Border Collie Mixed With Great Pyrenees: Complete Breed Guide
Everything about the Border Collie mixed with Great Pyrenees: size, temperament, coat types, health risks, grooming needs, costs.
If you've encountered a large, intelligent dog with a thick double coat and an intense herding stare paired with a calm, watchful demeanor, you may have met a Border Collie mixed with Great Pyrenees. Sometimes called a "Pyrenees Collie" or "Great Border," this designer cross combines one of the most driven working breeds in existence with one of the largest livestock guardian breeds. The result is a dog of striking contrasts — and significant variability.
This guide breaks down what you can realistically expect from a Border Collie mixed with Great Pyrenees, including the traits that tend to carry over from each parent, the ones that are a coin flip, and the health, grooming, and training realities you need to know before bringing one home.
Parent Breed Breakdown: What Each Side Brings
Understanding a mixed-breed dog starts with understanding its parent breeds. The Border Collie and Great Pyrenees sit on nearly opposite ends of the working-dog spectrum, which makes their combination both fascinating and unpredictable.
| Trait | Border Collie | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| AKC Group | Herding | Working |
| Weight Range | 30–55 lb (14–25 kg) | 85–120+ lb (39–54+ kg) |
| Height | 18–22 in (46–56 cm) | 25–32 in (64–81 cm) |
| Original Purpose | Herding sheep with eye/stalk | Guarding flocks from predators |
| Energy Level | Very high (60–90+ min/day) | Moderate (30–45 min/day) |
| Trainability | Exceptional; biddable | Independent; low biddability |
| Barking Tendency | Moderate to high | High (alert barking) |
| Coat Type | Medium-length double coat | Long, thick double coat |
| Shedding | Heavy seasonal + year-round | Very heavy seasonal + year-round |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 10–12 years |
The Border Collie, as documented by the AKC Border Collie breed standard, is bred for responsiveness, athleticism, and an almost obsessive focus on movement. The Great Pyrenees, by contrast, is bred to make independent decisions — to assess threats and act without waiting for human direction. When you cross these two, you're blending a dog that wants to be told what to do with a dog that believes it already knows what to do.
Generations Explained: F1, F1B, F2, and Multigen
F1 (First Generation): A direct cross between a purebred Border Collie and a purebred Great Pyrenees. F1 puppies tend to show the widest trait variability — you may get one puppy that leans heavily Border Collie in build and drive, and a littermate that looks and acts mostly Pyrenees. This is the most common generation available.
F1B (First Generation Backcross): An F1 Pyrenees Collie bred back to one of the parent breeds — typically the Great Pyrenees to produce a larger, calmer dog, or the Border Collie to produce a more agile, trainable dog. F1B puppies tend to lean more predictably toward the backcross parent.
F2 (Second Generation): Two F1 Pyrenees Collies bred together. Trait variability remains high, and some puppies may express recessive traits from either grandparent breed that weren't visible in the F1 generation.
Multigen (F3+): Multiple generations of Pyrenees Collie-to-Pyrenees Collie breeding. This is rare for this particular mix because there is no established breed club or standard. Most breeders producing these dogs are doing F1 or F1B crosses.
Because the Border Collie mixed with Great Pyrenees is not a recognized designer breed with an established registry, most available puppies are F1 crosses from breeders who happen to own both parent breeds. Always ask the breeder which generation they're producing and request documentation of parent health testing.
Size Range: How Big Will a Border Collie Mixed With Great Pyrenees Get?
This is one of the most variable aspects of this mix. The Border Collie parent typically weighs 30–55 lb (14–25 kg), while the Great Pyrenees parent can reach 85–120+ lb (39–54+ kg). That's a massive spread, and puppies can land almost anywhere within it.
| Size Category | Weight | Height at Shoulder | Likely Parent Lean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller End | 40–60 lb (18–27 kg) | 20–24 in (51–61 cm) | Border Collie-dominant |
| Mid Range (Most Common) | 60–85 lb (27–39 kg) | 23–28 in (58–71 cm) | Balanced F1 |
| Larger End | 85–110 lb (39–50 kg) | 27–30 in (69–76 cm) | Great Pyrenees-dominant |
Most Border Collie mixed with Great Pyrenees dogs fall in the 60–85 lb range, but it's not unusual for individuals to fall outside this. Males tend to be larger. If you're adopting an adult dog, the size question is already answered — but if you're getting a puppy, be prepared for a dog that could end up anywhere from medium-large to genuinely large. A puppy paw-size check at 8–12 weeks offers a rough indicator, but it's imprecise.
Temperament: Best-Case Scenarios and Real Challenges
The temperament of a Border Collie mixed with Great Pyrenees is where the parent breeds' differences create the most interesting — and sometimes difficult — outcomes. Here's an honest look at the range.
Best-Case Temperament Profile
When the mix balances well, you get a dog that is intelligent and responsive to training (Border Collie influence) but not hyperactively so, combined with a calm, steady guardian instinct (Pyrenees influence) that makes them watchful without being aggressive. These dogs tend to be loyal to their families, gentle with children they're raised with, and responsive to positive reinforcement training methods. They're alert barkers but settle well indoors after adequate exercise.
Challenging Temperament Scenarios
Less ideal outcomes include dogs that inherit the Border Collie's intense herding drive (nipping at children's heels, chasing cars, inability to settle) combined with the Pyrenees' independent streak (ignoring recall commands, making their own decisions about what constitutes a threat). Some individuals develop territorial barking that's difficult to manage in suburban settings. Others may show livestock guardian behaviors like roaming or fence-testing, paired with herding-breed reactivity to movement.
Trait Variability at a Glance:
- Energy Level: Moderate to very high — some need 30 minutes of activity, others need 90+
- Trainability: Moderate to high — Border Collie-leaning dogs learn quickly; Pyrenees-leaning dogs may comply selectively
- Prey/Herding Drive: Low to high — unpredictable in puppies
- Stranger Friendliness: Reserved to moderately friendly — early socialization is critical
- Barking: Moderate to excessive — both parent breeds are vocal
- Separation Tolerance: Low to moderate — both breeds bond closely with their families
Early socialization (ideally beginning at 8–12 weeks and continuing through at least 16 months) is non-negotiable for this mix. Expose them to diverse people, surfaces, sounds, and other animals using positive, force-free methods. The AVMA recommends structured socialization during the critical developmental window to reduce fear-based behaviors later in life.
Coat Types, Shedding, and Grooming Realities
Is This Mix Hypoallergenic or Low-Shedding?
No. Neither parent breed is low-shedding or hypoallergenic. Both the Border Collie and Great Pyrenees have double coats that shed year-round and blow their undercoats heavily one to two times per year. A Border Collie mixed with Great Pyrenees will almost certainly be a heavy shedder. If you have dog allergies or a strong aversion to dog hair on furniture and clothing, this is not the right mix for you.
Coat Type Possibilities
Most individuals inherit a medium-to-long double coat. The outer coat may be slightly wavy or straight, and texture can range from the Border Collie's sleeker, more manageable medium coat to the Pyrenees' profuse, thick, longer coat. Coat color varies widely — white, cream, black, merle, sable, or combinations. The merle gene, if inherited from a Border Collie parent, can produce striking patterns but should never be bred merle-to-merle due to associated health risks (deafness, eye abnormalities).
Grooming Schedule
| Task | Frequency | Tools Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing (maintenance) | 3–4 times per week | Slicker brush, undercoat rake |
| Deep deshedding | Weekly during blow season (spring/fall) | Deshedding tool (e.g., Furminator or undercoat rake) |
| Bathing | Every 6–8 weeks or as needed | Dog-specific shampoo; thorough drying required |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Guillotine or scissor clippers; styptic powder |
| Ear cleaning | Every 1–2 weeks | Veterinary ear cleaner; cotton balls |
| Matting checks | After every outdoor adventure | Detangling spray, mat splitter for severe mats |
Expect to spend 20–40 minutes per week on grooming maintenance, significantly more during seasonal coat blows. Professional grooming sessions run $60–$120 per visit depending on coat condition and your region. Never shave a double-coated dog — the coat provides insulation against both heat and cold, and shaving can cause permanent texture changes and skin damage.
Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor Myth vs. Reality
A common misconception is that mixed-breed dogs automatically enjoy "hybrid vigor" — the idea that crossing two breeds eliminates inherited health problems. The reality, as explained in research referenced by the Merck Veterinary Manual, is more nuanced. Mixed-breed dogs can inherit any genetic condition present in either parent breed. Hybrid vigor may reduce the probability of recessive disorders when parent breeds have different disease pools, but it does not eliminate risk — especially for conditions both breeds share.
Health Conditions to Watch For
| Condition | Inherited From | Prevalence | Screening Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | Both breeds (high risk in Great Pyrenees) | Estimated 15–25% in large breeds | OFA or PennHIP evaluation of parents |
| Elbow Dysplasia | Great Pyrenees | Moderate risk | OFA elbow evaluation of parents |
| Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) | Border Collie | ~2–4% carriers in Border Collies | DNA test (Optigen CEA/CH); CERF eye exam |
| Multidrug Resistance (MDR1) | Border Collie (herding breed gene) | ~4% of Border Collies affected | DNA test via Washington State University Vet School |
| Bloat (GDV) | Great Pyrenees (deep-chested breed risk) | Life-threatening emergency | Preventive gastropexy discussable with vet |
| Epilepsy / Seizures | Border Collie (idiopathic epilepsy) | Estimated 3–6% in Border Collies | No screening; monitor and report to vet |
| Osteosarcoma | Great Pyrenees (large-breed predisposition) | Higher than average in giant breeds | Annual vet exams; monitor for lameness |
MDR1 Gene Warning: If your Border Collie mixed with Great Pyrenees inherits the MDR1 gene mutation, common medications including ivermectin, loperamide (Imodium), and certain sedatives can cause severe neurological toxicity. Ask your veterinarian about MDR1 DNA testing before any medical procedures. The Washington State University Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Lab offers this test.
Responsible breeders of this mix should provide health clearances for both parent dogs: OFA hip and elbow scores, CERF eye exams, and DNA tests for CEA and MDR1 at minimum. If a breeder cannot or will not provide these, walk away.
Exercise, Training, and Mental Stimulation
Exercise needs vary depending on which parent the dog leans toward, but plan for a minimum of 45–60 minutes of structured activity daily, with some individuals needing 90+ minutes. This is not a breed mix that thrives with a short walk around the block.
Recommended Activities
- Structured hiking: 45–60 minutes on varied terrain, 3–5 times per week
- Herding instinct testing: If the dog shows Border Collie drive, AHBA (American Herding Breed Association) instinct tests can channel this constructively
- Nosework/scent games: Excellent for Pyrenees-leaning dogs who prefer independent problem-solving over obedience drills
- Recall training with GPS collar backup: Both breeds can be prone to roaming; a Garmin Alpha or Fi Series 3 GPS collar ($150–$400) provides peace of mind during off-leash time in safe areas
- Puzzle feeders and food-dispensing toys: Kong Wobbler, Outward Hound Nina Ottosson puzzles ($15–$35) for daily mental stimulation
Training should use positive reinforcement methods exclusively — reward-based clicker training, food motivation, and play rewards. The Pyrenees side does not respond well to forceful or punitive methods and will simply shut down or avoid you. The Border Collie side is sensitive and can develop anxiety under harsh training. Force-free training isn't just an ethical preference here — it's practically more effective for this specific mix.
Cost: What Does a Border Collie Mixed With Great Pyrenees Cost?
| Expense Category | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy from a breeder | $500–$1,500 | Wide range; depends on breeder reputation, health testing, and region |
| Adoption/rescue fee | $150–$400 | Often includes spay/neuter, initial vaccines, microchip |
| First-year veterinary costs | $800–$1,500 | Vaccines, spay/neuter, heartworm prevention, fecal tests |
| Annual ongoing vet care | $600–$1,200 | Wellness exams, preventive medications, dental |
| Food (quality large-breed kibble) | $60–$120/month | Brands like Purina Pro Plan Large Breed, Orijen, or Fromm |
| Grooming (professional) | $60–$120 per session | Every 6–8 weeks for heavy coats; less if you groom at home |
| Pet insurance (estimated) | $45–$90/month | Varies by provider, deductible, and dog age; consider Trupanion, Healthy Paws, or Lemonade |
| Training classes | $150–$400 for 6–8 week course | Group obedience; private sessions $75–$150/hour |
This mix is not commonly found through specialized designer-breed breeders, which actually works in your favor cost-wise. Because these crosses are often accidental or produced by small-scale breeders rather than high-volume operations, prices tend to be lower than trendy mixes like Goldendoodles or Bernedoodles. However, always prioritize health-tested parents over a low price tag.
Rescue availability is moderate. Great Pyrenees rescues (such as Great Pyrenees Rescue of Atlanta or National Great Pyrenees Rescue) occasionally take in mixed-breed dogs, and Border Collie rescues sometimes see this cross as well. Check Petfinder and local shelters — rural areas with working farms are more likely to produce this mix in shelter populations.
Who This Mix Suits Best
The Border Collie mixed with Great Pyrenees is not a beginner-friendly dog. Here's a realistic profile of the ideal owner and household:
- Experience level: Intermediate to experienced dog owner — someone who has managed a high-energy or independent breed before
- Living situation: House with a securely fenced yard (minimum 5-foot fence; some individuals will test 4-foot fences). Not suited to apartment living
- Activity commitment: Willing to provide 45–90 minutes of daily exercise and structured mental stimulation
- Grooming tolerance: Comfortable with heavy shedding and regular brushing commitments
- Family composition: Best with families who have older children (8+); herding instinct can make them challenging around toddlers. Supervised interactions always recommended
- Noise tolerance: Prepared for moderate to heavy barking — both breeds are vocal
- Climate: Thrives in cooler climates; the thick double coat makes heat management essential in warm regions (air conditioning mandatory, exercise during cool hours only)
This mix can be an outstanding companion for active families with space, patience, and realistic expectations. They are not dogs you can exercise with a backyard romp and forget about — they need engagement, structure, and an owner who understands that variability means your dog may lean more herder or more guardian, and you'll need to adapt your approach accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What two breeds make up the Border Collie mixed with Great Pyrenees?
This mix is a cross between a purebred Border Collie (a medium-sized herding dog originally developed in the Anglo-Scottish border region for herding sheep) and a purebred Great Pyrenees (a large livestock guardian breed originating from the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain). The combination pairs a biddable, high-drive herding dog with an independent, protective guardian breed.
How big will a Border Collie mixed with Great Pyrenees get?
Most individuals fall between 60–85 lb (27–39 kg) and 23–28 inches (58–71 cm) at the shoulder, but the range extends from as small as 40 lb (18 kg) to as large as 110 lb (50 kg) depending on which parent breed the puppy favors. Males are typically larger. If size is a major concern, adopting an adult dog eliminates the guesswork.
What will the temperament be like?
Temperament is the most unpredictable aspect of this mix. Best case: an intelligent, trainable, calm-yet-active dog that's loyal to family and alert without being aggressive. Challenging case: a dog with intense herding drive combined with stubborn independence, territorial barking, and difficulty with recall. Early socialization, consistent positive reinforcement training, and realistic expectations are essential regardless of which temperament your individual dog develops.
Is this mix hypoallergenic or low-shedding?
No. Both parent breeds are heavy-shedding double-coated dogs, and this mix inherits that trait almost universally. Expect year-round shedding with intense seasonal coat blows in spring and fall. This mix is not suitable for people with dog allergies or those unwilling to manage significant amounts of dog hair in their home.
What health issues might this mix inherit?
Key conditions to watch for include hip dysplasia (common in both breeds, especially the Great Pyrenees), Collie Eye Anomaly and MDR1 drug sensitivity (from the Border Collie side), bloat/GDV (a life-threatening emergency more common in deep-chested large breeds), elbow dysplasia, idiopathic epilepsy, and osteosarcoma. Ask breeders for OFA hip/elbow scores, CERF eye clearances, and MDR1/CEA DNA test results for both parent dogs. Consult your veterinarian about a screening and prevention plan tailored to your individual dog.
How much does a Border Collie mixed with Great Pyrenees cost?
Puppies from breeders typically range from $500–$1,500, though some may be available for less through accidental litters. Adoption through rescues or shelters costs $150–$400. First-year expenses including veterinary care, food, supplies, and training typically total $2,500–$4,500. Ongoing annual costs (food, vet care, grooming, preventives) run $2,000–$4,000 depending on your region and the dog's health needs.
Priya Sutaria
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