Is a Sprollie the Right Choice of Dog for You?
If you are looking to add a new canine companion to your family and want to choose a lively, energetic dog that needs lots of exercise – perhaps as a keen jogging partner or to spend lots of time letting off steam with your kids – you might want to consider a Sprollie.
A Sprollie is a hybrid dog type produced from the crossing of an English Springer Spaniel and a Border Collie. This blend results in a dog that is lively, intelligent, versatile, and very outgoing. Ideal for active owners, they excel in canine sports and training, capable of learning a wide range of skills and tricks.
Is a Sprollie a Pedigree Dog?
As a crossbreed, Sprollies are not classified as pedigree dogs and cannot be registered with The Kennel Club. There is no formal breed standard, which means individual dogs may vary significantly in appearance and temperament. Many Sprollies come from working lines of their parent breeds, often exhibiting an exceptional level of working intelligence. When considering a Sprollie, ask about its lineage to understand the talents and instincts your future companion may have.
How Much Do Sprollies Cost to Buy and Care For?
The average price of Sprollies in the UK is approximately £339, placing them at the affordable end of the spectrum among dog breeds. However, prices can vary up to around £800 depending on the breeder and lineage quality. When it comes to ongoing care, Sprollies are medium-sized dogs with moderate living costs. Expect to budget around £70 to £100 per month for food, vet care, insurance, and accessories.
Due to their high exercise needs, Sprollies do best in homes with access to a secure, fenced garden where they can safely expend their energy. While not suitable for very small apartments, they can adapt to various living spaces as long as their physical and mental stimulation requirements are met.
What Does a Sprollie Look Like?
Sprollies often show variance in appearance due to their crossbred nature, even within the same litter. Typically, they are medium-sized dogs with a fit and well-proportioned build. Their coat is mid-length, slightly shaggy, not overly long, with feathered drooping ears reminiscent of the Springer Spaniel.
Coat colours commonly include black and white or liver and white, often with patches and spotting especially around the face. This coat type sheds moderately year-round, so regular grooming and a good vacuum cleaner will be necessary to keep your home clean.
Sprollie Temperament and Exercise Needs
The standout feature of the Sprollie is its very high energy level. Border Collies and Springer Spaniels are both breeds known for their endurance and drive, with Border Collies requiring particularly intense daily exercise. Consequently, a Sprollie will need at least one to two hours of lively and varied exercise each day to remain healthy and happy.
Mental stimulation is just as crucial. These dogs are exceptionally intelligent and can learn commands quickly, often in just a few repetitions. They thrive when given challenging tasks and enjoy activities such as agility, obedience trials, or scent work. Without sufficient exercise and engagement, they may become bored, leading to destructive behaviour.
Sprollies are friendly, social, and affectionate dogs that bond well with families and children, provided they are socialised correctly. Their enthusiasm can be overwhelming for very small children or delicate pets. Due to their herding instinct, it is essential to supervise interactions with livestock and smaller animals carefully. Their prey drive also means they require confident training for recall and control.
These qualities mean a Sprollie is not generally recommended for first-time dog owners unless they are very committed to learning and providing what this breed needs.
Actionable Tips for Prospective Sprollie Owners
- Research Thoroughly: Understand the breed's high activity level and mental needs before deciding.
- Choose Reputable Breeders: Meet the puppy's parents, and confirm the health and temperaments of the lineage. See our advice on finding Sprollie puppies.
- Prepare for Exercise: Ensure you have the time and environment to provide daily exercise and mental challenges.
- Invest in Training: Use positive reinforcement and socialise your dog early to manage their natural instincts and intelligence.
- Create a Safe Environment: Provide secure fencing if you have a garden, and supervise interactions with small animals and livestock.
Conclusion
The Sprollie is an affectionate, intelligent, and energetic crossbreed that makes a delightful companion for active families. Their exercise and mental stimulation requirements are high, so they suit owners who enjoy a dynamic lifestyle involving plenty of outdoor activities and training. With proper care, socialisation, and training, a Sprollie will reward you with loyalty, intelligence, and boundless enthusiasm.
