The Border Beagle is a mix between two equally loved dog breeds — the Border Collie and the Beagle. While these breeds differ in terms of temperament and what it was bred for, their offspring turned out to be one of the best mixes.
The Beagle Border Collie mix inherits the best personality traits of its parents, resulting in a lively, enthusiastic, and playful dog that is popular among families.
If you are interested in taking home one of these amazing mixes, good job finding this guide! Here, I will share everything you need to know about the Border Collie Beagle mix before finally committing to one.
What Is a Beagle Border Collie Mix?
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A Beagle Border Collie mix is a cross between two hard-working dog breeds — the Beagle and the Border Collie. This mix results in a highly trainable and highly-energetic friendly companion. Beagle Borders are loyal dogs that are best suited for families and individuals with active lifestyles.
With the Beagle breed parent known for their excellent hunting abilities and stamina and the Border Collie, popular for being a workaholic and highly intelligent dog, we can expect no less for these Beagle Borders.
Moreover, since this puppy’s parents are herders and hunters, Border Collie Beagle mixes have a very strong prey drive. They are always hunting for squirrels, rabbits, and other small prey animals.
That is why this may not be the best breed of choice if you have other animals, especially small ones, at home.
Additionally, while both its parents are recognized by several kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club (AKC), unfortunately, this mix is not. Thus, they cannot join conformation and agility shows hosted by most kennel clubs.
Beagle Border Collie Mix Origin and History: Where Does the Border Beagle Come From?
While it is sure that Border Beagles originated in the United States, the exact history of the breed is unclear and undocumented. The same is true for other mixed breeds.
However, it was believed that this hybrid was developed during the trend of designer dogs in the early 19th century. But due to its undocumented history, it can be hard to tell how and why this mix was created.
But one way of understanding this mixed breed is by knowing the history of its parent breeds — the Border Collie and Beagle.
As you may already know, the Border Collie is a working and herding dog. This breed is a product of the pastoral borderland between England and Scotland, where shepherds needed trainable dogs with natural herding prowess.
The Border Collies of today remain to be like the shepherds of the old with even better herding instincts.
Beagles, on the other hand, were originally bred in the 16th century as rabbit-hunting hounds. Similarly, they were used as gun dogs and flushing games for hunters.
Beagles started winning prizes at kennel club shows in 1928 and have continued being at the top since then. In fact, they are the 7th on the list of American Kennel Club’s 10 most popular dog breeds.
With this, it is safe to assume that the Beagle Border Collie mix was bred to combine positive traits. With both hunter parents, breeders might also be thinking of producing an even more hunting-ready breed.
Beagle Border Collie Mix Appearance: What Does a Border Beagle Look Like?
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As with any other mixed breed dog, it is quite hard to tell the appearance of the Beagle Border Collie mix as it highly depends on which parent carries the stronger gene.
The Border Beagle usually features expressive, large eyes paired with a long muzzle and floppy ears much like its Beagle parent.
The Border Beagle carries a lean build like both its parents. Moreover, given that both its parents are originally bred as working dogs, expect this mix to have sturdy legs and dense muscles.
Similarly, it’s also quite hard to gauge what these mixes’ coat colors will look like, but they usually come in different colors inherited from the Beagle and the Border Collie.
These colors include black and white, brown and white, tan, blue tick, lemon, red-brown, golden, and even tri-color.
Their coat texture highly depends on which dog parent they take after. They may either have the Border Collie’s harsh and rough coat or the Beagle’s coat that is often smooth and shiny.
Regardless of which gene it may inherit, its coat will likely be water-repellant.
To have a visual idea of what a Border Beagle looks like, you can watch this video:
Border Collie beagle mix<a href="https://youtu.be/oIidapcxtqs" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FoIidapcxtqs%2F0.jpg" alt="Border Collie beagle mix" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Beagle Border Collie Mix Size and Weight: How Big Do Border Beagles Get?
The Border Collie Beagle mix is a medium-sized dog with a stout body. When fully grown, this mix grows to about 15 to 23 inches in height and 20 to 40 pounds in weight.
They usually reach their full adult height around eight months old and their adult weight at around 18 months old. However, certain factors influence their final size, including nutrition and general health.
Additionally, as with any other pets, male dogs tend to grow a bit bigger and taller compared to females.
If you are after a smaller version of this Border Collie Beagle mix, look for a mix with a pocket Beagle parent. These pocket Beagles are the mini-version of the purebred Beagles.
Beagle Border Collie Mix Temperament: Are Border Beagles Good Family Dogs?
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Border Beagle makes a great family dog and is the perfect pup for households with active adults. They are extremely lively and playful, and they have a strong presence in the household.
Despite being energetic dogs, these adorable pups are very affectionate towards their family members and want to spend time with its owner all the time.
Aside from that, the Border Collie Beagle mix is a good guard dog. Though these are very friendly dogs, they can definitely protect you and your house against intruders.
This dog breed, however, is not recommended for families with small children. Since its parent breeds were known hunters, this mix may tend to herd small children, leading to nipping or even biting.
But as with any other pet, training and socializing your Border Beagle puppies at a fairly young age will help them manage these tendencies. Socializing them with other dogs will help curb their protective ways.
Though this Border Beagle has a reputation for being easily trainable, it still highly depends on which parent breed it takes after. Nevertheless, expect some stubborn streak inherited from its Beagle parent.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Beagle: Which Is Better?
Beagle Border Collie Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Border Beagles Healthy Dogs?
The Border Collie Beagle mix is a generally healthy dog with a life expectancy of 10 to 13 years given proper care and a healthy lifestyle paired with routine veterinary check-ups.
However, as with any other dog breed, they are at risk of several health problems that may cause deterioration in their quality of life or, worse, can be life-threatening.
Here are some of the most common health problems of the Border Collie Beagle mix:
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is as common in Border Beagle as it is in Border Collies. This condition happens when the hip joints fail to develop or line up normally. As a result, there is a dislocation of the ball and socket. Severe cases of hip dysplasia may require surgery to correct.
Epilepsy: Epilepsy in canines is commonly inherited, and unfortunately, its Border Collie parent is among the list of dog breeds susceptible to this disorder. This health problem is a neurological issue characterized by recurrent and unpredictable seizures. Epilepsy has no cure; however, it can be managed through medications.
Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia is the abnormal development of the elbow joint in young, usually large dogs. It involves abnormal bone growth, cartilage development, or joint stresses. Common symptoms of this disorder include limping, stiffness in the elbow joints, and rotation in one or both front legs.
Despite being healthy pups, vet visits are still a must to ensure your Border Beagle puppy is in tip-top shape.
On the same note, provide them with pet insurance so you won’t go bankrupt once they have a medical emergency.
How to Take Care of Your Border Collie Beagle Mix
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As with any other pets, Border Beagle thrives in environments where they are well-taken care of and where their needs are met. That is why knowing how to take care of these pups is very important.
Below are detailed tips on taking the best care of your Border Collie Beagle mix.
Food and Diet
Your Border Collie Beagle dog’s food should be quite simple. A grain-free dry kibble that contains lean protein is enough for these pooches. However, it will also help if you give them veggies and fruits every now and then.
At most, they should be given three cups of kibble per day. For correct food intake, it is best to contact your licensed veterinarian so they can assess how much food is recommended for your pup.
While your Border Collie Beagle mix will truly appreciate you giving them treats, it is important to note that overindulging them in an unhealthy amount of treats can lead to obesity and other health problems.
Cleaning and Grooming
Unfortunately, your Border Collie Beagle mix may need grooming quite frequently because of their long, double-coated fur, which makes them shed profusely at least twice a year. Thus, daily brushing is required.
Investing in a good brush is highly recommended to effectively ensure maintenance is kept up.
Additionally, Border Beagle dog’s ears may require weekly wiping and cleaning to avoid build-up that may, later on, cause problems.
Similarly, your dog’s nails should also be trimmed for at least two to three weeks, and their teeth should be brushed weekly to avoid tartar build-up.
Training and Exercise
Your Border Beagle is an active dog, so regular exercise is very vital if you do not want them to wear you down. Taking them out for one long walk or several short walks per day should be very helpful for them to exhaust their energy.
If you are unable to take them out for walks, letting them do an intense play in a fenced backyard will also help them use their pent-up energy. Note, however, to always keep an eye on them.
Taking them to dog parks where they can socialize and play around with other animals of different sizes will help reduce this dog’s urge to herd.
Regardless of whether or not your Border Beagle is easy to train or not, positive reinforcement will be a great help when training. A good treat and a simple pat on the head go a long way!
How Much Does a Border Collie Beagle Mix Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
Getting a Border Collie Beagle mix can cost you around $700 to $1,800, depending on many factors, including your location, the breeder’s reputation, and the quality of your puppy.
You might find the Border Beagle’s price tag quite affordable; however, the expenses do not end there. You also need to prepare for other expenses such as your vitamins, vaccine, and supplies for your new puppy.
Here is the initial cost of expenses that you need to consider when you take home a Border Beagle:
Aside from these, you also need to allocate funds for your puppy’s monthly and annual expenses. It is also important to set aside an emergency fund for your pup.
For a more in-depth idea about the costs of owning this mixed breed, read our guide on the expenses of owning a Border Collie. This should give you an accurate estimate.
Places to Find Beagle Border Collie Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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Finding your Border Beagle may not be as hard as you think as there are a lot of breeders that cater to mixed-breed dogs. The challenge is finding a breeder that produces good quality and healthy pups.
To start your search, here are places where you can find Border Beagles for sale:
Gold Creek Ranch Border Collies – This breeder produces top-quality Border Collies for stock, agility, service, therapy, search and rescue, and companion dogs. Border Collies from this breeder are ranch-raised and are well-socialized. Though they mainly focus on breeding purebred dogs, they also have Beagle Border mixes from time to time.
Anderton Alabama Beagles – This family-run breeder based in Town Creek, Alabama has been raising quality Beagles for over 30 years now. If you are lucky, you might get a chance to take home a Border Beagle mix from this breeder, so it’s best to check with them every now and then.
Honey Pot Hounds – Honey Pot Hounds is a home-based New Hampshire breeder specializing in breeding Beagles used as family companions. They occasionally breed Border Beagle mixes, so it’s best to always check with them if there are any available.
Aside from looking for Border Beagles in the breeders above, you can also look for them in your local rescue center and opt to adopt one instead. Other than the fact that you’d be able to save money, you are also doing a noble act.
Here are some places where you can find Border Collie Beagle mixes for adoption:
Adopt-a-Pet – This website is all about getting homeless pets into homes. They connect with animal shelters, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies in the United States and Canada and allow them to advertise their homeless pets on their website for free. If you are hoping to adopt a Border Beagle, you can scroll through their website.
Beagles and Buddies – This pet rescue group has been a sanctuary for dogs in the Southern California region since 1992. They do not just cater to specific dog breeds but also accept purebred and mixed Beagle and non-Beagles. To adopt, you can either download an application form from their website or personally visit their sanctuary.
Arizona Border Collie Rescue – For Arizona-based dog lovers wanting to adopt a Border Beagle, you can check out this health-oriented rescue organization in Tempe City. AZBCR focuses on rehabilitating and training neglected, abandoned, and unwanted dogs before they rehome them.
Finding a good quality Border Beagle can be a chore, even with the list above. If you have already tapped the places listed above and still haven’t found the Beagle Border Collie mix for you, do not lose hope.
You can read our articles on Border Collie breeders and rescues and Beagle breeders and rescues. Make sure to get in touch with the organizations listed in the articles for more chances of finding a Beagle Border.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Border Collie Beagle Mix
Before you commit to owning a Border Collie Beagle mix, it is vital to make sure that you are prepared for what you’re getting yourself into.
You must weigh things before you finally confirm to the breeder that you’re taking home the pup.
I listed here the pros and cons of owning a Border Beagle to help make your decision-making a bit easier.
Here are the pros of owning a Beagle Border Collie mix as a pet:
Healthy dogs: As previously mentioned, Border Beagles are generally healthy dogs that will cost you so much less in the long run. Aside from that, you also save yourself from the stress of thinking about your puppy’s health.
Fun-loving and playful: This trait is a huge plus if you are a highly-active person yourself. Border Beagles can make great companions for your adventures. You also get yourself an instant playmate.
Good watchdog skills: Did anybody ever tell you Border Beagles are loud barkers? If appropriately trained, being loud barkers can be used as an asset to be really good watchdogs. This trait pairs well with their personality of being protective of their owners.
On the flip side, here are the cons of owning a Beagle Border Collie mix:
High prey drive: Since Border Beagles carry the bloodline of hunting dogs, they have a high prey drive making it a huge disadvantage, especially if you have other animals at home or in the neighborhood.
Not apartment-friendly: Because of their energy level and exercise needs, Border Beagles need a good space to run around. Thus, they will do better in homes with large fenced backyards.
May try to wander/escape: Due to having a strong prey drive, Beagle Border Collie mixes tend to chase small animals. They would chase them until they were finally able to catch and nip them. So, it’s best to always keep an eye on these pups.
The list will help you evaluate whether or not the Beagle Border breed is the right breed of dog for you. This can help avoid mismatching of dog and pet owners that will later on cause problems on both ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Border Beagles Smart?
Yes. The Border Beagle is a smart dog, and this is thanks to its Border Collie parent — the most intelligent dog breed. The thing with Border Beagles, however, is that they are paired with Beagles, known for stubbornness.
That is why there are instances when Border Beagles are hard to train, especially when they get the stubbornness of the Beagle.
Do Beagle Border Collie Mixes Shed a Lot?
Unfortunately, Beagle Border Collie mixes shed profusely at least twice per year. This is because the Border Beagle has long and double-coated fur. The shedding, however, can be managed with daily brushing.
Additionally, a good dog shampoo may also help keep the shedding under control.
Are Beagle Border Collie Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No. Aside from the fact that its coat is either long and silky or short and harsh, the Beagle Border Collie mix produces high amounts of dander. Because of this, this hybrid pooch is not considered hypoallergenic.
However, for allergy-sufferers that still want to take home a Border Beagle, consistent grooming and clean-up will be very helpful in preventing allergy flare-ups at home.
Are Border Collies Good With Beagles?
Border Collies generally do not get along with other dogs quite well. Beagles, on the other hand, get along with everyone.
However, that doesn’t mean it’s entirely impossible for these intelligent pups to be friends. With early socialization and proper training, Border Collies can adjust, befriend, and even live in a household with other dogs like a Beagle.
Final Thoughts: Is a Beagle Border Collie Mix the Right Dog for You?
The Border Beagle mix can make really great pets. With its very active and admirable personality, not to mention its intelligence and wits, this can surely be the perfect puppy for the right owner.
However, as with any other dog, the Border Beagle is best suited for certain types of families and living environments. They need families that will commit to training them and willingly take them out for exercise.
Regardless of the breed, one must really contemplate first before they finally decide to get a pet, as it is a lifetime commitment that should not be taken lightly.
Are you ready to take home a Beagle Border Collie mix? Let us know in the comments!
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