German Shepherd Collie Mixes are often called Shollies.
These hybrid dogs are a mix between two purebred dogs: the German Shepherd and the Border Collie.
Both breeds are members of the American Kennel Club’s Herding Group.
A German Shepherd Collie Mix is usually a smart dog given the German Shepherd and Border Collie are two of the most intelligent breeds in the canine world.
One of the big considerations for most dog owners before bringing a pooch home is whether they’re big shedders or not.
Editor's note: The content on this website is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as veterinary, medical or professional advice. There's no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog in spite of claims that breeders might make. It’s always best to speak with your vet or your doctor before deciding to get a dog if you suspect you may have allergies to pets.
In this article, we’re going to take a close look at German Shepherd Collie Mixes, in particular whether they’re big shedders and hypoallergenic.
So with the introductions over, let’s delve a little deeper into the mix breed.
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What is a German Shepherd Collie Mix?
German Shepherd at the park (Photo: Adobe Stock)
As we’ve touched upon above, a German Shepherd Collie Mix is a cross between two of the best known dog breeds in the canine world.
These designer dogs are the result of breeding between a German Shepherd and a Border Collie. They’re often called a German Shepherd Collie Mix, a Border Collie Shepherd or a Shollie.
What does hypoallergenic mean?
You’ll often hear the word hypoallergenic associated with dog breeds.
The term was first coined by the cosmetic industry in the 1950s. Hypoallergenic was used to describe a cosmetic product that was less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Although it was used to denote products that were unlikely to trigger a reaction, there’s no guarantee they won’t cause an allergic reaction.
WebMD.com explain the meaning hypoallergenic as:
If you see “hypoallergenic” on makeup or a skin care label, it means that that maker claims its product causes fewer allergic reactions than other ones. That doesn’t necessarily mean it is allergy-proof or gentler for your skin.
What are hypoallergenic dogs?
If you’re part of the 10 per cent of the American popular that suffers with dog allergies, you’ll have almost certainly have researched hypoallergenic dogs.
These are canines that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction that some other types of dogs.
However, it’s important to understand that there is no such thing as a 100 per cent hypoallergenic dog breed.
The American Kennel Club explain on their website:
While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, there are a variety of breeds that do well with allergy sufferers. These dogs have a predictable, non-shedding coat which produces less dander.
The AKC list 19 breeds on their dogs that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. However, we’ll take a closer look at those breeds a little later.
What causes an allergy to dogs?
While you might thing dog hair is the biggest problem where allergies are concerned, it’s not the main issue.
Dog dander are tiny microscopic pieces of dead skin that usually one of the biggest triggers.
The American Lung Association describe dog dander as:
Pet dander is composed of tiny, even microscopic, flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, rodents, birds and other animals with fur or feathers. These bits of skin can cause reactions in people who are specifically allergic to these triggers.
Dander is a big consideration but there are other potential allergens that can cause problems. Dog salvia and urine can also trigger allergies.
Dogs can also pick up pollen from plants while on their daily walks or runs through the countryside.
What are symptoms of dog allergies?
If you think you may have an allergy to dogs, it’s important to know which symptoms to look out for.
There are 327 million people living in the USA. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, around 10 per cent of the population is allergic to dogs.
The organisation list the following as symptoms of dog allergies:
• Sneezing or a runny or stuffy nose.
• Facial pain (from nasal congestion)
• Coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
• Watery, red or itchy eyes.
• Skin rash or hives.
The AKC provide some useful tips on how to help dog owners keep potential allergens at bay:
There are also ways to prep your home that will help keep allergens at bay when you have a dog. Be sure to wash your pet’s bed often, keep up with his grooming, and don’t let him sleep on your bed. It’s also helpful to remove heavy carpets and drapes that trap dander.
Are German Shepherd Collie Mixes hypoallergenic?
As we mentioned above, there’s no such thing as a 100 per cent hypoallergenic dog. However, some breeds are more hypoallergenic than other types of dogs.
German Shepherd Collie Mixes aren’t considered a hypoallergenic mix breed unlike some hybrid dogs such as Sheepadoodles, Goldendoodles, Irish Doodles and Labradoodles.
Do German Shepherd Collie Mixes shed a lot?
German Shepherd Collie Mixes have a reputation as relatively high shedding dogs. So you can expect to find quite a substantial amount of dog hair around the house.
A Shollie will need daily brushing to maintain the quality of their beautiful coats. Daily grooming can help to remove dead hair as well as debris and allergens such as pollen.
German Shepherd Collie Mixes will blow out their coat twice a year. This can be a very challenging time for a dog owner!
Hypoallergenic dog breeds
There are some useful resources for dog lovers who want to find a canine that is less likely to trigger their allergies.
The American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club list a number of dogs that they consider to by hypoallergenic.
The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom list 31 different types of dogs:
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Spanish Water Dog
• Bouvier des Flandres
• Giant Schnauzer
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Russian Black Terrier
• Hungarian Puli
• Komondor
• Bichon Frise
• Bolognese
• Chinese Crested
• Coton de Tulear
• Havanese
• Maltese
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Lhasa Apso
• Intermediate Mexican Hairless
• Miniature Mexican Hairless
• Standard Mexican Hairless
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Standard Poodle
• Toy Poodle
• Miniature Poodle
• Shih Tzu
• Tibetan Terrier
• Bedlington Terrier
• Dandie Dinmont Terrier
• Glen of Imaal Terrier
• Sealyham Terrier
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The American Kennel Club has a shorter list comprised of 19 breeds:
Affenpinchser
Afghan Hound
American Hairless Terrier
Barbet
Bedlington Terrier
Bichon Frise
Bolognese
Chinese Crested
Coton de Tulear
Giant Schnauzer
Irish Water Spaniel
Kerry Blue Terrier
Lagotto Romagnolo
Maltese
Peruvian Inca Orchid
Poodle
Portuguese Water Dog
Russkaya Tsvetnaya Bolonka
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Schnauzer
Xoloitzcuintli
Anything else to consider?
If you suffer with an allergy to dogs, you should speak to your local doctor or health expert before you bring a pooch home.
While German Shepherd Collie Mixes aren’t a good fit for allergy sufferers, other designer dogs have hypoallergenic qualities.
Breeders of these types of mix breeds such as a Goldendoodles will usually have a good idea whether a pup is likely to be hypoallergenic around the six to eight week mark.
In conclusion
We’ve come to the end of our look at German Shepherd Collie Mixes and whether they’re hypoallergenic.
These mix dogs are not hypoallergenic and probably aren’t a good fit for those with allergies to dogs.
