The Border Collie is one of the most iconic breeds of dogs. They’re well known for their amazing herding abilities and high levels of trainability. Now in other breeds, there are different sizes. So, for example, there’s the standard, toy, and miniature Poodle. However, the Border Collie has always been the same medium-sized dog until now.
The Miniature Border Collie has now emerged on the scene. But what do you need to know about this version of the breed? Is it the right choice for you and your family? In this guide, we’re going to provide you with all the information that you need to know about this pint-sized canine.
What are Miniature Border Collies?
Let’s start from the very beginning; what exactly is a Miniature Border Collie? Well, this is where it’s not as simple as it might seem. That’s because the Miniature Border Collie is not an official breed.
This means that you can’t register a Miniature Border Collie with any of the major canine associations around the world. That includes organizations such as the American Kennel Club in the USA and The Kennel Club in the UK.
That might not seem an issue, and it really isn’t a problem for many pet dog owners. However, when a breed is recognized, they have a breed standard. That standard tells the breeders what they should be aiming for when breeding pups. It includes things like acceptable coat colors, the shape of the head, and their tail length, etc.
So, you tend to get a wide variation in how the dog looks without a breed standard. And that can be a challenge for new puppy owners in knowing exactly how their youngster will grow up.
Remarkable Things about the Miniature Border Collies
Miniature Border Collies are remarkable in their own right. Certain things set them apart from other dog breeds and their bigger cousin, the standard border collie:
- They have the energy level, intelligence, and agility of the standard-sized border collie
- Their smaller size means that you can easily take them with you to places (on a flight, on travels, etc.)
- They are not an official dog breed or an official border collie size
- Because of their smaller size, they require less food than their bigger-sized cousin, the standard border collie
- They might be healthier and might have a longer lifespan compared to the standard border collie due to hybrid vigor (more on hybrid vigor later in this article)
Origin of Miniature Border Collies
You might be wondering how you end up with a littler of miniature-sized Border Collies rather than standard-sized ones. Well, there are there three different ways that a breeder can get smaller pups.
Miniature Border Collies can come about in three different ways:
- Breeding a standard border collie with a smaller dog breed (e.g. standard Border Collie x Jack Russell or standard border collie x toy poodle
- By breeding together two dwarf standard border collies
- Breeding two small-sized standard border collie together with the hope of getting an even smaller-sized border collie
Let’s discuss the pros and cons of each of these methods of breeding miniature border collies.
1. Crossing a Standard Border Collie with a Smaller Dog Breed
One way of getting a miniature puppy is to breed a Border Collie with a smaller dog of another breed. Some people argue that this produces healthier pups through what’s called hybrid vigor though there isn’t too much evidence just yet to support that theory.
The idea behind hybrid vigor is that nature likes genetic diversity and that breeds with a diverse gene pool tend to be healthier than those that are inbred.
Hence, if you breed a standard border collie with a smaller dog, like the Pomeranian, you will get a smaller-sized (miniature) border collie. This miniature dog will not only be smaller but may also be healthier due to its diverse genetic pool.
One of the challenges of introducing another breed is that it’s pretty unpredictable how the pups will turn out. They might, for example, all end up being standard-sized but with the coat type of the smaller dog. You might also find that they have the other breed’s temperament rather than what you would expect of a Border Collie.
Nevertheless, this technique is the most humane technique of producing a miniature border collie, compared to the other two methods discussed next.
Always check with your breeder to find out what methods the breeder has used for breeding their miniature border collie.
2. Breeding Together Two Dwarf Border Collies
One way to create a smaller Border Collie is to introduce the gene for dwarfism into border collie puppies. This is done by breeding two dwarf standard border collies together.
However, this method causes a pup to be born without the appearance of a standard-sized dog. Instead, the pups will have shorter legs, making them look as if they have a longer body and a larger head than normal.
Sadly, when breeders use this method for breeding Miniature Border Collies, the dogs also end up with a range of other health issues. This includes heart problems, joint pain, and spinal issues.
3. Breeding from Smaller Border Collies
The third way of breeding Miniature Border Collies is to ensure that Mum and Dad are at the smaller end of the height scale. It’s then likely, though not guaranteed, that their pups will also be smaller. Then when those pups are old enough, you again breed only from the smallest of the litter.
Eventually, over several litters, you’ll likely end up with smaller Border Collies. The problem here is that when breeders focus on one element, such as size, other characteristics can appear or disappear. It might be that the pups end up with no herding ability, or they have all black coats rather than white patches we’re so familiar with seeing.
How Big Miniature Border Collies Get
So, just how different are Miniature Border Collies compared to a standard? Here are the key facts and figures.
A miniature border collie weighs between 15 and 30 pounds and is between 13 and 16 inches in height. The standard border collie weighs between 30 and 55 pounds and is between 18 and 22 inches tall.
Learn more about border collie weight and height here.
| Height | Weight | |
| Standard Border Collie | 18 – 22 inches | 30 – 55 pounds |
| Miniature Border Collie | 13 – 16 inches | 15 – 30 pounds |
Because of that smaller size, you may find that you can get away with a smaller yard. You might also find that the miniature is easier to manage around the home because they take up less space.
How is a Miniature Border Collie Similar to a Standard?
Apart from the size, everything else stays exactly the same as with a standard-sized Border Collie. So, when potential owners think that they are getting a dog that will be easier to manage, they’re going to be in for a shock! All of those herding traits, high energy and need for a job in life, will be precisely the same in the Miniature Border Collie as in the standard.
Exercise levels are also likely to be the same. So don’t think that you can get away with a quick walk around the block. Raining outside? That’s no issue for a Border Collie; they’ll still want to get out for a good run.
A bored and under-stimulated Border Collie will be a nightmare to live with, no matter what size they are!
How Much do Mini–Border Collies Cost?
There are far fewer Miniature Border Collies being bred than there are standard-sized dogs. So, because of that scarcity, they tend to command a much higher price. Prices generally start at around $600 and go up to $1,200. However, for pups that come from parents who have proven herding ability, you can expect to pay up to $5,000!
Do be careful if the price seems too low. A good breeder will have the parents’ health tested before breeding and spend countless hours socializing their pups.
You should also expect them to grill you about your home and family life. If the breeder is more interested in your money than your ability to be a responsible owner, then that’s a pretty strong sign to find another breeder! It’s also not unusual for the breeder to ask you to join a waitlist for them to consider you for one of their youngsters.
Don’t forget, though, that there are other costs to having a pup. The American Kennel Club estimates that a medium-sized dog like the border collie will cost around $15,782 over a thirteen-year life span. That includes veterinary fees, food, toys, and treats, and grooming supplies. However, if you need daycare services or get a dog walker, that cost could quickly become much, much more.
Are Miniature Border Collies Easy to Train?
Starting your Mini Border Collie off at a puppy class is the perfect way to get their life off to a great start. Watch a session first to ensure that the trainer doesn’t use harsh methods and instead focuses on using rewards. A Border Collie does not respond well to punishment, and it’s unnecessary with such an intelligent and focused dog.
If you’re keen to try canine sports such as agility, then this is the perfect breed. With classes for different heights of dogs, there’s no hindrance in being a miniature!
Are Miniature Border Collies Good Family Dogs?
For the right family, a Miniature Border Collie could be a great match. So, if your family’s idea of a great weekend is to spend it walking the trails, then this is an excellent breed for you. But if you spend more time watching TV or playing computer games, then you’re going to need a dog with much lower energy levels.
It’s important also to remember that a Miniature Border Collie not only needs physical exercise, but they also need to tire out their busy brains. That’s going to mean training classes and lots of opportunities for them to problem-solve.
In fact, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals states that the key to a happy and healthy dog is regular enrichment. That means allowing them to do all those doggy behaviors, such as chasing, using their noses, and chewing.
When a Miniature Border Collie doesn’t get their needs met, well, that’s when they’ll begin finding their own outlets. That means chasing cars and bikes, herding up the children, and generally being a difficult dog to live with.
Do Mini Border Collies Shed?
Miniature border collies shed moderately compared to other dog breeds. However, miniature border collies shed less than the bigger standard border collies due to their smaller size and body surface areas.
There are two types of coat found on the Miniature Border Collie. First, there’s a rough coat, and that’s medium-length and feathered. Then there’s a smooth coat that’s both shorter and much more coarse. Both types are weather-resistant double coats which means a soft downy undercoat and then a harsher topcoat.
The Border Collie does tend to shed their coat all year round. Then twice a year, they blow their coat, meaning a much heavier molt, which tends to happen just before the start of Summer and Winter.
Most owners find that they can manage their Border Collies coat without needing to use a groomer. Twice weekly grooming using a pin brush makes sure that the undercoat is reached and prevents mats from forming.
Are Mini Border Collies as Healthy as Standard Border Collies?
The Border Collie is a hardy breed. However, as with all types of dogs, there are some health issues that you should be aware of.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a common problem. The condition is caused by issues with how the ball of the hip joint sits within the socket. Usually, the ball is smooth and fits perfectly into the socket to create the joint. But when a dog has hip dysplasia, the ball and socket grind against each other rather than moving smoothly. This then causes the joint to become damaged, and over time the joint no longer works as it should.
What Causes Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?
Hip dysplasia is hereditary. That means it’s essential for breeders to have their dogs hips x-rayed before deciding whether to breed from them. When both parents have excellent hips, there’s a reduced chance of the pups having problems.
It’s also thought that hip dysplasia can result from pups growing too quickly or receiving too much exercise too young. For adult dogs, being overweight will also increase the risk of hip problems.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA causes the photoreceptor cells in the eye to begin to deteriorate. Over time the dog’s eyesight becomes worse, and eventually, they become blind.
There are two different types of PRA; one is the inherited form seen in pups when they’re between eight and twelve weeks of age. Then, there’s late-onset PRA, diagnosed when the dog is between three and nine years old.
With both types of PRA, night vision tends to go first, and then as the cells become more damaged, the dog loses the ability to see during the day.
Sadly, there is no cure for PRA, but as a genetic condition, both parents must have their eyes checked and confirmed as being ‘PRA Free’ before they are mated.
Idiopathic epilepsy
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes seizures, convulsions, or fits. With this type of epilepsy, there’s no apparent cause, but there is a genetic factor. That means that if a Miniature Border Collie with epilepsy has puppies, there’s a strong chance that some of the litter will also have the same problems.
In most cases, lifelong medication can control epilepsy, and most affected dogs can have a good quality of life. However, The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare does warn that it can shorten their lifespan.
How Long Do Miniature Border Collies Live?
The Border Collie has an average lifespan of around 12 years. Generally, it’s between 10 to 15 years, but some Border Collies have reached more than 17 years of age!
You might now be curious how you can help your Miniature Border Collie to have a long and healthy life. Well, the first step is finding a great breeder who health checks all their dogs and whose own dogs live to an old age.
Then you can make sure that your Mini Border Collie gets plenty of exercise, visits the vet for regular check-ups, and gets high-quality food. And, of course, lots of fuss, love, and attention!
