Shollie

Shollie is a designer breed that originated from the crossbreeding of a German Shepherd and a Border Collie. They are loyal, intelligent, and make great family pets.

Shollie Breed overview

The Shollie is a highly affectionate and energetic breed that is great for families with children. They are protective of their human family members and have a strong work ethic that makes them highly trainable for various roles. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy, and benefit from positive reinforcement training methods. While they can be prone to certain health issues, they are generally a healthy and sturdy breed with a strong, muscular build that reflects their herding and work heritage.

Height:
21-29 inches
Weight:
70-80 lbs
Life expectancy:
13-15 years

What To Expect When Caring For a Shollie

Exercise

Shollies are an active breed that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks, runs, and interactive playtime are important for their well-being.

They also benefit from obedience training, agility training, and other activities that challenge their intelligence and physical abilities.

Training

Shollies are highly trainable and eager to please. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods and bonding activities.

It is important to establish clear rules and boundaries for your Shollie from a young age to prevent behavioral problems. Consistency and patience are key when training Shollies.

Nutrition

As an active breed, Shollies require a high-quality diet to meet their energy needs. Owners should provide them with a balanced diet that includes protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

The amount of food your Shollie needs may vary depending on their age, weight, and overall health. Owners should consult with their veterinarian to determine the best diet for their dog.

Health

Overall, Shollies are a healthy breed with no major health concerns. However, like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and allergies.

Possible health problems may vary depending on the individual dog's genetics and environmental factors.

Grooming

Shollies have a double coat that sheds moderately, so they require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. They should be bathed as needed, but not too frequently as over-bathing can strip their coat of natural oils.

Owners should also regularly trim their Shollie's nails and clean their ears to prevent infections.

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Shollie Traits & Characteristics

As a designer breed, Shollies do not have a breed standard. However, they typically have the lean, muscular build of a German Shepherd combined with the coat and coloring of a Border Collie. They typically weigh between 40-80 pounds and stand at around 22-27 inches tall.

They should have a well-balanced temperament and be confident without being aggressive. Shollies are an energetic breed, so they need plenty of exercise to keep them healthy and happy.

As crossbreeds, they are generally healthier than purebred dogs and have a lifespan of around 10-14 years.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

The Shollie is a highly affectionate breed that loves to be around their family. They are known to be very social and enjoy cuddles and spending time with their human companions.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

The Shollie is a great breed for families with children. They have a high tolerance for play and their energy level matches well with children. They are also very protective of children, making them great family pets.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The Shollie can be somewhat reserved around other dogs due to their sheepdog lineage. They can be easily trained to be more social around other dogs, but it is important to socialize them properly to avoid any issues.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The Shollie can be somewhat reserved around strangers, particularly if they have not been socialized properly. However, they are generally friendly and can warm up to strangers with time and positive socialization.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

The Shollie is a very playful breed that loves to engage in activities with their family. They have a high energy level and enjoy running, playing games, and participating in training exercises.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

The Shollie is a highly alert breed that is always aware of their surroundings. They make great watchdogs and can be easily trained for other roles such as search and rescue and police work.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

The Shollie is generally adaptable to new environments and situations. However, they can be sensitive to changes in routine and may require some time to adjust to new surroundings.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

The Shollie has a thick, double coat that sheds moderately. Regular grooming and brushing can help control shedding and keep their coat healthy and shiny.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

The Shollie has a thick coat that requires regular grooming to keep it from matting and to control shedding. They also need regular nail trimming and dental care to maintain their overall health and appearance.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The Shollie is not a breed that drools excessively. They have a moderate to low amount of saliva and do not typically exhibit any drooling behavior.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

The Shollie is a medium to large-sized breed, with males typically weighing between 50-80 pounds and females typically weighing between 35-65 pounds. They have a sturdy, muscular build that reflects their herding heritage.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

The Shollie is a high-energy breed that requires regular exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy activities such as running, hiking, and playing fetch with their family.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The Shollie is a high-energy breed that requires plenty of exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They benefit from activities such as running, hiking, and playing games with their family members.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

The Shollie is a highly intelligent and trainable breed that excels at various types of work. They are commonly used as police dogs, search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs due to their natural abilities and friendly disposition.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The Shollie is not a breed that is typically used for hunting purposes, but they do retain some natural herding instincts that may make them effective in certain hunting scenarios.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

The Shollie is a breed with high vigor and endurance. They have a strong, muscular build that reflects their ability to perform hard work and require regular exercise and activity to maintain their physical abilities.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

The Shollie is generally a healthy breed, but can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. It is important to have regular veterinary checkups and to monitor their overall health and wellbeing.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The Shollie can be prone to obesity if not provided with proper exercise and nutrition. It is important to monitor their weight and provide them with plenty of exercise and healthy food choices to maintain their overall health and wellbeing.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The Shollie is a breed that can tolerate colder weather conditions, but may require extra warmth and protection during extreme temperatures. It is important to monitor them during outdoor activities to ensure they do not become too cold or uncomfortable.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The Shollie is a breed that can tolerate warmer weather conditions, but may require extra cooling and protection during extreme temperatures. It is important to provide them with plenty of water and shade during outdoor activities to prevent overheating.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The Shollie is not well-suited for apartment living due to their high energy level and exercise needs. They require a home with a fenced-in yard where they can run and play safely, and thrive in homes with plenty of space for exercise and playtime.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The Shollie is an independent breed that can be prone to wandering. It is important to provide them with a secure, fenced-in yard and to always supervise them when outside the home.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

The Shollie can be somewhat sensitive to criticism or negative reinforcement. It is important to use positive reinforcement training methods with this breed to ensure they are successful and happy during training sessions.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The Shollie can become anxious or destructive when left alone for long periods of time. It is important to provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent this behavior, and to crate train them to keep them safe and secure when alone.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

The Shollie can be prone to barking, especially if they are not properly socialized or trained. However, with proper training and positive reinforcement, this behavior can be controlled.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The Shollie is an intelligent breed that benefits from mental stimulation and engaging activities. They enjoy learning new commands and participating in training exercises, and can excel at activities such as obedience trials and agility courses.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

The Shollie is a great breed for novice owners. They are easy to train and have a friendly, affectionate personality that makes them great family pets. However, it is important to provide them with proper socialization and exercise to meet their needs.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

The Shollie is an intelligent breed that is easy to train. They are obedient and enjoy learning new commands and tricks. They do best with positive reinforcement training methods.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

The Shollie is a highly affectionate breed that loves to be around their family. They are known to be very social and enjoy cuddles and spending time with their human companions.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

The Shollie is a great breed for families with children. They have a high tolerance for play and their energy level matches well with children. They are also very protective of children, making them great family pets.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

The Shollie can be somewhat reserved around other dogs due to their sheepdog lineage. They can be easily trained to be more social around other dogs, but it is important to socialize them properly to avoid any issues.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

The Shollie can be somewhat reserved around strangers, particularly if they have not been socialized properly. However, they are generally friendly and can warm up to strangers with time and positive socialization.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

The Shollie is a very playful breed that loves to engage in activities with their family. They have a high energy level and enjoy running, playing games, and participating in training exercises.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

The Shollie is a highly alert breed that is always aware of their surroundings. They make great watchdogs and can be easily trained for other roles such as search and rescue and police work.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

The Shollie is generally adaptable to new environments and situations. However, they can be sensitive to changes in routine and may require some time to adjust to new surroundings.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

The Shollie has a thick, double coat that sheds moderately. Regular grooming and brushing can help control shedding and keep their coat healthy and shiny.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

The Shollie has a thick coat that requires regular grooming to keep it from matting and to control shedding. They also need regular nail trimming and dental care to maintain their overall health and appearance.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

The Shollie is not a breed that drools excessively. They have a moderate to low amount of saliva and do not typically exhibit any drooling behavior.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

The Shollie is a medium to large-sized breed, with males typically weighing between 50-80 pounds and females typically weighing between 35-65 pounds. They have a sturdy, muscular build that reflects their herding heritage.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

The Shollie is a high-energy breed that requires regular exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy activities such as running, hiking, and playing fetch with their family.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The Shollie is a high-energy breed that requires plenty of exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They benefit from activities such as running, hiking, and playing games with their family members.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

The Shollie is a highly intelligent and trainable breed that excels at various types of work. They are commonly used as police dogs, search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs due to their natural abilities and friendly disposition.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

The Shollie is not a breed that is typically used for hunting purposes, but they do retain some natural herding instincts that may make them effective in certain hunting scenarios.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

The Shollie is a breed with high vigor and endurance. They have a strong, muscular build that reflects their ability to perform hard work and require regular exercise and activity to maintain their physical abilities.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

The Shollie is generally a healthy breed, but can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. It is important to have regular veterinary checkups and to monitor their overall health and wellbeing.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

The Shollie can be prone to obesity if not provided with proper exercise and nutrition. It is important to monitor their weight and provide them with plenty of exercise and healthy food choices to maintain their overall health and wellbeing.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

The Shollie is a breed that can tolerate colder weather conditions, but may require extra warmth and protection during extreme temperatures. It is important to monitor them during outdoor activities to ensure they do not become too cold or uncomfortable.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

The Shollie is a breed that can tolerate warmer weather conditions, but may require extra cooling and protection during extreme temperatures. It is important to provide them with plenty of water and shade during outdoor activities to prevent overheating.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

The Shollie is not well-suited for apartment living due to their high energy level and exercise needs. They require a home with a fenced-in yard where they can run and play safely, and thrive in homes with plenty of space for exercise and playtime.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

The Shollie is an independent breed that can be prone to wandering. It is important to provide them with a secure, fenced-in yard and to always supervise them when outside the home.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

The Shollie can be somewhat sensitive to criticism or negative reinforcement. It is important to use positive reinforcement training methods with this breed to ensure they are successful and happy during training sessions.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

The Shollie can become anxious or destructive when left alone for long periods of time. It is important to provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent this behavior, and to crate train them to keep them safe and secure when alone.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

The Shollie can be prone to barking, especially if they are not properly socialized or trained. However, with proper training and positive reinforcement, this behavior can be controlled.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

The Shollie is an intelligent breed that benefits from mental stimulation and engaging activities. They enjoy learning new commands and participating in training exercises, and can excel at activities such as obedience trials and agility courses.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

The Shollie is a great breed for novice owners. They are easy to train and have a friendly, affectionate personality that makes them great family pets. However, it is important to provide them with proper socialization and exercise to meet their needs.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

The Shollie is an intelligent breed that is easy to train. They are obedient and enjoy learning new commands and tricks. They do best with positive reinforcement training methods.

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History of the Shollie

Shollie is a relatively new breed and therefore does not have a long history. The first known Shollies were bred in the United States in the 1990s.

Shollies were created to combine the intelligence and working abilities of both German Shepherds and Border Collies. They are still a relatively rare breed, but their popularity is increasing.

Shollie Puppies

Shollie puppies require socialization and early training to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved adults. They should be exposed to a variety of people, places, and situations from a young age. Owners should also establish clear rules and boundaries for their puppies.

Shollies can be prone to separation anxiety, so it is important to teach them how to be alone for short periods. Crate training can be helpful for this.