Shollie Dog Breed – Border Collie and German Shepherd Mix Guide

I still remember the first time I saw a Shollie. I was at a local dog park, sipping my coffee, when this gorgeous, alert-looking dog zoomed past me chasing a frisbee like it was the Olympics.

He had the striking markings of a German Shepherd but the quick, bouncy energy of a Border Collie. I couldn’t help but ask his owner what breed he was, and that’s when I learned about the Shollie, a Border Collie and German Shepherd mix.

That one meeting sent me down a rabbit hole of research, and the more I learned, the more I realized why this mix turns heads. They’re smart, athletic, loyal, and absolutely stunning.

But they’re also not the kind of dog you just bring home without a little planning. If you’ve been curious about this mix or wondering if a Shollie might be the right fit for your family, here’s what I’ve discovered after spending time around them and talking to other owners.

Shollies Name, Puppy Names, and Images

Naming a Shollie can be just as fun as bringing them home. Since they’re a mix of two intelligent and hardworking breeds, you can go for strong, playful, or even clever names.

Popular Male Names:

1. Ace
2. Ranger
3. Finn
4. Diesel
5. Chase

Popular Female Names:

1. Skye
2. Willow
3. Nova
4. Freya
5. Bella

Gender-Neutral Names:

1. Scout
2. River
3. Storm
4. Juno
5. Ash

Shollies Size, Height, Weight and Growth

Shollies tend to be medium-to-large dogs, but because they’re a mix, their size can vary depending on which parent’s genes are more dominant.

Puppies often grow rapidly in the first six months and reach most of their adult height by 12 months, though they may keep filling out in muscle until 18–24 months.

On average, adult Shollies weigh between 50 and 80 pounds and stand 20 to 26 inches at the shoulder.

Males are generally larger than females, and working-line mixes may be leaner and more athletic, while show-line crosses might have heavier frames.

Growth Notes:

• Shollie puppies have high energy bursts – controlled exercise is important to protect growing joints.
• Overfeeding during puppyhood can cause too-rapid growth, increasing the risk of joint problems later.
• By two years old, most Shollies are fully mature in both size and personality.

Border Collie and German Shepherd Mix Lifespan

On average, a Border Collie and German Shepherd mix lives 12 to 15 years, though some reach 16+ with proper care. This lifespan is slightly longer than the purebred German Shepherd’s average of 9–13 years, thanks to the hybrid vigor effect.

Several factors influence how long a Shollie lives:

• Genetics – Dogs from healthy, tested parents have fewer inherited issues.
  Diet – A high-quality diet supports organ, joint, and immune health.
• Exercise – Keeping a healthy weight and staying active prevents joint and heart issues.
• Vet Care – Annual check-ups can catch problems early.

One thing to note: both parent breeds are prone to joint conditions like hip dysplasia, so joint care is important throughout their life. Adding glucosamine and omega-3 supplements from an early age can help.

Tips to Increase a Shollie’s Lifespan:

• Keep them lean – extra weight shortens life expectancy.
• Brush their teeth – dental disease can lead to organ issues.
• Avoid overexertion in hot weather – both breeds are prone to heat stress.
• Provide mental stimulation daily – brain health matters too.

Shollies Temperaments, Personality

If I had to describe the Shollie personality in one word, it would be devoted. This mix loves their people and wants to be involved in everything. Here’s what to expect:

• Smart – Both Border Collies and German Shepherds are in the top tier for intelligence. This mix learns quickly but can also figure out how to open your fridge if you’re not careful.
• Active – These dogs are not couch potatoes. They need daily exercise and mental challenges.
• Protective – They’ll watch over your family, your property, and maybe even your mailman (whether he likes it or not).
• Affectionate – They bond deeply and can be very loving with their families.

If you don’t give them enough to do, they’ll make their own entertainment and you probably won’t like their version.

Shollies Pros and Cons

Here’s the real talk, every breed mix has upsides and downsides.

Pros:

• Extremely intelligent and trainable
• Loyal and protective
• Great for active people or families
• Versatile – excels in sports, herding, and service work
• Usually healthy with a good lifespan

Cons:

• Needs a lot of daily exercise
• Can be destructive when bored
• Not great for sedentary lifestyles
• Heavy shedding twice a year
• Can be wary of strangers without socialization

Shollies Training

Training a Shollie is both exciting and demanding. With two of the most intelligent breeds as parents, these dogs pick up commands quickly but they also learn bad habits just as fast. Early training is essential to channel their energy into good behavior.

The best approach is positive reinforcement, using treats, toys, and praise to reward the right actions. Harsh discipline often backfires with smart breeds like this, making them stubborn or anxious.

Start with basic obedience: sit, stay, come, and leash manners. Then move into advanced skills like agility, herding drills, or scent detection, which challenge their brains as much as their bodies.

Consistency is key. Short, fun, daily sessions (10–15 minutes, multiple times a day) work better than one long, boring class. Socialization should also be part of their “training,” exposing them to different people, dogs, and environments so they grow into confident adults.

Quick Tips for Shollie Training Success:

• Start young — the earlier you begin, the easier it is.
• Keep sessions upbeat and end on a win.
• Rotate rewards — mix food treats with toys and affection.
• Incorporate mental challenges like puzzle feeders or hide-and-seek.
• Avoid overtraining — too much repetition can bore them

Shollies For Sale and Price Range

Buying a Shollie isn’t just about finding a cute puppy, it’s about making sure you’re getting a healthy, well-socialized dog from a responsible source.

Prices can vary widely depending on location, breeder reputation, pedigree, and whether the parents are working dogs or show-quality animals.

A reputable breeder will typically charge between $500 to $1,500, though top breeders with proven working-line parents can ask upwards of $2,000.

Rescue organizations or adoption fees usually range from $100 to $400, which often includes vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping.

Keep in mind that the initial price is just the start, yearly expenses for food, vet care, grooming, and supplies can easily reach $1,000–$2,000.

Also, beware of prices that seem “too good to be true.” Extremely cheap puppies are often from backyard breeders or puppy mills, which can lead to major health and behavioral problems later.

Border Collie vs German Shepherd

This mix is interesting because it blends two very different but equally amazing breeds.

The Shollie usually ends up somewhere in between with the Border Collie’s focus and agility plus the German Shepherd’s loyalty and guarding instincts.

Shollie Coat Colors and Grooming Needs

Shollies can inherit coat traits from either parent, which means you’ll see a surprising variety. Some have the sleek, shorter coat of a German Shepherd, while others get the flowing, feathered look of a Border Collie. Common colors include black-and-white, sable, black-and-tan, and tri-color combinations.

When it comes to grooming, expect moderate to high maintenance. Brushing two to three times a week keeps tangles and shedding under control, but during spring and fall shedding seasons, you might need to brush daily.

A slicker brush and an undercoat rake are your best friends here. Bathing is only necessary every couple of months unless they get into something muddy. Regular nail trimming, ear checks, and dental care round out the routine.

Exercise and Activity Requirements for a Shollie

If you’re not an active person, a Shollie will change that or frustrate you into giving them up. These dogs thrive on movement and mental stimulation.

A short daily walk won’t cut it; they need high-energy activities like hiking, running, playing fetch, or agility training.

A bored Shollie often becomes a destructive Shollie, so aim for at least 90–120 minutes of exercise every day, plus brain games like puzzle feeders, scent work, or obedience drills.

If you can combine both mental and physical work (like teaching them to fetch specific toys or navigate obstacle courses), you’ll have a much happier dog.

Shollie Health Concerns and Care Tips

While mixed breeds often benefit from hybrid vigor, Shollies can still inherit certain health conditions from their parents. The most common include:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia – Regular vet checks and joint supplements can help.
• Eye problems – Such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
• Bloat – Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can reduce risk.

To keep your Shollie in top condition:

• Maintain a healthy weight, excess pounds stress the joints.
• Keep up with yearly vet exams.
• Watch for early signs of mobility issues.
• Provide joint-friendly exercise like swimming.

Ideal Home Environment for a Shollie

The best home for a Shollie is one with space to move, preferably with a yard or easy access to large outdoor areas. Apartment living can work, but only for owners committed to several daily exercise sessions. These dogs love being part of an active household where they’re involved in family activities.

They also do well in homes where someone is around most of the day. Shollies are people-oriented and can develop separation anxiety if left alone too long without enough mental stimulation. If you work full-time outside the home, plan to arrange doggy daycare, a pet sitter, or long midday walks.

How to Socialize a Shollie the Right Way

Socialization is crucial for Shollies because both Border Collies and German Shepherds can be wary of strangers. Start early, ideally in puppyhood by exposing them to different people, environments, animals, and noises in a positive way.

Take them to dog-friendly events, enroll in puppy classes, and let them experience car rides, busy sidewalks, and park playdates. Reward calm, confident behavior so they learn that new situations are safe. Proper socialization prevents overprotectiveness and makes them well-rounded family dogs.

FAQs

Are Shollies good with kids?

Yes, especially if they’re raised with them. Shollies are protective and affectionate, but because they’re herding dogs, they might try to “herd” small children by nudging or circling them.

Early training and supervision help make sure this behavior doesn’t get out of hand. Many families find them to be fantastic companions for active kids.

Do Shollies get along with other pets?

Often, yes, if socialized early. They can live happily with other dogs and even cats, but their herding instincts may kick in. That might mean chasing or trying to control other animals. Slow introductions and training the “leave it” command can help a lot.

How much exercise do they need?

Plan on at least 90 minutes to 2 hours of daily activity. That can include long walks, runs, fetch, agility, or herding practice. They also need mental work, puzzle toys, obedience training, and games to keep their brains sharp.

Are Shollies easy to train?

For the most part, yes. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them fast learners. The challenge is keeping things interesting. They get bored with repetitive drills, so mix up your training routine.

Do Shollies shed a lot?

Yes. Both Border Collies and German Shepherds are heavy shedders, especially during seasonal coat changes. Regular brushing can help keep the fur under control, but you’ll still find hair on your clothes and furniture.