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.
Translated from French
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Borders and Beaucerons are both herding breeds. As mentioned above, they are going to be more than just active. My Border Collie needs at least 3 hours of exercise a day... and that’s only if I’ve really got no other choice.
A Beauceron is an 88lb dog. A mate of mine has one and I’m sure it’s the same "battle". I also know quite a few that are used as working dogs.
So, with no experience, you're going to take on a 66lb animal that hasn't been properly weaned and has insane energy levels?
I’ll leave you to imagine the kind of trouble you’re letting yourselves in for.
Honestly, for a first dog, don’t make things that hard for yourselves. A well-adjusted dog is difficult enough to handle as it is... so don’t go making a rod for your own back :-P
Otherwise, if you like that sort of style, you could look into the Savoie Shepherd.
Not that long ago, I came across a crossbreed of two breeds I don't know 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, as they say, totally gobsmacked. I’ve looked into it a bit more and it turns out both breeds actually fit our 'criteria' perfectly. BUT it's quite an unusual mix, so the temperament is going to be hard to predict...
We've got plenty of time to dedicate to him, and everything seems fine. But now—you know what I mean—I'd really like to know what we should expect?
Just to clarify, if we go ahead with it, he’ll be about five and a half weeks old (one month 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 that we live in a flat. It’s a very big flat, though, so I don’t think that’ll be an issue...
Thanks in advance for everything.
Personally, I think you can’t predict a dog’s temperament as it is, let alone a crossbreed.
Five and a half weeks old? Forget about it. He’ll miss out on vital training from his mum. Either drop the idea or leave him there until he's at least 8 weeks old, which is the legal limit anyway and essential for a puppy's wellbeing.
And yes, a dog like that needs loads of walks and physical activity every single day.
I have to say, without wanting to sound rude, saying "I’ve done my research" and then considering adopting an unweaned puppy doesn't really add up. An unweaned puppy can end up with all sorts of behavioural issues—poor social cues, aggression or fear towards other dogs, and generally being a fearful or aggressive dog. They also often have very poor bite inhibition. I recently met a puppy that wasn’t fully weaned; he’s three months old now and shows really extreme phobic tendencies.
Sometimes when he’s playing, he gets so scared he wets himself or yelps hysterically. The first time he met Iago and Govou (two other dogs), he just hid and did a wee; he eventually relaxed a bit, but it’s clear that this isn’t normal behaviour for a puppy. I’m not saying an experienced owner couldn't work through it over time, but when it’s your first dog, managing a pup like that is a nightmare—not to mention the ethics of it. Plus, it’s actually illegal to rehome a puppy before they’re eight weeks old; they must be microchipped and have a health certificate from the vet.
Then there’s the fact it’s a Border Collie—they’re herding dogs, and if that instinct isn't channelled, they’ll start "herding" cars and joggers. A Border is meant to work all day on a farm; they're probably the most athletic breed you can find. Sometimes they need five or six hours of activity a day to be satisfied. As for the Beauceron, they’re a very active breed too. Are you really ready for the mental stimulation—scent work, clicker training several times a day—as well as running with your dog? Are you prepared to give them five or six hours of activity if they demand it? For a first-time owner, going for a Border cross that hasn't even been properly weaned sounds like a recipe for disaster; I certainly wouldn't do it. If you want a crossbreed, go to the RSPCA or a local rescue centre—they have puppies sometimes, you just need to be patient. Otherwise, go to a reputable breeder (not a puppy farm!) to get a Kennel Club registered pup raised in a family home if you have your heart set on a specific breed.
Going from a Golden to ending up with a Border... Are you looking for a high-energy dog? Or is it just because you like the look of them?
A puppy isn't fully weaned until they are two months old, so don't adopt a pup under eight weeks old, or one that hasn't been microchipped and hasn't had its first set of jabs...
