If you’re looking for a high-energy running or hiking companion, the Border Collie–Vizsla mix could be just the dog for you. Physically, it’s hard to predict what you’ll get with this breed, but their intelligence and activity level are generally consistent, and they’re best for active owners. Although they’re friendly and intelligent, Border Collie-Vizsla mixes do require extensive training.

Breed Overview

As a mix between a Hungarian hunting breed and a Scottish herding dog, the Border Collie-Vizsla hybrid will keep you on your toes. You can’t always predict how a mixed dog will look or behave, but in this case, both parent breeds are bursting with energy and intelligence, so it’s safe to say the hybrid will take on those traits too. This is not the breed for the casual dog owner, as they’ll need regular exercise and attention to keep busy and out of trouble.

Border Collie-Vizsla Mix Puppies

The only way to be certain you’re getting a true Border Collie-Vizsla mix is to buy from a breeder deliberately producing these puppies. However, unlike the many “doodle” hybrid dogs, Border Collie-Vizsla mixes are uncommon. You may have a hard time finding a breeder.

You could potentially find one of the dogs from a shelter or rescue group. However, unless they perform genetic testing, you won’t know for sure that the dog you’re adopting is actually a Border Collie-Vizsla mix.

No matter where you get your puppy, you can expect the Border Collie-Vizsla to be extremely curious and energetic. Vizslas are good at getting into mischief when they’re bored, so if your pup inherits this trait, you could be in for a tense few months keeping your new pet out of trouble.

You’ll want to begin training and socializing your new puppy as soon as possible. Border Collies are naturally more suspicious of strangers, so teaching them early how to react calmly to unfamiliar people and situations is important. A Border Collie-Vizsla puppy is generally eager to learn and intelligent.

While these energetic puppies need plenty of exercise, be careful not to overexert their growing bodies and risk joint or muscle injuries.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Border Collie-Vizsla Mix 🧠

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

Border Collie-Vizsla mixes can be excellent family pets under the right conditions. Since they’re a herding breed, Border Collies are usually not a good choice for families with young, unruly kids whom the dog may attempt to herd and nip at. If the mixed breed inherits this instinct, they’re better off in a family with older children or teenagers.

Vizslas and Border Collies both form tight bonds with their families, but Vizslas in particular don’t do well if they’re left alone frequently. The Border Collie-Vizsla mix will likely need an hour or more of strenuous exercise each day, along with regular training and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Busy families should consider whether they have enough time to devote to these needs. Children and Border Collie-Vizslas should be supervised carefully, especially when first learning to interact.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

Typically, Vizslas and Border Collies get along with other dogs, so their mixed offspring should also. Socialize and supervise all canine interactions carefully to make sure there are no issues. Remember, your dog may feel the need to herd other excited pups during play, which could lead to conflict.

This breed can get along with cats, but early socialization is vital. They’ll likely do best with cats that are used to dogs and don’t act like “prey.” Smaller pets, especially birds, aren’t a good fit for this breed with their hunting dog parentage.

Things to Know When Owning a Border Collie-Vizsla Mix

Food & Diet Requirements

Healthy Border Collie-Vizsla mixes should thrive on a nutritionally balanced, life-stage-appropriate diet. Since they’re so full of energy, the dog may have additional nutrient requirements, so work with your vet to choose the best food. Allergies may be an issue for the Border Collie-Vizsla and could require a special diet to manage them. Commercial dog food must meet basic minimum nutrition standards and is the easiest choice to ensure your dog gets all the essential vitamins and minerals.

Exercise

Border Collie-Vizsla puppies should probably come with a pair of running shoes. They are one of the most active, high-energy mixes that you’ll find. Vizslas and Border Collies are both energetic dogs, but Border Collies are nearly tireless.

Plan on exercising your dog at least an hour per day, but it could be longer if the Border Collie genetics are strong. They need intense exercise too, such as jogging, hiking, running off-leash in a safe area, or participating in canine sports. They can be tough to live with without a safe way to burn off all that energy, since they can develop behavioral issues.

Training

Border Collies are widely considered the most intelligent dogs, and Vizslas are also smart. The Border Collie-Vizsla mix is typically a clever, eager-to-please dog that can also be a bit sensitive. Positive, reward-based training techniques are generally the most effective.

Border Collies can be suspicious of strangers, so early socialization is essential for this mixed breed. Daily mental stimulation is as important as physical exercise for the Border Collie-Vizsla mix. They prefer to have a job, especially if they take after their Border Collie parent.

Grooming ✂️

The Border Collie-Vizsla’s coat length can vary widely, which impacts their grooming needs. Border Collies have a double coat, but their fur can be long or short. Vizslas have short, sleek coats.

Both breeds shed, and the Border Collie-Vizsla won’t be an allergy-friendly hybrid dog. Depending on their coat type, they could need daily brushing or just a few sessions per week. Plan on increased brushing during heavy shedding seasons.

Besides brushing, they will need regular preventative dental care, nail trims, and ear cleaning. You can train your energetic dog to accept the grooming routine when they’re young so they become accustomed to the process.

Health and Conditions

As a mixed breed, the Border Collie-Vizsla can inherit any condition from either parent. Look for a breeder who performs all the recommended screening tests on their dogs before breeding. This precaution doesn’t guarantee your puppy will be free of these conditions, but it is the best choice for your pet’s future health.

Male vs. Female

Male Border Collie-Vizsla mixes are generally slightly larger than females. They may also be more energetic and intense, especially if they aren’t neutered. Unneutered males may display unpleasant behaviors like aggression toward other male dogs and urine marking.

Female Border Collie-Vizsla mixes go into heat twice a year if they aren’t spayed. If you decide to spay or neuter your dog, talk to your vet about the best time to perform the procedure.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Border Collie-Vizsla Mix

1. They Come From Old Breeds

The Border Collie-Vizsla may be a newer hybrid, but the parents have been around for a long time. The ancestors of the modern Vizsla were first recorded in the mid-800s! Border Collies were developed from herding dogs brought to the British Isles by the Romans and the Vikings.

2. They Have Many Talents

The Vizsla is an all-around hunting dog with a sensitive nose that can track game. Border Collies were bred as herding dogs, but their speed, work drive, and intelligence enabled them to perform many jobs. With this genetic makeup, the Border Collie-Vizsla may display multiple talents and abilities.

3. They Almost Didn’t Exist

After World War I, the Vizsla was nearly extinct in Europe. Fortunately, the breed survived, but if they hadn’t, the Border Collie-Vizsla wouldn’t exist today.

Conclusion

The Border Collie-Vizsla mix is typically an affectionate, devoted pet, but they aren’t necessarily the easiest breed to live with. They can be too smart for their own good and easily get into trouble without plenty of productive ways to use their brains. With high exercise needs and a strong desire to work, the Border Collie-Vizsla mix is best suited to more experienced dog owners with plenty of time to devote to them.

See Also:

• Vizsla Pitbull Mix
• Beagle Vizsla Mix

Featured Image Credit: (L) Anna Dudkova, Unsplash | (R) Cole Wyland, Unsplash