Why a Border-Papillon Hybrid?
Why a Papillon?
1) They are smart and love to please. This is the main quality of the Border Collie I love.
2) Another shared quality is that they are agile. For a little dog, they a super quick and not in just a straight direction. They can also jump really high and play or run for a long time without being tired. That being said, they are just too small to take on a real hike or run.
3) Of all of the dogs, the fur of the Papillon flows and is soft around the face. Their fur comes in the basic colors of Border Collies. Even their ears vary like Border Collies’ prick or flop.
4) Papillons are known for their health. Of all small breeds, Papillons have fewer health problems.
5) Heat and Cold Tolerant. Most little dogs stand the heat and some really enjoy it. But none can stand the cold. They are just too small. But, as far as small dogs go, the Pappillon tolerates cold better. (Than any of the breeds I was looking to cross. I was not looking to cross the lovable, but pig headed beagle or something low on the intelligence rating like a laso apso, both of which tolerate cold better than most little dogs).
6) A great quality that is UNLIKE the Border Collie is that Papillons do not like to roam. I let Lebeau out (he is not on the underground fence because of his size) and he always stays around the house (without fail).
-Caveat: Cedar, at 7 months at time of writing this, is not on the fence and does not roam.
7) Papillon's are great with kids. Most Border Collies are too, but the Papillon has exceptional tolerance to being pestered. When Yansa was a puppy, he pestered Lebeau sooo much and Lebeau matched it with soo much patience. Owners of our puppies have reported that they are great with kids.
Why not:
A Toy Poodle. Poodles love to please and are agile and very smart. But the fur would probably mess up the flow and the soft face of a Border Collie. Poodles are generally solid in color. Poodles health is an issue and they are known for seizures, eye problems, tumors ...
This is one reason people choose a hybrid poodle over a purebred. “Hybrid vigor.” Not the reason I am breeding hybrids, but a great benefit.
A Jack Russel Terrier. Great, fun little dogs with spunk. In the running, but the desire to please was no match for the Papillon. This lack of a strong desire to please could destroy the very nature of the dog - the whole reason you want a mini Border Collie (and so all terriers are out. Although I like terriers for different reasons). They also get cold very easily. Also, I personally don’t like the short hair scruff look that the cross would produce. Looks aren’t everything, but I have a personal preference.
A Sheltie or mini Collie. They come in a variety of sizes and if they were such a great dog, I may consider a bigger one. But I don’t like the super thick, long hair (I like more of the golden retriever, Irish and English Setter type hair). They are also prone to health problems.
In conclusion, the Papillon is the best dog to breed with a Border Collie to keep the traits of the Border Collie. If you have another cross that would fit the bill, I’d love to hear what you think it is and why.
