Did you know that the German Shepherd and Border Collie are two of the smartest dog breeds out there? When you combine the two, you get the Shollie: a super-smart, active hybrid who is constantly eager to learn and play.
With the German Shepherd’s loyalty and the Border Collie’s agility, this mix makes an ideal companion for active families or individuals. Whether it’s hiking, running, or mastering new tricks, the Shollie thrives on both physical and mental challenges.
 So, if you want a dog that’s as sharp as a tack and full of heart, a Shollie might be just what you’re looking for! Curious to know more about this amazing breed?
Let’s dive in and explore everything from their appearance to their behavior and health needs.
What is a German Shepherd Border Collie mix called?
Origin of the Shollie (Border Collie German Shepherd Mix)
The Shollie is a modern designer breed that originated from intentionally crossing the German Shepherd and the Border Collie, two of the world’s most intelligent and hard-working dogs. While the exact date and place of origin of the Shollie are unclear, these hybrids began gaining popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, during the rise of designer dog breeding aimed at combining desirable traits from purebred parents.
The Shollie was created by mixing these two breeds to produce a dog with both parents’ intellect, devotion, herding instinct, and work ethic, but with a more balanced temperament and wider appeal to busy families. Â While not recognized by major kennel groups, Shollies are prized by people seeking a highly trainable, lively, and affectionate companion with strong protective instincts and a strong drive to work and please.
German Shepherd History
The German Shepherd developed in Germany in the late nineteenth century. Captain Max von Stephanitz, a military officer, is credited with inventing the breed by selecting working sheepdogs with high intellect, strength, and trainability. His goal was to develop the ideal working and herding dog. The breed swiftly developed into a versatile working dog that was later used in military, police, and search-and-rescue operations. Their dedication, courage, and adaptability garnered them international acclaim.
Border Collie History
The Border Collie originated on the Anglo-Scottish border, where it was bred to herd sheep across rough terrain. The Border Collie, which was bred for stamina, quickness, and intense focus (known as “the eye”), is considered as one of the world’s most intelligent dog breeds. Their ancestry goes back several generations, and they have long been valued by farmers and shepherds due to their exceptional herding skills and receptivity to training.
Appearance: What Does a Shollie Look Like?
The Shollie is a captivating blend of the German Shepherd breed and Border Collie, inheriting the noble strength of the Shepherd and the agile elegance of the Collie. Their look is both athletic and intelligent — a true visual representation of their dynamic personality.
- Size: Shollies are typically medium to large dogs, standing between 20–27 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing around 50–80 pounds. Their frame is solid yet agile, built for endurance, speed, and power.
- Body Structure: These dogs have a well-proportioned and athletic build, combining the German Shepherd’s muscular physique with the Border Collie’s nimble, lean frame. Their chest is broad, and their posture is alert, projecting both grace and readiness.
- Coat: The Shollie sports a double coat that can range from medium to long in length. It is often dense and straight or slightly wavy, providing weather resistance, a nod to both breeds’ herding and working roots. While not hypoallergenic, regular grooming reduces minor shedding.
- Color: Their coats come in a range of beautiful colors, including black, sable, tan, white, brown, or a mix of these. Many Shollies inherit striking markings similar to the German Shepherd or merle and white patterns seen in Border Collies, making each dog visually unique.
- Eyes: Shollies usually have medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes, often in shades of brown or amber. Their gaze is expressive — exuding intelligence, attentiveness, and a deep bond with their family.
- Ears: Ear shape can vary. Some Shollies have erect ears like a German Shepherd, while others may have semi-pricked or floppy ears more typical of the Border Collie. This variation adds to their distinct charm and character.
- Tail: The tail is typically long and bushy, carried low when relaxed or raised in motion. It serves as a graceful counterbalance when they’re running or herding.
- Expression: A Shollie’s face has an alert, inquisitive, and welcoming expression. Â Their eyes are always alert, their ears pricked or inclined, and their behavior reflects a blend of devotion, attention, and playful curiosity, indicating a true working dog with heart.
Temperament and Behavior of the Shollie Breed
When it comes to the temperament of the Shollie, this breed is highly intelligent, loyal, and energetic, thanks to its German Shepherd and Border Collie heritage. Known for their affectionate nature, Shollies form strong bonds with their family and are eager to please. They thrive in active households and love engaging in activities like running, hiking, and playing games.
Their innate herding instincts demand a lot of mental and physical stimulation to keep them satisfied. Â While they make great watchdogs and are protective of their families, they can become territorial if not properly trained and socialized. Â The Shollie’s intelligence makes them easy to train, but they can become bored fast and develop separation anxiety if left alone for an extended period. Â With proper care and attention, the Shollie may be a loving and energetic companion for active families.
Pros and Cons of the Shollie
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly intelligent and trainable | Needs lots of mental and physical stimulation |
| Extremely loyal and affectionate | Can become bored without sufficient activity |
| Excellent watchdog and protective | May be territorial without proper socialization |
| Great with active families and children | Requires consistent training and boundaries |
| Enjoys being active, good for hiking and running | Can be reserved or cautious around strangers |
| Eager to please and responsive to commands | May develop separation anxiety if left alone too long |
Is a shollie a good family dog?
Yes, a Shollie can make an good family dog. They are affectionate, loyal and energetic, making them right companions for busy households. They thrive on attention, mental stimulation, and physical activity, and are known to build close ties with their family members. To remain happy, they must be properly trained, socialized, and engage in plenty of physical activity.
What is the Lifespan of a Shollie?
The typical lifespan of a Shollie, which is a crossbreed between the German Shepherd & Border Collie, ranges between 12 to 15 years. This is a relatively long lifespan for a dog, thanks to the strong genetics of both parent breeds. With proper care, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary check-ups, Shollies can live a healthy and active life.
However, like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health issues, which may impact their lifespan, such as hip dysplasia, heart problems, and eye conditions. Regular health monitoring can help catch any issues early, contributing to a longer, happier life for your Shollie.
How Much exercise do Shollie Need?
Shollies are highly energetic, intelligent, and active dogs that require a lot of physical and mental exercise to stay happy and healthy. On average, they need at least 1.5 to 2 hours of exercise every day. Given their background as working dogs, they thrive on both physical challenges and tasks that stimulate their sharp minds. Without enough exercise, they can become bored, anxious, and potentially develop behavioral problems.
Types of Exercise for Shollies:
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Outdoor Runs and Walks: Shollies enjoy running, and it’s a great way for them to burn off energy. A quick stroll or jog is ideal for you and your dog. If you have access to open spaces, letting them run freely (while on a secure leash) can help satisfy their need for speed and exploration.
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Hiking: This is an excellent way to provide both physical and mental stimulation. Shollies enjoy the challenge of navigating rough terrain, which helps them use both their body and mind.
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Fetch and Tug-of-War: Playing games like fetch or tug-of-war is a fun way to exercise their bodies while keeping them mentally engaged. These games provide good bonding time as well as physical activity.
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Agility Training: Shollies excel in agility training due to their intelligence and athletic build. Set up an agility course in your backyard or take them to a local dog park that offers these activities. It will provide great physical exercise while stimulating their brains.
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Interactive Play: Puzzle toys or food-dispensing toys can keep a Shollie’s brain active when not doing outdoor exercises. You can also train them with new tricks and commands, providing mental workouts that tire them out in a different way than physical activity.
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Socialization: Shollies are naturally social dogs, and playing with other dogs can also be an excellent form of exercise. Dog parks or playdates can give them a chance to run and play in a controlled environment.
Alsoe Read: German Shepherd and Golden Retriever Mix Comprehensive Breed Guide
Is the Shollies Easy to Train?
Yes, the Shollie is highly trainable due to its intelligence and eagerness to please, inherited from both the German Shepherd and Border Collie. These dogs are quick learners and excel with positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise. Their problem-solving abilities make them responsive to commands, but they can sometimes be independent, so consistent training is important. Early socialization is essential to avoid stubbornness and separation anxiety. With adequate training, the Shollie can be a well-behaved, obedient companion.
Grooming Requirements for German Shepherd Collie Mix
The Shollie, has a thick double coat that needs to be groomed on a regular basis as a large dog to keep it looking good and healthy. Their coat is medium to lengthy in length, and they shed moderately all year, with more shedding throughout the changing seasons.
Here’s what you need to know about grooming a Shollie:
1. Brushing
Shollies benefit from regular brushing to prevent matting and to reduce shedding. Brush your Shollie 2-3 times per week, especially during the period of shedding season (spring and fall). This helps remove loose hair and prevents tangles. A pin brush or slicker brush is recommended for their coat type, as it can work through their dense fur effectively.
2. Bathing
Shollies don’t need frequent baths, but they should be bathed as needed, generally once every 2-3 months or when they get dirty. Over-bathing can strip the natural oils from their coat and skin, so it’s best to only bathe them when necessary. Make use of a gentle dog shampoo to maintain your dog’s skin and coat healthy.
3. Ear Cleaning
Shollies, dogs with floppy ears (depending on the mix), are susceptible to ear infections if not properly maintained. Check their ear canals on a regular basis for any signs of buildup of wax or infection. Gently wipe the outside area of the ears with a moist towel, then completely dry them. If you discover any strange scents or irritations, contact your veterinarian.
4. Nail Trimming
Like all dogs, Shollies need their nails trimmed regularly to avoid discomfort and potential injury. Aim to trim their nails every 4-6 weeks. If you’re not sure how to cut nails safely, ask your veterinarian or a professional groomer for help.
5. Dental Care
Good dental hygiene is essential for your Shollie’s overall health. Brush their teeth a few times a week using dog-specific toothpaste and a toothbrush. You can also provide dental chews to help keep their teeth clean.
6. Eye and Coat Care
Keep an eye out for any signs of eye irritation or discharge, especially since Shollies dog breeds are prone to eye conditions like those found in German Shepherds. Regular checkups with your vet will ensure that their eyes are healthy.
What Should You Feed a Shollie Dog?
Feeding your Shollie the right diet is essential to support their high energy levels, active lifestyle, and overall health. This intelligent and athletic breed thrives on a balanced, protein-rich diet that fuels their muscles and keeps their coat healthy.
Ideal Diet for a Shollie:
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High-quality protein: Choose premium dry or wet food that lists meat (like chicken, beef, or lamb) as the first ingredient. Protein helps build lean muscle and supports their active metabolism.
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Healthy fats: Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, found in fish oil or flaxseed, promote brain function and keep their coat shiny.
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Complex carbohydrates: Whole grains like brown rice, barley, or sweet potatoes offer long-lasting energy.
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Vitamins & minerals: Ensure their food includes a range of vitamins and minerals to support joint health, immune function, and digestion.
Click here to read more about healthiest human food that dog can eat.
Feeding Guidelines:
- Puppies (up to 12 months): 3–4 small meals per day, using specially formulated puppy food to support their rapid growth.
- Adults: 2 meals per day, with portion sizes depending on dogs weight and activity level (typically 2.5 to 4 cups of kibble daily).
- Seniors: Slightly reduced calories and fat to avoid weight gain, with a focus on joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine.
Is shollie the Right Dog for You?
The Shollie breed is ideal for active owners with the time, space, and energy to devote to a highly clever and energetic dog. They thrive in households where they receive regular mental and physical stimulation, constant training, and lots of social interaction.
If you enjoy outdoor activities like running, hiking, or playing fetch, a Shollie will happily join you every step of the way. However, if you have a busy schedule or prefer a laid-back pet, the Shollie’s high energy and need for engagement may be overwhelming. With the right commitment, the Shollie rewards its owner with loyalty, affection, and unwavering companionship.
