 weeks old
2- such an irresponsible crossbreed!
3- offering it to someone who has never owned a dog before
This person clearly knows nothing about breeding and you'll end up with a high-energy dog that won't hesitate to nip your hands to pieces, bite you, and lunge at anything that moves because it won't have learned any social cues, impulse control, or had any socialisation!
And you said you’d done your research! ... GOOD GRIEF!
I'd never had a dog before my Border Collie cross Beauceron! And I’m doing much better with her than people I know who have had experience with other dogs!
As far as my girl is concerned, she’s obedient and very sweet, doesn’t destroy anything in the house, and can be left alone all day without causing any mess inside...
So the breed and the cross, whatever they are... they don't determine a dog's behaviour! It’s all about the training you put in!!
Hi everyone!
My family and I are thinking about adopting a dog (a puppy).
We’re actually more used to cats. I’m the only one in the family who’s really clued up on the subject, so they’ve given me free rein to do the research. I was looking into Golden Retrievers—they’re absolute gems! Then Labradors!
But not long ago, I came across a crossbreed of two breeds I don’t know much about, but I really like the look of.
A cross between a Border Collie mum and a Beauceron dad! I was a bit (as they say) gobsmacked. I did a bit more digging and it turns out both breeds actually fit our ‘criteria’ perfectly. BUT it’s quite an unusual cross, so the temperament might be a bit unpredictable...
We have plenty of time to give him, and everything seems fine. But now, you see, I’d really like to know what we should expect?
I should mention that if we do choose him, he’ll be just over five weeks old (five weeks and nine days) when he comes home. Do you have any good advice for starting out with such a young puppy?
Oh, and I should also mention we live in a flat. It’s a very large flat though, so I don’t think it’ll be an issue...
Thanks in advance for everything.
I’ve got a Border Collie (mum) cross Beauceron (dad) myself!
I hope you went ahead and adopted him because, if this pup is anything like mine, she’s an absolute sweetheart!
My girl has the Border’s coat, a size somewhere in between the two, the head of a Beauceron, some Beauceron physical traits, and a Border’s personality...
Very obedient, intelligent, knows her way around sheep... with a few flaws nonetheless, teehee!
A lovely dog!!!
Hi Jimlolo.
No need to be so formal with me, you know ;)
If only you knew how many people I see coming to the training club with Beaucerons and Borders as their first dog... They’re often quickly out of their depth. With Malinois, it’s about one in every two by comparison.
So yes, I agree with you both in principle about not telling people they shouldn't have certain breeds as a first dog, but I’m just speaking from experience... As for identifying the exact whys and wherefores, I’d need to know the breeds themselves a bit better to explain it properly.
To answer your point, Jimlolo, let’s just say that for me, the owner’s skills and qualities, as well as their environment, are more important than the breeding. You have to understand that even a dog from the best breeder can be ‘ruined’ (yes, I’m using a strong word there on purpose) by an incompetent owner.
But don’t put words in my mouth. A new owner with their first dog isn’t necessarily incompetent; they just have a bit less experience. And sometimes that’s no bad thing, given the kind of "experience" some people give their dogs...
