Bordernese

40-80 lbs
23-28"
​United States
Bernese Mountain Dog
Border Collie

The Bordernese combines the intelligence and gentle spirit of its parent breeds — the Border Collie and Bernese Mountain Dog. This crossbreed makes the perfect companion for any family including those with young children and other pets. 

In this guide to the Bordernese, you’ll learn:

  • The Bordernese is a Bernese Mountain Dog Border Collie mix 
  • This crossbreed is known for being loyal, easy-going and friendly
  • They’re not as active as the Border Collie, but are more active than the Bernese 
  • Their fur tends to maintain the tri-color pattern of the Bernese Mountain Dog

Bordernese breed overview

The Bordernese is a cross between the Border Collie and the Bernese Mountain Dog. This is a medium to large hybrid breed that combines the coloring and body type of a Bernese Mountain Dog, with the fur type of the Border Collie. 

This dog inherits many attractive traits from its parent breeds, offering the best of both. They’re an intelligent, mellow, loving, loyal, and friendly dog that’s not high maintenance and very easy to train. 

If you’ve been admiring Bordernese puppies and decided this is the dog for you, then you might be looking to pay between $350 and $2,500, from a reputable breeder. If you rescue this crossbreed, then the cost will be reduced to between $75 and $300. 

The average Bordernese life expectancy is up to 15 years. This is much higher than the Bernese Mountain Dog and similar to the Border Collie, although they have been known to live up to 17 years.  



Getting a puppy is an exciting time, but there are a few things you can’t forget. One which is particularly important is insurance. It’s quick and easy to browse and compare the best pet insurance plans — then you can tick that off the list. 




purpose Purpose
Companion and Work Dog
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Border Collie, Bernese Mountain Dog

Bordernese Health

Average Size
Male Bordernese size stats
Height: 23-28 inches Weight: 40-80 lbs
Female Bordernese size stats
Height: 23-28 inches Weight: 40-80 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Meningitis
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Histiocytosis
Minor Concerns
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Cataracts
  • Epilepsy
  • Pannus
  • Lens Luxation
  • Cerebellar Abiotrophy
  • Familial Nephropathy
  • Color Dilution Alopecia
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Entropion
  • Von Willebrand's Disease
Occasional Tests
  • Blood Test
  • Dna Test For Pk
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination

Bordernese Breed History

The Bordernese dog is a relatively new hybrid breed, which is why not  much is known about their origins. But, plenty is known about the parent breeds, of course. 

The Border Collie is one of the smartest dog breeds in the world. They were bred with the intention of being independent herders who were extremely intelligent and agile. Their origin begins as a classic working farm dog somewhere between the borders of Scotland and England. 

Their popularity grew steadily and eventually, the breed caught the attention of the royal family, particularly Queen Victoria. The Border Collie was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1995 and has continued to be valued for their intelligence and work ethic ever since. 

The Bernese Mountain Dog is quite the opposite of the Border Collie. While still strong and beautiful, this breed is more mellow and easy-going. The Bernese was created around the 20th century in the Alpine Mountains of Switzerland, where they were all-round farm dogs. They used their strength to pull milk carts, act as guard dogs with their deep bark, 

and drove cattle to the pasture. The American Kennel Club recognized the Bernese as a breed in 1937. Today they are a companion and show dog. 


Bordernese Breed Appearance

The Bernese Mountain Dog mixed with Border Collie can result in a wide variety of color combinations and body types — even within the same litter. 

Typically, the Bordernese is a medium to large size dog. However, they can either be big and sturdy like the Bernese Mountain Dog or small and quick like the Border Collie. They’ll have floppy ears and dark brown eyes set over a strong muzzle and are known for their happy yet alert expression. 

Both parent breeds have a similar fur type so their coat will always be long and thick. However, they tend to maintain the tri-color pattern of the Bernese Mountain Dog which is white, black and tan. 


Eye Color Possibilities
brown Bordernese eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Bordernese nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Bordernese coat
Black
white Bordernese coat
White
brown Bordernese coat
Brown
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Bordernese wavy coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Bordernese Breed Maintenance

Bordernese dogs are fairly easy to groom, although their fur does shed all year round. Brushing them at least a couple of times a week will help you to keep on top of this. 

Unless they get particularly dirty and muddy, they won’t need bathing; only a few times a year. Their nails will need cutting when necessary, while ears and teeth should be cleaned regularly. 

Their ears are folded over so it’s important to make sure you dry them thoroughly, especially after a bath or swimming. This is because the moisture could cause infection or inflammation. 

The Border Collie may be a very active breed but the Bernese Mountain Dog isn’t. This combination of the two means that the Bordernese dog is fairly low-energy. However, too much inactivity can result in them getting bored which can lead to destructive behavior.  

They’re able to live in any size home, as long as they get out to exercise. Their thick, dark coat means they do better in cooler weather as they can quickly and easily overheat.



Bordernese  health risks

Bordernese dogs are a relatively healthy breed of dog. However, they can, of course, be affected by the health conditions that affect the parent breed. A few you need to be aware of, include: 

There’s also a chance of progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, epilepsy, pannus, lens luxation, cerebellar abiotrophy, familial nephropathy and color dilution alopecia — although these are only minor concerns.  

Does your insurance cover the cost of conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia? You’ll want to ensure you have the best cover for your Bordernese, so browse and compare top pet insurance providers to secure the very best cover.  

Elbow Dysplasia 

Elbow dysplasia typically affects larger breeds that grow quickly, including the Bernese Mountain Dog, although you might not notice symptoms until they’re adults. With this condition, your dog will have arthritis in their elbow joints — possibly both. Tell-tale symptoms include limping and appearing to move stiffly, especially after getting up from sleeping. There’s a range of treatment options, and in some cases, surgery might be needed. 

Deafness 

Deafness can happen in one or both ears, and can be either temporary or permanent. There are a number of causes. If it’s due to old age, for example, then this is permanent and can’t be treated. However, if it’s due to a blockage it can be treated. White or merle-coated dogs, such as Border Collies, have a higher chance of being born deaf. 

Hip Dysplasia 

Hip dysplasia is when the ball and socket hasn’t formed properly in the hip joint, so it rubs and grinds. This can happen in one or both. This can happen to dogs at any age. It will be very painful and restrict movement. The treatment might include oral supplements, physiotherapy or surgery. 

Meningitis 

Aseptic meningitis seems to be most common in the Bernese Mountain Dog. It’s more likely in dogs under the age of two and particularly prevalent in puppies under six months. It can appear suddenly, without warning and is very serious. A main symptom will be a stiff neck and you’ll notice they keep it hanging down. They’ll need medication to treat it and it’s important you see a vet as soon as possible as it can be fatal. 

Collie Eye Anomaly 

Collie eye anomaly — also called Collie eye defect — as the name would suggest, most commonly affects Border Collies. Up to 95% of dogs in the USA are carriers or have the defect. Dogs have this from birth but it likely won’t be apparent they have it until they’re around two months old. It’s not necessarily a cause for concern if they do have it as for some dogs it’s barely noticeable. However, for others it can result in total blindness. 

Histiocytosis 

Histiocytes are white blood cells in the immune system. Histiocytosis is when there’s an abnormally large amount of them. There are several different types and therefore a variety of symptoms to look out for. The most aggressive is malignant histiocytosis (MH). This causes several cancerous tumors in the vital organs and on the skin. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, and trouble breathing. Sadly, histiocytosis in dogs is nearly always fatal.



Feeding a Bordernese — what’s the best diet? 

Your Bordernese dog should be fed high-quality food with protein as the main ingredient. This can be wet, dry or a mixture of both but should be suitable for large breeds.  

It’s important to remember they’re not as energetic as the Border Collie - so take this into account when serving up their meals. 

Puppies should be fed three to four smaller meals throughout the day, while for adults this can be reduced down to two. 

You want your pup to enjoy the best possible diet, don’t you? To help, take a look at the advice from our trusted partner Dog Food Advisor, including the best large breed dog food. 


Brushes for Bordernese
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Dematter
Dematter
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Bordernese requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Bordernese Temperament

The Bordernese temperament sits right in the middle of the energetic Border Collie and the calm Bernese Mountain Dog. 

They’re friendly and gentle dogs while being alert, loyal and ready to protect their family. They don’t bark often but they will bark at anything they find suspicious so this can make them a good guard dog. 

Importantly though, while loyal and protective they’re not aggressive and get on well with both people, including young children and other animals. 

They love to spend time with their family and enjoy nothing more than playing with you or simply snuggling up for a cuddle. 

Early socialization and training is key for any dog, and when it comes to the Bordernese, you shouldn’t have much trouble getting them to listen to you. This dog is eager to please and very smart. So as long as you put in the time, training shouldn’t be difficult.


Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
8 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Bordernese Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $1.90
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$39.00 - $52.00
food bag monthly cost

Bordernese Owner Experiences

Ares
11 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Relaxing
this dog has been with me through thick and thin!!
3 months, 2 weeks ago
Ares
11 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Relaxing
this dog has been with me through thick and thin!!
3 months, 2 weeks ago
Ares
11 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Relaxing
this dog has been with me through thick and thin!!
3 months, 2 weeks ago
Finnley
15 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Highly recommend. Very smart and quick to learn. Eager to please and extremely affectionate. Loves to be around other breeds. Enjoys the outdoors and all of what nature has to offer. Does not like extreme heat. Loves snow and rain. Chases birds, squirrels, and loves catching flying insects.
4 months, 1 week ago
Bella
3 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Escape artist so fence yard a must. Very smart.
7 years ago
brutus
3 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
most lovable and affectionate animal I've ever owned. feelings get hurt easily. Most attentive to females.
6 years, 10 months ago
Darby
14 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Because she has arthritis in her 2 back legs, she is quite handicapped. She does want to go for her daily walk with our 3 yr. old golden retriever.Everyone loves her and she is very friendly with everyone she meets. She leans against people and they pet her.I plan to get another Bordenese when she leaves us as they are so good natured and easy to train.
6 years, 8 months ago
Bailey
6 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We adopted Bailey 2 months ago, and she has settled well with our older blue heeler, lily who is 10. Lily is not a cuddler but Bailey is which is fantastic! Sweetheart who wants constant touching, walks very well with lily and I now have two intelligent protectors!
6 years, 7 months ago
Mischief
Four Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Playing
Fun and loving. Easy to train and gogood compabcompany
6 years, 7 months ago
Jackie
3 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She was a rescue that had heart worms and had also had a collar imbedded into her neck. She was probably left by herself b cause she was scared of everything. She didn't know how to leash walk and I guess she just ate when they threw something to her. She has had such a wonderful transformation and is turning into an awesome dog with training. Every once in a while she reverts back to hers kiddish self but I am continuing to work with her.
6 years, 6 months ago
Dale Tucker
9 Years
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Walk
walki
He is wonderful. Up for anything.
6 years, 6 months ago
Smokey
3 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We are in the process of adopting a 3 year old male. Don't know anything about the breed so this site has been very helpful. We had a golden retriever (lost to cancer) and a sheltie (old age) that we lost within the last 1.5 yrs and can't wait to bring another fur baby into the house. I think this breed with work for us.
6 years, 6 months ago
Bonnie
12 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
catch
Tug-of-war
She is very sweet but not calm at all...needs to be in your face at all times..preferably wrapped around my neck. She was super skittish as a puppy but is way more sociable now..super sweet when she is being quiet and calm. She is also still a puppy so hopefully the need to be in ones face all of the time will change as she gets a little older..We are definately in love though..<3
5 years, 11 months ago
Sophie
4 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Quickly house broken but still gets too excited when guests first arrive. It takes time for her to settle down and be the good dog she often is!
5 years, 6 months ago
Teddy
3 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Tug-of-war
wrestling
My Boxer and Corgi Lab mix were far easier to housebreak. He is just a fun loving fuzzy lil guy at 3 mmonths. He loves his big brother boxer Ali, 5yr old. Ted is a good puppy but tears up pillows frequently.
5 years, 5 months ago
koda
3 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
she is anwsome dog . loyal ,friendly and a good sheep dog .
5 years, 2 months ago
Buddy
8 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
training
Walk
This guy just showed up at our property. Ran away from a cattle ranch down the road, so they let me keep him. He is super affectionate and eager. Melts into pettings and wants to snuggle. Is curious and attentive. Its hard to believe how lucky I am to have this guy show up in my life! After my flat-coated retriver Duvessa passed in the spring, I wasn't sure I was ready for another dog. He really just has made himself at home tho. Even gets along with my friends rat terrier, who doesn't like ANY dogs. Shows how gentle this breed is.
4 years, 11 months ago
Maddox
2 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Picked up as stray. Weight 60 lbs, skinny. Two types intestinal worms and heart worms. Now 78 lbs, all infestations gone. Successful heartworm tx. Beautiful, friendly. Acts like a ungainly teen. Loves everybody.
4 years, 9 months ago
millie
2 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing Ball
she is lovely and very excitable, playful
4 years, 8 months ago
Daisy
10 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
By the time Daisy was 10 weeks old, we were the 4th owners for her. This caused her much separation anxiety throughout the years but we have been blessed with the best dog in the world. The first 3 owners in her early stage, made a big mistake getting rid of this fantastic girl. Big....huge mistake.
4 years, 6 months ago
Bentley
5 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Cuddling
Running
The most mellow and well-behaved dog. Very loyal and a lot of love to give.
3 years, 4 months ago
Scout
10 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking and fetch
We rescued him and they told us he was 3, 25lbs and great with cats.....he was more like 1.5-2 yrs, chased cats, and was about 65 lbs...needless to say he is the sweetest boy, afraid of thunderstorms which is when the cats are his best thunder buddies and wouldn’t trade him for the world!
4 years, 3 months ago
Poe
6 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We got Poe after loosing our black lab, still had a yellow lab. This dog is loving, crazy, ball crazy, loves his sister. We have found these guys crave affection and want to be with you at all times. They are very smart, easily trained, learn quickly, mind very well. I would have to say they are the most entertaining dogs we have ever had, they make us laugh constantly.
3 years, 8 months ago
Pearl
6 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I gave Pearl to my husband for Christmas when she was an 8 week old puppy. He cried when he opened the box. I trained Pearl because I’m more consistent than my husband but once she was trained, he kept up with the command words and outcome expectations. She knows many tricks. She responds extremely well to treat training and learns very quickly. She is very loyal and loves to be with us. She never runs away and if she goes exploring in an off leash area, she returns when my husband claps his hands. These dogs do not like being hot. Pearl enjoys being outside and has 3 acres surrounded with invisible fencing. She stays within her boundaries even without her collar on (no beeping, no shocks). She has a bed just inside out deck door. She likes to come in to spend time close to us in the evening but stays on her bed. She lets us know it’s her bedtime when she stands up. She prefers to sleep in the garage where it is cool. She has a raised sling bed with a traditional dog bed on top of it. This keeps her up off the cold concrete floor and minimizes pressure on her hips and other joints. The garage is kept slightly heated during winter (5C-10C). There is a pet door which allows Pearl the freedom to go in or out at her pleasure. If she wants to come into the house with us, she waits at the deck door and gives a little whine. If we don’t hear her, she will give 1 short “arf”. She rarely barks even when people drive onto our property. She doesn’t lick or jump up on people. She doesn’t chase or jump up on vehicles. She LOVES going in the vehicle with my husband and she really enjoys meeting people. Her coat is very healthy and does not require much brushing. She goes for grooming 2-3 times a year. She eats a raw diet of cubes of ground mixed meats which she prefers to eat frozen, straight out of the freezer once a day. She never gets into garbage in the garage. Her treats are kept in a low, open, plastic container on a table in the garage. Pearl could easily stick her nose in and start chowing but she never has. She loves getting a hand fed treat rewards and takes them very gently. Pearl does not like mice, birds, squirrels, cats, rabbits, deer, moose, coyotes, or other dogs on our property and stays busy chasing them away. Pearl is very ball motivated and will play fetch with a ball or stick with any one until they are too worn out to throw again. Read more at: https://wagwalking.com/breed/bordernese
3 years, 7 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - New pet
Question

do you have contact information for someone who breeds Bordenese (cross between Bernese and Border Collie). I have not been able to find any breeders. thanks! Meredith

Answer
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - New pet
Question

I have been searching for a bordernese puppy in the UK for over a year now, the only one we can find runs a puppy farm! Does anybody know any reputable bordernese breeders that I can contact? Thank you!

Answer
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