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View 8 More +The AKC recognized the full-sized Border Collie in 1995, but never the Miniature Border Collie. Why? For one reason only: the Mini Border Collie isn’t a breed at all. Rather, it’s a smaller version of the full-sized Border Collie.
So, why are people searching for a smaller version? Keep reading to learn more.
Breed Overview
Height:
15–22 inches (varies)
Weight:
20–40 pounds (varies)
Lifespan:
12-15 years
Colors:
Black, blue, blue merle, red, red merle, sable, white & black, white & blue merle, white & red, lilac, saddleback sable, sable merle, gold, brindle, white & blue, white & red merle, white ticked
Suitable for:
Families with older kids, ideally with a large yard or land
Temperament:
High energy, loving, intelligent
All kinds of dogs are being crossed with other breeds to create never-before-seen designer breeds. Not only are they adorable, but they’re easier to care for than the full-sized versions.
Most people believe that you can cross a Border Collie with any smaller dog, and you get a Mini Collie. But that’s not entirely accurate.
For the dog to be a true Mini Collie, it must be a pure-bred Border Collie except smaller than the average size. Usually, this is unintentional and can be a result of Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome (TNS), a gene mutation only found in Border Collies.
However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, dogs are smaller than they’re supposed to be, so if you find a healthy Mini Border Collie, you’re in luck!
Mini Border Collie Characteristics
Mini Border Collie Breed Puppies
Just because the Collie is smaller, doesn’t make it less expensive. These dogs can range between $650 to $2,500 or more.
Finding a Border Collie breeder is easier than some breeds because they’re popular. However, finding a miniature dog won’t be so simple because breeders want to create full-sized versions. Even so, you can call around and ask breeders if they have healthy smaller-than-normal dogs available.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Mini Border Collie
The temperament of a Mini Border Collie is about the same as a regular-sized Border Collie. The biggest thing to note is the extremely high energy of these dogs. If you don’t take them out for daily exercise, stimulate their minds, and train them, then this isn’t the dog for you.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
Border Collies are excellent family dogs. They love to have fun and adapt to change rather quickly. Unlike other family dogs, Border Collies are more reserved and less tolerant of small child shenanigans. Miniature Border Collies could be less tolerant of small children because of their small size, but this depends on the dog. For this reason, Border Collies do best with families with older children.
With this in mind, a Border Collie can do very well in a home with small children as long as it has plenty of space away to burn energy and the children understand the proper way to handle animals.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
Border Collies are okay with other pets and dogs. How well the dog does depends on the dog’s training and personality. If you plan to own other pets, it’s wise to adopt a Border Collie that is well-adjusted around other dogs and cats and has graduated from puppy classes.
Things to Know When Owning a Mini Border Collie:
Food & Diet Requirements
Any Border Collie can thrive on a commercial or homemade diet as long as the food is high-quality and accurately portioned. The food should be appropriate to the dog’s stage of life (i.e. puppy, adult, senior).
Miniature Border Collies require some tweaking in their diets since they’re smaller and don’t require the same number of calories as a full-sized Collie; about 700–900 calories is expected, give or take a couple hundred. Work with your veterinarian on your dog’s ideal weight so you know how much to feed them—this includes treats.
Exercise
Border Collies are highly energetic dogs and excel at dog sports and farm work. A simple walk or throwing a ball around the yard won’t do for this breed. Border Collies require a minimum of 1 hour of vigorous exercise each day, so be prepared to put your work boots on with these dogs.
Mini Border Collies could possibly get away with less exercise, but we wouldn’t count on it. This breed loves to herd and have fun!
Training
Border Collies are eager to please and are highly intelligent. They’ll show off their desire to learn when given a chance. Puppy classes are a good place to start. But with this breed, it would be a shame to not use their herding abilities somehow, so consider dog sports and farm training.
Grooming ✂️
Border Collies have two coat types: a rough coat and a smooth coat. The rough coat is a medium-length coat that feathers, whereas the smooth coat is shorter and coarser. Both coats are thick double coats and are water-resistant.
You’ll need to use a fine-toothed comb every other week, or as needed, to comb out any mats and debris accumulating in your Collie’s coat. This will also reduce shedding.
Health and Conditions
Besides the typical illnesses that all dogs are prone to, like dental disease and flea and tick-borne illnesses, Miniature Border Collies are prone to specific ailments.
- MDR1 (Multidrug Resistance Mutation): A gene mutation causing affected Border Collies to be sensitive to specific medications.
- TNS (Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome): A fatal genetic issue that weakens the immune system and causes Border Collies to be smaller than the average size.
- Hip dysplasia: When the ball of the hip joint does not properly fit or stay in the pocket of the hip.
- Epilepsy: A seizure disorder.
- Collie eye anomaly: A genetic eye disease causing blindness or vision defects.
- CL (Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis): A genetic mutation that causes neurological disorders.
Male vs Female
There isn’t much difference between male and female Border Collies except for the notable physical differences.
The males tend to be a few inches taller and a few pounds heavier than females, but the gap shortens with Miniature Border Collies. Both males and females could be the same size, roughly. Without consistency, we can’t say for sure.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Mini Border Collie
1. “Collie” Is a Scottish Word for “Sheepdog”
Although “collie” has been used in many ways, in the Scottish dialect, the word describes all collie dogs, including Border Collies.
2. A Border Collie Was in the Movie Babe
In the famous movie, a gentle pig named Babe befriends a Border Collie called Fly. Babe realizes he can herd sheep, just like Fly, and thus seeks a non-traditional role on the farm.
3. Scotland’s National Poet Robert Burns Mentions the Border Collie
Robert Burns is a well-known Scottish poet who mentions his Border Collie Luath in the poem The Twa Dogs. A Tale. (1785).
In the poem, Luath converses with a Newfoundland, in which they discuss their owners. Burns rightfully describes the Collie as faithful and honest.
Conclusion
The Miniature Border Collie isn’t a true breed, sadly. It’s a matter of luck or an unfortunate genetic mutation. Can you find a Border Collie mixed with a smaller dog breed? Sure, but it’s not a true Border Collie.
If it’s a smaller dog you want, you’re better off finding a breed naturally small. You’ll have a better chance of finding an ethical breeder or adopting.
Featured Image Credit: onira, Shutterstock
