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 agree with jimlolo. Personally, I think if you’re sure about your choice and the training you want to give your dog, then there’s no issue with picking any specific breed. You just need to be truly ready for it.
In this thread, what worries me most is hearing that a "breeder" doesn't want to keep a puppy until it’s eight weeks old, even though it’s a legal requirement. I’m fairly sure they can be fined if they're reported. And anyway, as has been said in the previous comments, definitely avoid taking a puppy home if they are under eight weeks old!
Anyway, if you’ve never had a dog before, stay well away from Border Collies and even more so Beaucerons! Let alone a crossbreed! Seriously, what reputable breeder would even suggest:
1- letting you take it home before 8 weeks
2- producing such an irresponsible cross!
3- offering it to a first-time owner
This person clearly hasn't got a clue about breeding and you’re going to end up with a high-drive dog that won't hesitate to nip your hands, bite, and lunge at anything that moves because it won't have learned any social cues, impulse control, or had any proper socialisation!
And you said you’d done your research! ... HONESTLY!
I’m probably a bit late to the party, but reading through all your posts and advice, I keep seeing the same conclusion: "If you haven't got 4 or 5 hours a day to dedicate to your dog, forget it. Look for a breed that needs less work instead."...
I’m currently the owner of a wonderful Border Collie x Beauceron cross who has a really sweet temperament and isn't hyper at all. Sure, we walk her for 1 to 2 hours a day and we live in a house, but she's never left outside on her own without us and she doesn't ask for any more exercise than that. I think a dog's individual personality plays a huge part and you shouldn't just base everything on the breed!
In the end, it’s just down to luck when you get a dog.
You never know what they’ve been through before and what might have shaped their personality.
Regardless of the breed, a dog doesn't actually need a garden. At the end of the day, what really matters is taking them out for walks and spending quality time with them.
You’ll actually notice that dogs living in flats are often better trained and socialised. Why? Because when you live in a flat with a big dog, you’re forced to take them out regularly. There’s no garden to just shove the dog out in and let them get bored all day long.
Regarding the age of the puppy at adoption... adopting a young puppy isn’t necessarily a problem. I adopted mine at 6 weeks old. However, you then have to spend an enormous amount of time with the pup to teach them everything their mum might not have had the chance to.
Mind you, I’m not recommending adopting a puppy that young. I’m just saying it’s possible, and if it’s done properly, you’ll end up with a very well-balanced dog.
As for the Border Collie x Beauceron... if you haven't got 4 or 5 hours a day to dedicate to your dog, forget about it. You’re better off looking for a breed that’s a bit lower-maintenance.
I’ve always got an opinion on most things, so here’s what I’d say.
---------------------------------
This is what I’m going to write:
Whatever choices you make in life, never feel sorry for yourself or keep putting yourself down! In life, we make choices we’re proud of, but we also make ones we regret. The important thing is to pick yourself back up and take full responsibility. I don’t really know much about the Beauceron breed though, so I can’t really tell you what the pros and cons are!
Anyway, just make sure you’re 100% certain before you adopt!
I’m pretty sure it’s illegal to sell or give away a puppy under 8 weeks old, and they must be vaccinated and microchipped beforehand.
Marjorie82, keeping a dog like that in a flat isn't really sensible unless the place is quite big, has a large balcony or terrace, and you have enough time for plenty of long walks.
You’ve got to make sure he’s fully weaned before adopting him—it’s definitely still too early! I also think you really need a garden for that kind of dog, even if you don’t necessarily need to go for a three-hour run with them every day (I’ve got a border collie myself). I’m not sure it’s the most suitable breed—it’d be a bit of a struggle without a garden, I reckon!—but I don’t know anything about Beaucerons, to be fair :)
Okay, brilliant! Thanks everyone for your replies. To answer you all at once, I definitely want a dog that’s as sporty and active as I am, so that doesn't worry me at all—it's exactly what I'm looking for. However, regarding the weaning, I’m now starting to have some concerns about his development and socialisation. I’ve thought about maybe trying to sort something out with the people giving him away, so that the mum can keep the puppy for a bit longer (?) We could go and visit them in the meantime. I’m not sure they’ll agree, though... If they refuse, well, we’ll just have to look elsewhere. Thanks again for all your answers, they’ve been a massive help.
