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The Furry Critter Network

Border Point Hybrid Description

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Hybrid Description

The Border Point is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Border Collie and the Pointer. The best way to determine the temperment of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross. It is possible you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. Not all of these designer hybrid dogs being bred are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generational crosses. Please review individual breeds for potential health issues.

Border Collie Breed Description - Cross #1

The Border Collie is a breed of herding dog that originated in the border country of England and Scotland. They are widely regarded as the most intelligent dog breed. Border Collies are highly energetic, and as a result have a tendency towards neurotic or destructive behavior if not given enough to do. They are still frequently used on farms all over the world for assisting with the handling of livestock, and they have also become popular as pet and sport dogs. Though known to be reserved with strangers, these dogs can also be protective of a human family member and affectionate to those they know.

In general, Border Collies are medium-sized dogs without extreme physical characteristics and a moderate amount of coat. Their double coats can be anywhere from slick to lush, and can come in many colors, although black and white is by far the most common, and therefore the most common in public perception. Black tricolor (black/tan/white), red and white, red tricolor (red/tan/white) also occur regularly, with other colors such as blue and white, red merle, blue merle, "Australian red," sable and brindle seen less frequently.

Eye color varies from deep brown to amber or blue with occasionally one eye of each color, usually seen with merles. The ears of the Border Collie are also highly variable, some have fully erect ears, some fully dropped and others are semi-erect (similar to that of the Rough Collie). Although working Border Collie handlers sometimes have superstitions about the appearance of their dogs (handlers do not prefer red dogs, or mostly white dogs), in general a dog's appearance is considered to be irrelevant. It is considered much more useful to identify a working Border Collie by its attitude and ability than by its looks.

Those dogs bred for the conformation ring are more homogeneous in appearance than working Border Collies, since to be successful show dogs they must conform to breed club standards that are specific on many points of the structure, coat and color. Kennel clubs specify, for example, that the Border Collie must have a "keen and intelligent" expression, and that the preferred eye color is dark brown. In deference to the dog's working origin, scars and broken teeth received in the line of duty are not to be counted against a Border Collie in the show ring.

Behavior

The Border Collie is an extremely intelligent, biddable breed with an instinctive desire to work closely and intensely with a human handler. Although the primary role of the Border Collie is that of the working stock dog, dogs of this breed are becoming increasingly popular as pets. True to their working heritage, Border Collies make very demanding, energetic pets that are better off in households that can provide them with plenty of exercise and a job to do. Among some breeders in the United Kingdom there is a common saying: "no sheep, no collie", referring to the dog's usual unsuitability to people who just want a "smart dog." However, in an appropriate home, with a dedicated, active owner, a Border Collie can be an excellent companion. Participating in dog sports is popular with Border Collie owners.

Border Collies are unsuitable pets for people who cannot or will not provide a considerable amount of daily exercise for their dogs, both physical and mental. They are also a poor choice for households that are not prepared for the characteristic behaviors that are part of their working heritage. For example, as with many working breeds, Border Collies can be motion-sensitive and may attempt to control the movements of family members, cats, squirrels, bicycles, cars, or anything else that moves if not given enough mental and physical stimulation. These dogs are also not suitable for households with small children, because they frequently try to "herd" the children or react rather quickly to unexpected movements. Many Border Collies who end up in shelters or rescue groups are there because owners, who may have been attracted by their appearance and intelligence, were not prepared to meet their dog's needs.

Health

Hip dysplasia, Collie eye anomaly (CEA), and epilepsy are considered the primary genetic diseases of concern in the breed at this time. Collie eye anomaly (CEA) is a congenital, inherited eye disease affecting Border Collies and other breeds involving the retina, choroid, and sclera. In Border Collies, it is generally a mild disease and rarely significantly impairs vision. There is now a DNA test available for CEA and, through its use, breeders can ensure that they will not produce affected pups. There are no genetic tests available for hip dysplasia or epilepsy, although careful breeding practices are known to lower the incidence of both.

Elbow dysplasia or Osteochondritis, deafness, and hypothyroidism may also occur in the breed. Dogs homozygous for the merle gene are likely to have eye and/or hearing problems. Responsible breeders do not mate merles to one another.

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) is a rare but serious disease. NCL results in severe neurological impairment and early death; afflicted dogs rarely survive beyond two years of age. The mutation causing the form of the disease found in Border Collies was identified by Scott Melville in the laboratory of Dr. Alan Wilton of the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. There is no treatment or cure, but a DNA test is now available to detect carriers as well as affected dogs.

Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome (TNS) is a hereditary disease which inhibits the release of neutrophils produced in the bone marrow into the blood stream. Puppies affected with this disease will eventually succumb to infection. Because this is an autoimmune-deficiency disease the puppies present a variety of symptoms depending upon what infections they fall susceptible to, and so it has gone undiagnosed in the past. Once thought to be rare, it is now believed to be responsible for many cases of "fading puppies". There is no cure, but a DNA test is now available to detect carriers as well as affected dogs. Please visit the American Border Collie Association for more information.



Pointer Breed Description - Cross #2

The Pointer is bred primarily for sport and is a true wide-range hunter. They give the impression of compact power and agile grace. They are large, muscular and square-shaped. The muzzle is long and they have drop triangular ears. They retain an easy-to-care-for coat that is glossy, short and smooth. The Pointer's energy and devotion makes them superior as gundogs. They are a good show dog, friendly and obedient. The English Pointer is giving and kind, but rather serious in personality. They are good with children and other dogs, but does much better in a country setting than in the city. English Pointers do no take to water easily, and are quite susceptible to cold conditions. He does, however, do better than most breeds in the heat. He has great endurance and strength, able and eager to hunt for anything.

When compared to images of pointers from the 19th century the modern breed is a much finer dog, reflecting inclusion of greyhound blood. As with many British gundog breeds, stark differences have emerged between Pointers bred for the purpose of field work and those bred for conformation shows which accent certain features of the breed, such as narrower chests, exaggerated facial features, straighter shoulders, a less natural movement and less muscle than those bred for use as gundogs.

Behavior

This hardy, active, quick, and agile athlete with great endurance has two main attributes: his speed and his extraordinary, peerless nose. He excels in flat, open fields. His hunt is energetic, avid, steady, and extensive. His pointing (a "pointer" is a shorthaired dog that indicates the presence of game by standing still) is spectacular, confident, and steady. He appears almost sculpted, standing frozen with his body rigid, muscles tensed, head raised, and tail stiff and level with the topline. He is the most highly skilled pointer but not as good a retriever. He excels on woodcock, quail, pheasant, and partridge and will also tackle ground game. Easygoing and good-natured, the English Pointer is a very affectionate pet. He can be a watchdog. He needs firm but patient, gentle training.

He is not suited to city life. He needs wide open spaces and lots of exercise. He is sensitive to cold and dampness. He requires weekly brushing and regular attention to the ears.

Health

The Pointer is considered a generally healthy breed, The Kennel Club does not recommend any genetic or screening tests be conducted for the breed. Known inherited conditions that have been found in the breed include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patella luxation, hereditary sensory neuropathy, spinal muscle atrophy, X-linked cerebellar ataxia and deafness. The breed has minor predispositions to hypothyroidism, demodicosis, cataracts, retinal dysplasia and corneal dystrophy.


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