Xena

Available

6 months- 2 years|Border Collie, Rhodesian Ridgeback|Female|Large|Alvin, TX

♿️ Special needs🦮 Leash Trained🚽 House Trained🐕 Dog Friendly🎾 Playful

Verified

Xena

Available

6 months- 2 years|Border Collie, Rhodesian Ridgeback|Female|Large|Alvin, TX

♿️ Special needs🦮 Leash Trained🚽 House Trained🐕 Dog Friendly🎾 Playful

Xena is a Border Collie and Rhodesian Ridgeback mix with a large frame living in Alvin, TX. She is a young, spayed female whose vaccinations are current. Xena is house trained and has special needs, requiring a family that understands and can manage occasional seizures. Her loving nature shines brightest in an active environment with space to run and enjoy companionship.

About Xena

Meet Xena, affectionately known as The Warrior Princess. She’s a striking Border Collie and Rhodesian Ridgeback mix, and her spirit reflects both breeds in full. At her foster home in Alvin, TX, Xena thrives in the company of three other dogs—she loves a good play session and sharing toys but will also chill independently when the mood strikes. Her foster family recommends an active home with plenty of space for running, ideally with another dog or a pack. Long walks and outdoor adventures are her favorites; she’s at her best when she gets to burn off energy and explore. Nighttime finds Xena snuggled in bed with everyone—crowded, but she feels safest in the pack. She’s not a fan of kennels or crates, so a family who works from home or is around much of the time will suit her best. Small joys, like crunching on ice cubes or car rides where she calmly enjoys the view, put a big smile on her face. Xena handles a harness on leash well (though she’s not into collars) and knows a few commands. She’ll bark at unfamiliar people at first but warms up once she knows you. Ball games? She’s in—just don’t expect her to surrender the ball easily; tug of war is life. Laser lights are another obsession. Most importantly, Xena’s special needs stem from a blow to the head as a puppy, resulting in occasional seizures when she’s overly excited. She’ll need a family comfortable managing these episodes, with patience and understanding for her unique care. Click apply to start the adoption process.

Questions about Xena

What type of living environment is this breed usually best suited for?
Xena's blend of Border Collie and Rhodesian Ridgeback ancestry fits best with an active household that provides space to play and explore, giving her both physical and mental stimulation each day.
How much outdoor space does this breed typically need?
As a Border Collie and Rhodesian Ridgeback mix, Xena needs a good amount of outdoor room to run and exercise, ideally a large fenced yard or regular trips to open spaces.
Is this breed typically suitable for homes with children?
With the right supervision, Xena's breeds can do well with children, especially if kids are respectful of her boundaries and energy levels.
Is this breed usually better for first-time or experienced owners?
A dog like Xena may be better suited to experienced owners, particularly because of her special needs and the active nature of her breeds.
Does this breed typically get along with dogs?
Xena does well with other dogs—she enjoys having canine companions and thrives in a social pack.
Does this breed typically get along with cats?
Border Collie and Rhodesian Ridgeback mixes like Xena may be okay with cats if properly introduced, but their herding and prey instincts can be strong.
Does this breed typically get along with small animals?
This mix often has a hunting and herding background, so Xena may chase small animals unless taught otherwise from an early age.
How does this breed typically behave with strangers?
Xena initially barks at strangers, which is common for her breeds, but she tends to warm up once she's comfortable.
How long can this breed typically be left alone?
Xena prefers not to be left alone for long periods, especially since she dislikes crates and kennels; her breed mix values companionship.
What level of training does this breed usually require?
Border Collie and Rhodesian Ridgeback mixes like Xena respond well to consistent training and mental enrichment since they're intelligent and energetic.
What size range does this breed generally fall into?
Xena is a large dog, as both Border Collies and Rhodesian Ridgebacks tend toward larger sizes.
What is the typical lifespan of this breed?
A healthy Xena could be expected to live roughly 10-14 years, typical for a large mixed breed dog.
How much does this breed typically shed?
Her mix usually sheds moderately throughout the year, so routine brushing will help manage Xena's coat.