Bordernese
Hybrid Breed Description
The Bordernese is a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Border Collie. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Bordernese. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, powerful working breed with a sturdy, well-balanced appearance that reflects their heritage as Swiss farm dogs. Males typically stand twenty-five to twenty-seven and a half inches at the shoulder and weigh between ninety and one hundred fifteen pounds, while females are slightly smaller at twenty-three to twenty-six inches tall and seventy to ninety-five pounds. Despite their substantial size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are not considered giant breed dogs, instead occupying the large breed category with a body that is slightly longer than tall. Their frame is highly muscular with a strong, wide back, deep chest, and substantial bone structure that enabled them to perform demanding tasks like pulling carts loaded with milk and cheese or herding cattle across mountainous Swiss terrain. The head is flat and broad with a moderate stop, medium-sized triangular ears set high and rounded at the tips, and large, expressive dark brown eyes that convey their gentle, intelligent nature. The breed's most striking feature is their beautiful, distinctive tricolor coat consisting of a jet black base with rich rust or tan markings and clear white accents in a symmetrical pattern. The characteristic markings include rust over each eye, on the cheeks, chest, and legs, along with a white blaze on the face, white chest marking forming a Swiss cross, white paws, and a white tail tip. This long, thick double coat is slightly wavy to straight in texture, with a dense undercoat that provides insulation and a silky, weather-resistant outer coat. The coat is somewhat longer around the neck creating a pronounced mane that is more evident in males, and there is moderate feathering on the legs and tail. Bernese Mountain Dogs have a naturally long, bushy tail that hangs low and is never carried over the back or docked. Additional physical characteristics include their dignified bearing and graceful movement despite their size, with the ability to move with surprising bursts of speed when motivated. Their overall appearance is one of balance and harmony, with no single feature being exaggerated. The breed's expression is calm, confident, and friendly, reflecting their gentle temperament. Bernese Mountain Dogs are considered a "dry-mouthed" breed, meaning they typically don't drool excessively compared to other large breeds. Their substantial size, strength, and beautiful tricolor coat combined with their soft, kind expression make them one of the most visually striking and recognizable of all dog breeds.
Key Characteristics
Bernese Mountain Dogs are renowned for their gentle, affectionate, and devoted nature, often described as "gentle giants" who form intensely loyal bonds with their families. Despite their impressive size and strength, Berners have remarkably sweet, calm temperaments and are known for being excellent with children, displaying patience and tolerance even when kids climb on them or engage in rambunctious play. They typically choose one family member as their special person while remaining loving and devoted to everyone in the household, and they thrive on human companionship to such a degree that they're often called "velcro dogs" who want to be close to or touching their people at all times. Berners have a sensitive, soft personality and are easily hurt by harsh words or corrections, responding much better to gentle, positive training methods that recognize their desire to please. While generally friendly and social, Bernese Mountain Dogs can be somewhat reserved or aloof with strangers, preferring to observe and assess new people before warming up to them. This natural wariness combined with their size makes them effective watchdogs who will bark to alert their family of visitors or unusual activity, though they typically settle down once assured everything is safe. Early and extensive socialization is crucial to prevent excessive shyness or overprotective behaviors from developing. Despite their calm demeanor, Berners retain strong working instincts from their farm dog heritage and enjoy having a job to do, whether that's pulling a cart, participating in drafting competitions, or simply accompanying their family on daily activities. They are intelligent dogs who enjoy learning new things and excel at obedience training when started early, though they are slow to mature both physically and mentally, often remaining puppy-like in behavior well into their second or third year. Bernese Mountain Dogs are moderately active dogs who require regular exercise but are not as high-energy or intense as some working breeds. They need at least thirty minutes to an hour of daily activity such as walks, playtime, or work, but are equally content to relax indoors with their family once their exercise needs are met. Berners are happiest when fully integrated into family life and included in daily activities rather than being left alone in a yard. They love cold weather and snow due to their thick coats and Swiss mountain heritage, but can overheat easily in warm climates and should have access to air conditioning during hot weather. These affectionate, loyal, playful dogs make wonderful family companions for those who have space for a large breed, can provide moderate exercise, and most importantly, want a devoted dog who will be a true member of the family.
Bernese Mountain Dogs face significant health challenges that result in one of the shortest lifespans among dog breeds, typically living only seven to ten years. The most devastating health concern is cancer, with studies showing that approximately sixty-seven percent of Bernese Mountain Dogs die from some form of malignancy. Histiocytic sarcoma is the most prevalent cancer in the breed and has been proven to have a genetic basis, though the exact mode of inheritance remains unclear. This aggressive cancer can strike seemingly healthy dogs with little warning and often proves fatal within weeks to months. Hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, and mast cell tumors also occur at elevated rates in the breed. The high cancer prevalence combined with a small gene pool presents enormous challenges for breeders attempting to improve breed health through genetic selection. Musculoskeletal disorders are extremely common in Bernese Mountain Dogs due to their large size and rapid growth. Hip dysplasia affects approximately twenty-eight percent of the breed, causing the hip joint to develop improperly and leading to pain, arthritis, and mobility issues. Elbow dysplasia, including conditions like fragmented coronoid process, osteochondritis dissecans, and ununited anconeal process, also occurs at high rates and results from abnormal cartilage development during the rapid growth phase. These joint conditions can manifest in puppies as young as four months old and may require surgical intervention or long-term management with weight control, moderate exercise, physical therapy, and joint supplements. Responsible breeders conduct hip and elbow evaluations on breeding dogs, though the genetic complexity of these conditions means even dogs with good scores can produce affected offspring. Additional serious health concerns include progressive retinal atrophy leading to blindness, hereditary cataracts requiring surgical correction, and von Willebrand's Disease, a bleeding disorder that can cause excessive bleeding even from minor injuries. Subaortic stenosis, a congenital heart defect causing partial obstruction of blood flow from the heart, can result in sudden death with no warning signs. Gastric dilatation-volvulus or bloat is a life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off circulation and requiring immediate surgical intervention. Hypothyroidism, degenerative myelopathy causing progressive hind limb paralysis, autoimmune diseases, allergies, and sensitive digestive systems also affect the breed. Due to these extensive health challenges and shortened lifespan, prospective Bernese Mountain Dog owners should work only with reputable breeders who conduct comprehensive health testing and be prepared for potentially high veterinary costs throughout their dog's life.
Border Collie
The Border Collie is a medium-sized herding dog with an athletic, well-balanced build that emphasizes agility and endurance over bulk. Males typically stand between nineteen and twenty-two inches at the shoulder and weigh thirty to forty-five pounds, while females are slightly smaller at eighteen to twenty-one inches tall with similar weight ranges. The body is slightly longer than it is tall, featuring a strong, muscular frame with a deep chest, well-sprung ribs, and straight, powerful legs that enable the breed's remarkable speed and stamina. Border Collies possess moderate bone structure that provides strength without heaviness, and their overall appearance reflects the breed's heritage as tireless working dogs capable of covering vast distances while herding livestock across challenging terrain. Their movement is smooth, free, and effortless, with an ability to change direction instantly and accelerate to impressive speeds when needed. Border Collies exhibit considerable variation in coat type, with two primary varieties recognized: rough and smooth. Rough-coated dogs have medium-length, weather-resistant double coats that may be straight or slightly wavy, with feathering on the forelegs, haunches, chest, and underside. Smooth-coated Border Collies feature shorter hair throughout their body while maintaining the protective double-coat structure. Both coat types provide excellent protection against harsh weather conditions. While black and white is the most iconic and commonly seen coloration, Border Collies actually appear in virtually every color and pattern known in dogs, including red and white, blue merle, red merle, tricolor combinations, sable, brindle, and even solid colors. This diversity reflects the breed's working heritage where ability trumped appearance in selection. The Border Collie's head and expression are among their most distinctive features. They possess keen, intelligent, alert eyes that are typically oval in shape and convey an intense, focused gaze known as "the eye" that is essential to their herding technique. Eye color varies from deep brown to blue, amber, or even heterochromatic combinations, particularly in merle-colored dogs. Their medium-sized ears are set well apart and carried erect or semi-erect, giving them a perpetually attentive appearance. The tail is moderately long, set low, and carried with an upward swirl at the end, particularly when the dog is alert or working. Unlike some herding breeds, Border Collie tails are never docked and remain fully feathered, adding to their graceful silhouette.
Key Characteristics
Border Collies are universally regarded as the most intelligent of all dog breeds, possessing an extraordinary ability to learn commands, solve complex problems, and anticipate their handler's needs with minimal instruction. This exceptional intelligence is both the breed's greatest asset and a potential challenge for unprepared owners, as Border Collies require extensive mental stimulation and can quickly become bored, frustrated, or destructive without adequate mental challenges. Originally bred to work independently making split-second decisions while herding sheep across vast landscapes, these dogs have boundless energy and an intense work drive that demands substantial daily physical exercise, typically requiring at least an hour of vigorous activity combined with mentally engaging tasks. Without appropriate outlets, Border Collies may develop problematic behaviors including obsessive barking, destructive chewing, digging, or attempts to herd anything that moves, including children, other pets, or vehicles. The breed forms deep, loyal bonds with their owners and families, often becoming intensely devoted to one particular person while remaining affectionate with all family members. Border Collies are typically good with children when properly raised and socialized, though their strong herding instincts may cause them to nip at heels or attempt to control kids' movements, requiring supervision and training to manage appropriately. While they can be friendly and social, many Border Collies are naturally reserved or cautious with strangers, preferring to observe and assess new people before warming up to them. This wariness combined with their protective nature makes them excellent watchdogs who will alert their families to anything unusual, though excessive barking can become problematic without proper training. They are often described as being sensitive and intensely focused on their owners, constantly watching for cues and eager to engage in whatever activity is proposed. Training a Border Collie is typically straightforward due to their intelligence, eagerness to please, and natural responsiveness to commands, making them stars in obedience competitions, agility trials, herding events, and virtually any dog sport. However, their sensitivity means they don't respond well to harsh corrections or punishment-based training, instead thriving with positive reinforcement techniques that recognize their quick learning and problem-solving abilities. Border Collies need patient, consistent, active owners who understand the breed's needs and can provide the combination of physical exercise, mental stimulation, training, and companionship that these remarkable dogs require. They are not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or owners seeking a low-maintenance pet, but for the right person or family who can meet their needs, Border Collies become incomparable companions who excel at virtually any task they're given.
Border Collies are generally considered a healthy breed with an average lifespan of twelve to fifteen years, though like all breeds, they have predisposition to certain genetic health conditions. Hip dysplasia is the most prevalent known genetic disease affecting Border Collies, occurring when the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to instability, pain, and eventual arthritis. This condition has a complex polygenic inheritance pattern, meaning multiple genes contribute to its development, and environmental factors including nutrition and exercise during critical growth periods can influence whether affected dogs show symptoms. While some Border Collies with hip dysplasia may show minimal lameness, others experience severe mobility issues from a young age, making health screening of breeding dogs essential despite the condition's complexity. Eye disorders represent another significant health concern in the breed. Collie Eye Anomaly is an inherited condition affecting the development of the choroid, retina, and optic nerve, with severity ranging from mild vision impairment to blindness, though most affected dogs maintain functional vision. Progressive Retinal Atrophy causes gradual degeneration of the retina leading to night blindness and eventual complete vision loss, typically appearing in adult dogs. Primary Lens Luxation, caused by breakdown of the ligaments holding the lens in place, can occur spontaneously between two and eight years of age and requires immediate veterinary attention to prevent glaucoma and vision loss. Hereditary cataracts also occur in Border Collies and can develop as early as puppyhood. Regular ophthalmologic examinations throughout a Border Collie's life are crucial for early detection and management of these conditions. Other health concerns in Border Collies include epilepsy, particularly idiopathic epilepsy where no underlying cause can be identified, typically manifesting before six years of age and requiring lifelong medication management. Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome affects the immune system and leads to chronic infections in affected puppies, who are often smaller than littermates with developmental delays. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis causes progressive neurological deterioration beginning in adulthood. Osteochondritis Dissecans primarily affects rapidly growing puppies between four and nine months, causing joint problems particularly in the shoulder. Some Border Collies carry genes for deafness, especially those with predominantly white coats or double merle genetics. Responsible breeders conduct comprehensive health testing including hip evaluations, eye examinations, and genetic testing for known conditions, and prospective owners should request documentation of these health clearances when selecting a puppy.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Bordernese may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Bernese Mountain Dog and Border Collie to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.