Designer dogs have grown in popularity in recent times, and one of the fairly new crossbreeds is the Border Collie Rottweiler Mix. It is a cross between two highly energetic and intelligent working dog breeds that couldnât be more physically different from each other.
Also known as the Border Rottie, they are bred mainly to highlight the positive aspects of each parent breed. Rottweilers are renowned for their power and tough reputation, while the Border Collies are known for their high energy and intelligence.
Many confuse this hybrid breed with the Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix due to their similar physical appearance. It is well known that the Border Collie Rottweiler Mix is a mixture of athleticism, intelligence, and great loyalty. In this comprehensive guide, we will take a deeper look into the Border Rottie and see if this breed is the right canine companion for you.
Table of Contents
Border Collie Rottweiler Mix: Breed overview
Below is a summary of what to expect from the Collie Rottie Mix:
| Other Names | Borderweiler, Border Rottie, Collie Rottweiler Mix, Rottcollie, Collie Rottie Mix |
| Purity | Hybrid |
| Purpose | Companion dog |
| AKC Recognition | No |
| Size | Medium – Large |
| Weight | 35 – 135 pounds |
| Height | 19 – 27 inches |
| Coat Colors | White, Black, Brown, Red Merle |
| Child Friendliness | Moderate |
| Canine Friendliness | Moderate |
| Training Difficulty | Moderate |
| Grooming Upkeep | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate – High |
| Health | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 12 – 15 years |
| Puppy Costs | $1,000 upwards |
What is a Border Collie Rottweiler Mix?
The Border Collie Rottweiler Mix is a medium to large dog that is a cross between the British Border Collie and the German Rottweiler.
Border Collie Mix with Rottweiler: Parent breeds
Border Collie Mix Rottweiler is a hybrid of two working dogs that are very different in their physical and temperamental traits. In order to find out how the Borderweiler will look and behave, it is useful to learn about its parent breeds.
Border Collie is a medium-sized dog that is smart, energetic, and prized for his champion herding abilities. They are known to have a keen and intelligent expressions and would often intensely stare at the flock they are herding to intimidate them.
Because they are highly trainable and athletic, Border Collies are often made to compete in agility courses and are useful in search and rescue operations.
Similarly, the Rottweiler is an intelligent and energetic working dog. Since ancient times, Rottweilers have also been used for herding and guarding livestock, and are also employed by the police and military in their operations.
What makes them different from the Border Collie is their bulky, muscular, and athletic bodies. Their smooth and short black coat adds to their imposing appearance which gives them the reputation of being aggressive.
However, they actually have a somewhat aloof personality, especially among strangers and are highly loyal and affectionate to their family.
Border Collie history
The Border Collie is a breed developed in the British Isles over the centuries from large herding dogs brought by invading ancient Roman forces and spitz-like dogs imported by Viking raiders.
These two types of dogs produced a compact, energetic, and agile breed that came to be known as the Border Collie and was standardized during the latter part of the 19th century.
The expertise of the Border Collie in herding sheep, as well as, their size, made them indispensable for farmers living in the hillsides of Scotland and Wales.
Rottweiler history
The Rottweiler originated from dogs brought by the ancient Romans to Germany during their conquests. It was in the town of Rottweil where they were cultivated and were mainly used to herd livestock, as well as, guard the property of butchers from bandits, giving them the nickname âbutcherâs dogâ by the locals.
Nowadays, Rottweilers are mainly kept as companion dogs and have been found helpful in assisting the police in their work.
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Border Collie vs Rottweiler
The main difference between Border Collie and Rottweiler is that Border Collie is lighter in weight at around 45 pounds while Rottweiler is heavier in weight that can reach a weight of 130 pounds.
Border Collie Mixed with Rottweiler physical appearance
The Border Collie has a spry and slim overall appearance, whereas the Rottweiler is bulkier and muscular. This means the Rottweiler Mix Border Collie can have a variety of shapes and sizes, but most fall somewhere in between the two parent breeds.
Border Rottie has a less tough appearance than the Rottweiler and would look softer in their facial expression with a keen and alert countenance.
Borderweilers typically have a slimmer and less bulky body than the Rottweiler, but are more muscular than the Border Collie.
Eyes are moderate in size and can be brown, blue, or two different colored eyes known as heterochromia.
Ears are triangular in shape that hangs forward or are carried semi-erect.
Border Collie Rottweiler Mix short hair
The Border Collie can have either a rough coat that varies in length, or it can be smooth that is short over the entire body. This can also be evident with a Border Collie x Rottweiler Mix.
A Border Rottie with short hair has a smooth texture that lies close to the body with little to no feathering on the ruff, chest, and legs.
Border Collie Rottweiler Mix size and height
With the lithe body structure of the Border Collie and the stockier appearance of the Rottweiler, it could be tough to predict how big will a Border Collie Rottweiler Mix get.
A fully grown male Rottweiler can reach a height of 27 inches, while a male Border Collie only ranges from 18 to 24 inches. The half Rottweiler half Border Collie will therefore be between 19 and 27 inches depending on whose genes he inherited the most.
Typically, the Border Rottie will have a mixture of the two body types. They will be much more slender than the Rottweiler and more muscular than the Border Collie.
| Gender | Height |
| Males | 22 – 27 inches |
| Females | 19 – 24 inches |
Border Collie Rottweiler Mix weight
A full grown Rottweiler Border Collie Mix can be classified as a medium or large dog depending on his weight. His weight can fluctuate widely because of the size difference of the Rottweiler and Border Collie.
Additionally, the gender can also affect the size of the dog with the males being considerably heavier than the females.
| Gender | Weight |
| Males | 70 – 135 pounds |
| Females | 35 – 90 pounds |
Rottweiler Border Collie Mix coat colors and types
Rottweiler and Border Collie has a double coat that lies flat across the body. The texture can either be smooth or rough since the coat of the Border Collie comes in these two varieties.
The rough textured coat varies in length that can be straight or slightly wavy with considerable feathering around the neck, chest, ears, underside, and legs.
The smooth variety tends to be shorter in length with little to no feathering.
As for coat color, the Rottweiler and Border Collie Mix usually comes in the black and mahogany coloring of the Rottweiler with tan markings around the muzzle, eyebrows, chest, and legs.
They can also come in different colors and markings since the Border Collie can come in white, chocolate, red, blue, merle, and brindle. Some would exhibit a tri-colored coat with one dominant color and markings of two other colors.
Border Collie Rottweiler Mix temperament and personality
Rottweiler Border Collie Mix temperament does not differ much from the parent breeds. The Border Collie and Rottweiler are both intelligent, alert, and active breeds and these traits will be evident in their offspring.
The Border Rottie has a strong work ethic and likes to be given a task which stems from its Border Collie parent.
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Do Rottweiler Collie Mix make great family pets?
Rottweiler Border Collie make great pets in active households. They are more suitable for families with older children because small kids may be subjected to their herding instincts wherein they would have a tendency to nip ankles or try to guide them around in circles.
Their large size and high energy can also be a cause for concern wherein they could easily knock down small children.
The Rottweiler Border Collie can get along fine with dogs they grew up with, but may be wary of other dogs and may even resort to aggressive behaviors if they are not socialized early.
Rottweiler Collie Mix have a strong guarding and territorial instinct which is why they need to be trained early to ensure that they do not cause harm to people or other animals.
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Are Border Collie and Rottweiler Mix aggressive dogs?
Rottweiler Border Collie Mix dogs can be aggressive if not trained and socialized at an early age. Inadequate physical exercise can also bring about aggressiveness since it can cause boredom and frustration on their part.
A Border Rottie only appears aggressive by barking or growling if they sense some threat to themselves or their family which is due to their protective instincts.
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But, with proper training and socialization, aggressive behaviors are typically nipped in the bud at an early age.
They may show some aloofness to strangers but they never attack without reason.
Border Collie and Rottweiler training
Rottweiler Mix with Border Collie should start training as early as 3 to 4 months old. They are easy to train since they are eager to please their owners. However, Border Collie and Rottweiler may be a bit stubborn and independent sometimes, so consistency and firmness are required.
It is ideal to start training your Border Collie and Rottweiler after they have received their primary vaccinations. Socialization with other dogs should occur at this stage to prevent any negative behaviors that might arise.
Basic commands such as âcome,â âno,â and âstayâ should be instilled before their first birthday.
To ensure that they follow your commands, use positive reinforcements when training them. Dog treats and lots of praise come a long way in keeping them motivated.
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Rottweiler and Border Collie Mix exercise requirement
Rottweiler mixed with Border Collie is a highly active dog that needs a lot of exercise every day. They require at least 1.5 hours of physical activity that can be spread throughout the day.
Less active owners should stay clear of owning this breed since their destructive behaviors, like chewing objects around the house or pooping where they are not supposed to, can be a problem if their pent-up energy is not released.
Taking them out for a walk around the neighborhood is a good idea to start their day. While walking your Rottweiler and Border Collie Mix, be sure to use a rope dog leash so you have optimal control over your pooch while still allowing him enough room to walk.
Then you can keep them active throughout the day by letting them run around a fully fenced-in backyard or engage in a game of frisbee throwing later in the day.
For those that live in towns or counties that have zoning laws that prohibit the installation of physical fences, don’t fret! A great alternative would be to install a wireless dog fence which will prevent your K9 friends from escaping.
Many owners prefer the invisible doggy fence because it is flexible and adaptable to any and all types of terrains, including mountainous, hilly, and flat grassy terrains. Best of all, it is cost-efficient since it costs less to cover more square footage than the physical fences.
If you do have a wireless doggy fence, it’s also a good idea to get an electronic dog door which many K9 owners have recommended since it saves them a lot of time and energy. What’s great about the automatic doggy door is that it is programmable and you can customize access hours.
This way your furry friends can enjoy the outdoors during the day while staying safe indoors at night.
So whether you work from home or at the office, you’ll no longer need to get up to open or close the door every time your canine companions need to head outside or come back into the house.
You can also supplement their physical exercise with mental activities using interactive toys.
Most importantly, let them socialize with other dogs to keep them good-natured and well-adjusted to other dogs.
Border Collie Rottweiler grooming and cleaning
Border Collie Rottweilers shed continuously throughout the year, so they need to be brushed several times weekly. You’ll want to use either a medium slicker brush or a hand glove to brush their coat to help remove any loose fur.
During the heaving shedding season, you’ll want to brush your Border Collie Rottweiler daily with a FURminator de-shedding tool to control their shedding. The de-shedding tool is essential because it also helps to keep their coat shiny and clean and help to remove tangles and matting.
If you do choose to get a Border Collie Rottweiler, don’t expect your carpet, furniture, upholstery, and hardwood floor to be fur-free. Instead, you can expect to see loose fur all throughout your home every day.
If this bothers you, you can invest in a powerful vacuum cleaner. With two dogs of my own, I use and trust the Miele Vacuum Cleaner because it is quiet, durable, and can seamlessly vacuum between my carpet, hardwood floor, and furniture.
Next, it is recommended that you bathe a Border Rottie only when it is necessary. Frequent bathing can cause their skin to become dry and may lead to irritation and itchiness.
Therefore, you can use a doggie wipe to clean their coat, skin, and paws after a walk in the park or if they get a bit dirty in-between bathing sessions.
When bathing your pooch, always use a mild dog shampoo that contains natural or organic ingredients to clean their coat and skin.
Be sure to always brush your Border Collie Rottweiler Mix’s teeth with an enzymatic dog toothpaste to help minimize the growth of bacteria, plaque, and tartar. A good doggy toothpaste is also one that keeps your pup’s teeth clean and their breath fresh.
Lastly, don’t forget to trim your Border Collie mix with Rottweiler’s nails before they grow too long. If you start to hear the clickety-click noise of their nails against the hardwood floor, then it is time to trim their nails.
If your pooch is sensitive to the clipping sound and you want to give him a more pleasant nail trimming experience, try using a dog nail grinder which features whisper-quiet motor with a precision diamond drum bit grinder.
| Grooming Needs | Grooming Frequency |
| Bathing | Every 6 to 8 weeks. |
| Brushing | 2 – 3 times weekly. |
| Teeth brushing | 3 – 4 times weekly. |
| Ear Cleaning | Check weekly. |
| Nail Trimming | As needed. |
Are Border Collie Rottweiler Mix hypoallergenic?
No, Border Collie Rottweiler Mix is not hypoallergenic. Dander and dry saliva easily attaches to their loose hairs and this can also cause allergic reactions in some people.
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Does Border Collie Mix with Rottweiler shed?
Yes, Border Collie Mix with Rottweiler do shed throughout the year and shed especially heavy during the fall and spring months when they shed their undercoat to prepare for the coming warm or cold months.
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Border Collie Mixed with Rottweiler food and diet
Nutrition plays a major role in the health and lifespan of a Border Collie Mixed dog. Proper nutrition affects the muscles, organs, and recovery from exercise and illness. In the case of an adult Border Collie Rott Mix, the ideal amount of food is 2 to 3 cups of a high-protein diet.
On average, the food must contain 22% to 30% protein and 10% to 12% fat.
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Aside from the commercially-prepared treats, human food can be given as treats but in moderate amounts only. You can give fresh produce like artichokes, carrots and pears.
To help you plan the amount of food that your Border Collie mixed with Rottweiler needs, here is a puppy and adult feeding guide. Take note that it is still best to consult a veterinarian for the exact caloric requirements of your K9 family member.
- 2- 3 months: 1 cup divided into 3 servings.
- 3 – 4 months: 1 ½ cups divided into 3 servings.
- 5 – 7 months: 2 cups divided into 3 servings.
- Adults: 2 to 3 cups divided into 2 or 3 servings.
Border Collie Rottweiler Mix health issues
Designer dog breeds such as the Border Collie mixed with Rottweiler also come with potential health problems. Below, weâve listed six (6) health issues that a Border Collie cross may inherit from her parents.
If you have a Border Collie Rottweiler Mix or other hybrid dog and want to find out what health issues he or she may be most susceptible to or what their exact breed identification is, look no further than the at-home dog DNA test.
Now you can find out with the help of the Embark Dog DNA Test Breed and Health Kit which is easy to complete and the results come back relatively quickly within 2-3 weeks.
1. Collie Eye Anomaly
This is a genetic eye problem that affects the development of the retina, thereby, causing blindness. Unfortunately, the Collie Eye Anomaly condition is not treatable.
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2. Allergies
Border Collies are prone to skin allergies, the causes can be sensitivity to a certain food protein or environmental. Regardless of the exact cause, the signs are the same which include skin redness and itching.
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3. Hip Dysplasia
A congenital problem, hip dysplasia, is caused by abnormal development in the hip joint. The usual signs are limping and a limited range of motion.
4. Von Willebrandâs Disease
Both the Rottweiler and Border Collie are prone to this type of blood disorder wherein the wound takes a longer time to clot. It may lead to anemia and weakness.
5. Border Collie Collapse
This is a neurological problem in which the exact cause is still undetermined. In most cases, the affected dog seems healthy but after an episode of physical activity, suddenly collapses, and in some cases, may even result in passing away.
6. Heart Problems
Most heart conditions are gene-related and some of these are pulmonic stenosis and sub-aortic stenosis.
Border Collie Rottweiler Mix lifespan
How long do Rottweiler Border Collies live? The average lifespan of a Border Collie Rottweiler Mix is from 10 to 12 years.Â
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Border Collie cross Rottweiler breeders
Getting a designer dog breed can be a bit tricky. Many irresponsible breeders would just pick a male and a female dog for breeding without even going through the process of DNA testing or other health check protocols.
As a result, the puppies are sold cheaper but you are not guaranteed good health. In the end, you may even shell out more money on medical expenses.
That said, only get a Border Collie cross Rottweiler from a reputable breeder who is backed with affiliations with dog organizations and has many long years of experience in dog breeding.
The other sign of an ethical breeder is the waiting list. Those breeders who have made good names for themselves often have a long list of interested buyers because the buyers are sure that they are getting good-quality puppies.
Moreover, it also helps if you attend dog shows near you. If you do, there is a big chance that youâd be able to meet responsible breeders who join their dogs in show conformation.
Border Collie Rottweiler Mix puppies
Getting a Border Collie Rottweiler Mix puppy is undoubtedly an exciting event for you and your family. A Rottweiler Border Collie Mix puppy is like a baby that you would welcome into your home and love unconditionally.
Like all puppies, Rottweiler Border Collie Mix puppies are active and curious little fellows who loves to explore their new environment with so much gusto. It is not unusual for a Border Collie and Rottweiler Mix puppy to sniff and eat anything that she sees in her new home.
This is why you have to create a safe environment for your Border Collie Rottweiler puppy. Go around your home and cover all the exposed wires and cables because these things are very exciting for Rottweiler Border Collie puppies to chew on.
Also, make sure that all your garbage bins have covers to keep your puppy out of the garbage can and prevent him from eating table scraps.
Keep in mind that puppies that are not yet trained tend to leave the house without asking for your permission. To prevent your dog from getting lost, it is a good idea to install a physical dog fence or a wireless dog fence as discussed above.
Pet parents like you should provide Rottweiler x Border Collie puppies with a nice and comfy chew proof dog bed. Place it in an area where there is no heavy foot traffic.
And, since this designer dog breed requires a moderate amount of physical activity, get a sturdy collar and retractable dog leash so that the Rottweiler cross Border Collie puppies can go out and enjoy the sun with the family.
What are the other things you need to prepare for a Border Collie Rottweiler Mix puppy?
Here is a list and the approximate prices of each item. The veterinary costs vary. If you go to NGOs and veterinary schools, you may get the vaccines at a lower price, and in some cases, these may be offered free of charge.
| Dog Essential Items | Estimated Cost | Find it here: |
| Food & Water bowls | $20 – $30 | Doggy bowls |
| Monthly Food Cost | $70 – $100 | Puppy and dog food |
| Monthly Treats | $15 – $18 | Doggy treats |
| Dog Bed | $25 – $50 | Doggy beds |
| Crate | $70 – $130 | Doggy crates |
| Leash & Collar | $15 – $30 | Dog collar |
| Toys | $20 | Dog toys |
| Potty Training Pads | $25 | Training pads |
| Grooming Supplies | $30 – $45 | Grooming Supplies |
| Deworming | $25 – $130 | |
| Annual Veterinary Visit | $50 – $250 | |
| Anti-Rabies | $15 – $40 | |
| Core Vaccinations | $25 – $50 | |
| Spaying/Neutering | $320 | |
| TOTAL | $725 – $1,500 |
Border Collie Rottweiler Mix price
The average cost of a Border Collie Rottweiler Mixed dog is about $1,000. If you look into shelters or rescue centers, thereâs a huge chance that you can get this hybrid for below $1,000.
Places to find Border Collie Rottweiler Mix puppies for sale
To find a Border Collie Rottweiler Mix puppy for sale, you can go to the nearest Border Collie or a Rottweiler breeder near you. Even if the breeders do not have designer dogs, they are the best persons to get referrals to breeders who may have Rottweiler Border Collie Mix puppies for sale.
Check out the webpage of Powerhouse Border Collies (powerhousekennel.com) in southern California to see if they have a Border Collie Mix breeding program.
If you are from the UK, you can go to Astra Border Collie Puppies (bordercolliepuppies.co.uk). The breeder has been breeding Border Collies for the past 30 years so he may recommend a breeder to you who have or will have a Border Collie Rottweiler Mix puppy for sale.
Finding a healthy Border Collie cross Rottweiler for sale
Are you searching for an adult Border Collie Rottweiler Mix for sale? There are two (2) ways to find an adult Rottweiler Border Collie Mix for sale. The first one is from a reputable breeder and the second one is from an animal shelter or rescue center.
You could find an adult Border Rottie for sale at Shadewood (shadewoodfarmandkennel.com/border-collies/) located in Virginia. The breeder has retired Border Collies for sale. When you have time, feel free to contact the breeder as they may have Border Collie Rottweiler Mix for sale.
Try also at Border Collie Rescue & Rehab (bcrrt.com) located in Texas. They may have mixed Border Collies looking for loving families.
Mixed breeds with Border Collie Rottweiler Mix
We cannot say that there is a proliferation of mixed breeds with Border Collie Rottweilers around town.
But, since a Border Collie is one of the much-loved dog breeds, perhaps, yes, some breeders cross a Border Collie Rottweiler Mix with other purebred dogs such as the following:
Border Collie Lab Rottweiler Mix
A Border Collie Rottweiler Lab Mix is a large dog that is intelligent and easy to teach household boundaries and tricks. This mixed dog could be very protective of his family yet very gentle, thanks to the genes of a Labrador Retriever.
Border Collie Rottweiler German Shepherd Mix
German Shepherd Rottweiler Border Collie Mix is a great watchdog who is always ready to defend his human family against intruders. This is a mixed dog breed better suited for active individuals and families.
Pitbull Rottweiler Border Collie Mix
This mixed dog could either be a medium or large-breed dog that is muscular and athletic-looking.
Border Collie Mix with Rottweiler: Pros and Cons
In a nutshell, here are the pros and the cons of living with a Border Collie Mix with a Rottweiler.
| Pros | Cons |
| Protective of her human family. | Energetic that needs about 60 minutes or more of exercise a day. |
| Affectionate to her family. | Suffers from separation anxiety. |
| Intelligent. | Not hypoallergenic. |
| Good watchdog. | Not suited in small homes. |
| If trained at a young age, can thrive well in homes with multiple pets. | Herding instinct may unintentionally knock down small children. |
| Easy to train. | High dog food expenses. |
Is the Border Collie Rottweiler Mix right for me?
There is no doubt that a Border Collie Rottweiler is an intelligent and affectionate dog. But, the question is if you can keep up with the athleticism and energy level of this dog.
Not only that but a Border Collie Rottweiler may also inherit the strong herding instinct of the Collie parent.
So, for those of you with younger children, be sure to supervise your kids when they’re playing together because a Border Rottie, in her attempt to protect younger children from âwandering aroundâ, may unintentionally knock your kid off and hurt them.
Related Questions
The Border Collie Rottweiler Mix can also be called Border Rottie, Borderweiler, Rottcollie, and Collie Rottie Mix.
Though there are no written records to prove this, it is believed that a Rottweiler has its origins in an Asian Mastiff. Though we cannot say this positively since a Rottweilerâs origin dates back as far as the Roman times, it is believed that the possible ancestors of the Rottweiler are the Bernese Mountain Dog, Appenzeller, Great Swiss Mountain Dog, and an Entlebucher.
For as long as you start training and socializing your Rottweiler mix upon bringing him home, then yes, a Rottweiler Mix can be a good family dog. A Rottweiler Mix dog can develop a strong bond with his human family including children. If the puppy is raised around kids, a Rottweiler mixed dog is loyal, affectionate, and very protective of each family member.
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The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Resources:
https://bordercolliefoundation.org/
https://rottweilerhealth.org/funded-research/
With over five years of specialized experience as an animal writer, my expertise lies in dog nutrition, health, behavior, grooming, and training. I am dedicated to delivering helpful and informative content that caters to the well-being of our furry friends. My primary goal is to empower pet owners with knowledge and ensure our canine companions thrive in health and happiness. In my free time, I love volunteering at local dog rescue centers.
