The Sprollie, a lively mix of Border Collie and English Springer Spaniel, captures the hearts of many dog lovers with its charming personality and striking appearance. This hybrid breed, often called a designer dog, embodies the best traits of its parent breeds, making it a fantastic companion for active families and individuals alike.
Sprollies are a delightful hybrid breed that results from crossing the highly intelligent Border Collie and the affectionate English Springer Spaniel. However, there are several considerations to keep in mind before bringing one into your home:
Energy Levels: Sprollies are known for their boundless energy and require substantial physical exercise. Daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are essential to keep them happy and healthy. The average Sprollie needs around 80 minutes of exercise each day.
Training Needs: Given their intelligence, Sprollies are generally eager to learn, but they also require consistent training from an early age. They respond well to positive reinforcement but may become stubborn if not properly engaged. Early socialisation and obedience training are crucial.
Compatibility with Other Pets: Thanks to their herding instincts inherited from the Border Collie, Sprollies may have a strong prey drive, which can make them unsuitable around small animals such as rabbits or hamsters. When introducing them to the family, ensure they are socialised properly with other pets.
The Sprollie is a hybrid dog breed developed from the crossing of two highly regarded breeds: the English Springer Spaniel and the Border Collie. The purpose of this cross was to combine the intelligence and agility of the Border Collie with the friendly disposition and sociability of the Springer Spaniel. Although the exact timeline of the Sprollie's origins is unclear, it is believed to have emerged in the late 20th to early 21st centuries alongside the growing popularity of designer dog breeds.
The Sprollie is a medium-sized dog, typically standing between 46-61 cm at the shoulder. Their size can vary depending on whether they take after their Springer Spaniel or Collie parent.
An adult Sprollie generally weighs between 18-27 kg, showcasing a well-proportioned physique that balances agility with strength.
Sprollies can come in a variety of colours, often displaying a mix of the typical coat colours found in both parent breeds. Common colours include black, brown, white, and combinations of these shades. Their coats can range from solid colours to various patterns, including merle and spotted.
The Sprollie, a delightful crossbreed between the Springer Spaniel and the Border Collie, is known for its friendly and playful disposition. With its intelligence and affectionate nature, the Sprollie is a highly suitable companion for both families and individuals alike.
Sprollies are generally not known for their guarding abilities. They are friendly and welcoming towards strangers, which makes them less likely to act as effective watch dogs. However, their loyalty and eagerness to please might lead them to bark if they perceive an unusual situation.
While Sprollies can bark to express excitement or to alert their owners, they are not excessive barkers. Their vocalisation is often correlated with playfulness or attention-seeking behaviour rather than a tendency to dominate the bark spectrum.
Thanks to their high intelligence, Sprollies are usually easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise. Early socialisation and consistent training will ensure that their natural instincts for herding and playfulness are channeled appropriately.
Sprollies typically have a lifespan of around 11 to 13 years, which is common for many medium-sized dog breeds.
Sprollies are energetic dogs and require a significant amount of exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. They need around 1 to 2 hours of exercise each day, which can include walks, playtime, and training sessions. Regular mental stimulation is also essential to keep them engaged.
As a crossbreed between the Border Collie and the English Springer Spaniel, Sprollies can inherit a range of health issues from both parent breeds. Some of the common health problems to watch for include:
Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition that causes abnormal development of the hip joint, leading to arthritis and pain.
Eye Conditions: Sprollies may be predisposed to conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and cataracts.
Ear Infections: With their floppy ears, Sprollies can be more prone to ear infections, particularly if they frequently swim or do not receive regular ear cleaning.
Obesity: Like many breeds, Sprollies can gain weight easily if not exercised properly, leading to related health issues.
Skin Problems: Allergies and skin sensitivities can be a concern, particularly if they have a coat type that retains moisture or dirt.
Sprollies thrive in homes with ample space. While they can adapt to apartment living if given enough exercise, they truly flourish in environments that include a garden or yard where they can run and play.
Sprollies have medium-length coats that typically require regular grooming. A brushing about once a week is generally sufficient to manage shedding and keep their coat healthy. Special attention should be given to their ears and paws to prevent dirt accumulation.
As active dogs, Sprollies benefit from a well-balanced, high-quality diet suitable for their age and activity level. It's important to monitor their food intake to avoid obesity, which can lead to further health issues.
As a rough guide in pricing:
Cost to buy: roughly £400-£800 for a well-bred Sprollie puppy.
Other costs (Vet, Food etc): average £70-£100 per month.
You can read our general buying guide here, with the most important thing being going to view your Sprollie puppy, seeing it with its mother, and checking the quality of the breeder.
A big thank you to the following sources who helped to shape this article:
Wag Walking: Sprollie: Characteristics & Care
Pets4Homes: Sprollie Dogs Breed - Information, Temperament, Size & Care
Dog Zone: Sprollie Breed Information, Characteristics & Care - Dog Zone
Feel free to explore these resources for more information about Sprollies, their care, and adoption!
