Designer breeds such as the Border Collie Lab mix are a beauty to behold. They have purebred parents with pleasing temperaments and traits, so you have the best of both worlds.
The Border Collie Labrador mix is also known as the Borador, Border Lab, and Lab Collie. Their affectionate and energetic nature is a match for people with active lifestyles. It’s also the sweetest dog to have with children around.
If you’re curious about this hybrid, you are on the right page! This article will discuss all the essential things about this Lab Collie mix, including its history, behavior, physical traits, and health concerns. Let’s start!
Breed Overview
| Height: | 19 – 24 inches |
| Weight: | 40 – 65 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 15 years |
| Coat Colors: | Brown, black, tan, white, bi-color, tri-color, markings |
| Temperament: | Eager-to-please, outgoing, clever, energetic |
| Suitable for: | Active families and people; homes with outdoor space |
What Is a Border Collie Lab Mix?
The Border Collie Lab mix is a mix between the Labrador and the Border Collie. Also called a Lab Collie or Borador, this designer breed has a medium to large-sized body and usually has the Labrador’s face and the Border Collie’s nose. Temperament-wise, it is outgoing, energetic, and curious.
This high-energy and intelligent crossbreed fits the lifestyle of active fur parents who love physical activities. However, to take care of a Border Collie Lab mix, you need to consider having a wide space for it to roam around.
As a hybrid, the Borador can’t be registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) but is recognized by mixed breed registries, like the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) and the Designer Breed Registry (DBR), among others.
Border Collie Lab Mix Origin and History
The origin of the Border Collie Lab mix is relatively recent but has garnered much attention from dog owners and breeders.
Similar to other hybrid dog breeds, this mix’s history isn’t well documented. However, looking at the histories of its parent breeds, the Border Collie and Labrador, should give us a better appreciation of the Borador’s ancestry.
Historically, Labradors were known to be hardworking dogs and were trained by fishermen to haul in nets. Upon reaching Great Britain, they became successful gundogs.
Meanwhile, the Border Collie ancestry has a history that dates back to the 1700s. This herding dog thrived in the border area between Scotland and England for over a hundred years.
In time, they have earned the reputation of being the finest sheepherders in the world.
The Labrador Retriever and the Border Collie became two of the most popular dog breeds. It is not surprising why breeders thought of merging the best characteristics of Border Collies and Labrador Retrievers in one dog.
Hence, the Borador breed was created. It is a great dog that has the stamina and high energy of the Border Collie and the loving and affectionate nature of the Labrador Retriever.
Border Collie Lab Mix Appearance
A Border Collie Lab mix’s appearance resembles the Labrador Retriever breed more than the Border Collie breed in most cases.
However, some Lab Collie mixes may also manifest differently, showing most traits from their Collie parent instead.
What parent this cross takes after still depends on which dominant or recessive traits would manifest genetically, as in the case of other dogs that are mixed. The Borador, however, would mostly be a medium-sized dog.
In terms of facial structure, they take on the appearance of the Labrador parent but have a slightly pointed nose that is more Border Collie-like.
Its coat can take on its parent breeds’ short or long fur. However, it’s sure to have the double-layered, moderate-shedding coats of both the Border Collie and Labrador.
Boradors may have varying coat colors. Some may have a solid color coat, which they can inherit from the black, yellow, or chocolate Lab. The black Lab Border Collie mix is one of the most common colors for this hybrid.
Some Lab Collies also feature bi-color, tri-color, and merle markings, which they acquire from the Border Collie side.
While a Borador has traits of both the Labrador and Border Collie parents, the general appearance of a Borador puppy is unpredictable, which is common in all mixed breeds.
Border Collie Lab Mix Size and Weight
A full-grown Labrador Border Collie mix may range between 19 and 24 inches tall at the shoulders and weighs between 40 and 65 pounds.
The Border Collie Labrador mix is considered a medium to large-sized dog. Some Boradors have a Labrador’s robust build, albeit on the skinnier side.
Others may have the lean physique of a Border Collie, making them extremely agile and athletic.
Like most medium to large dog breeds, Border Collie Lab mix puppies reach maturity at 12 to 18 months old. Their sizes and weights as adult dogs may vary depending on diet, heredity, and environment.
Border Collie Lab Mix Temperament and Personality
While there are many good things to say regarding the temperament of a Collie Lab mix, you should note that all dogs have their personalities and quirks.
In general, both parent breeds are good companion dogs. They’re also brilliant, curious, eager to please, and outgoing. Thus, you could also expect the same with the Border Collie Lab mix.
If you plan to have a multi-dog or multi-pet household, Boradors are wonderful to introduce to other pets since they’re very friendly dogs. They’re also known to love being around people, so they’re bound to greet strangers.
A gentle dog like the Borador is also great around children because it is caring and affectionate. This makes the Collie Lab mix a fantastic pet for the whole family.
This mix’s intelligence is also notable as it makes training easier. However, it requires constant mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
On a different note, Labrador-Border Collie mixes are not ideal guard dogs since they’re very friendly to strangers.
There are also cases where their Border Collie traits would manifest, and they herd children and other pets, most likely involving ankle nipping.
Proper training and positive reinforcement can change these undesirable traits and make your Lab Collie mix the best dog it can be.
Border Collie Lab Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
The Border Collie Lab mix has a long life span. The Labrador and the Border Collie have a life expectancy of about 12 to 13 years. This makes the average lifespan of a Borador range from 10 to 15 years.
While Boradors are generally healthy dogs, they are still prone to common canine illnesses, similar to other dogs.
Here are the common health issues Boradors may inherit or acquire over the years:
- Congenital Sensorineural Deafness (CSD): The Border Collie parent of the Borador is prone to CSD. This condition is said to be prevalent with Collies that have merle pigmentation. Unfortunately, Boradors can also inherit this disease, especially if the merle gene is present.
- Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA): Boradors can also be genetically predisposed to CEA just like their Border Collie parents. This health issue can lead to varying degrees of blindness. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this disease.
- Elbow and Hip Dysplasia: Boradors can be prone to elbow and hip dysplasia just like purebred Labradors. Pain and weakness in the hind legs are early signs of this condition. Fortunately, physical therapy can help treat the disorder, along with a healthy diet and moderate exercise to strengthen the bones.
There are a lot of other health problems that these mixed breed dogs can experience over the years, like osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
Genetic testing and frequent visits to the vet are also advisable to detect any early signs of these health problems, so they can be diagnosed and treated properly.
These preventive steps will allow you to spend more fruitful years with your Border Lab mix.
How to Take Care of Your Borador
Taking care of a mixed breed like the Border Collie Lab mix may look like a daunting task for new owners, but it’s all a matter of knowing the needs of your family dog and addressing them.
In this section, you’ll know the essential things you should remember when caring for a Borador, such as their nutrition, grooming, and training needs.
Food and Diet
A Borador is like any large-sized dog breed with a huge appetite. It requires a balance of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals and an ample supply of water.
A high-protein diet is ideal for them, but it is recommended to incorporate carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables. Cooking home-cooked meals is also great to keep it from getting tired of its dry food.
Further, it’s advisable to feed Boradors fresh dog food in small increments, at least twice daily, to avoid bloat and indigestion problems. This can also prevent overeating, leading to obesity and other weight-associated diseases.
Handing out dog treats must also be controlled. It’s worth noting that treats should only comprise 10% of any dog’s caloric intake.
Cleaning and Grooming
Border Collie Lab mixes have a double coat that may either be short or long depending on the traits inherited from their parent breeds. This makes Border Lab mixes moderate shedders.
Nonetheless, they’re easier to groom compared to other similar designer dogs and would only require brushing at least twice a week.
Bathing your Lab Collie mix should be done weekly to keep their coats fresh and clean. Be sure to use a de-shedding shampoo to keep the shedding minimal.
Brushing the teeth should be done early to introduce them to the habit and prevent periodontal diseases. Trimming their nails is also a good habit to avoid scratches or injuries.
Training and Exercise
The Border Collie Lab mix is smart, like its two parent breeds. Therefore it’s straightforward to train. It loves challenges and is eager to please its owners.
The Lab Collie mix also has high energy and stamina, making them very outgoing dogs. It prefers running or walking long distances and other activities stimulating its mind.
They crave attention and prefer their owners to be active with them. With their high energy needs, it’s best to have an expansive backyard home. Alternatively, you could take them to the nearest dog park.
Owners that don’t exercise their Boradors regularly should be warned that they get bored quickly.
With boredom, they develop destructive habits like gnawing at things or running and digging. Be sure to provide short activities throughout the day and buy high-quality puzzles and toys to keep them mentally stimulated.
How Much Does a Border Collie Lab Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Border Collie Lab mix puppies typically cost around $500 to $1,500, depending on the breeder, location, and lineage. Their price range is low because their parent breeds are common.
Alternatively, you could opt to go for a rescue or adopt from a shelter which will only cost you between $150 and $400 and usually come with vaccination shots.
It’s significant to note that when taking your new Borador pup home, you will have to invest money for initial expenses, which include food, feeding bowls, and crates to make their transition to their new home smoother.
The table below shows the initial cost of owning a Border Collie Lab mix puppy:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $70 – $150 |
| Bowls | $10 – $40 |
| Toys | $30 – $100 |
| Beds | $40 – $300 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $50 – $500 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $250 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $80 |
| Total Initial Cost | $505 – $3,150 |
After paying for the initial expenses, your finances should be enough to cover the monthly and annual expenditures of your Borador. Remember that owning one is a lifetime commitment.
It’s also advisable to save money as an emergency fund in case your dog gets sick. Owners are encouraged to invest in pet insurance to help shoulder emergency expenses.
Places to Find Border Collie Lab Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Buying Border Collie Lab mix puppies wouldn’t be too hard. This hybrid has been in high demand since breeders started intentionally mixing their parent dogs.
However, there has also been a rise of irresponsible breeders and puppy mills that breed the Lab Collie mix unethically.
Here is a list of places where you can purchase Border Collie Lab mix puppies:
- Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies offers purebred dogs and mixed breeds for sale, including Boradors. You can specifically find the price, location, and traits of the dog that you are looking for. If Borador pups aren’t available, the website can notify you via email if a breeder has available puppies.
- Keystone Puppies – Keystone Puppies only deals with legitimate breeders to protect their clients from scammers. All puppies sold here come with vaccination shots and undergo socialization training.
- Puppy Finder – At Puppyfinder, you can search for breeders around the globe that sells the breed you want, including the Borador. They make sure their breeders are verified and identifiable to avoid scammers. You can directly contact the breeder of your choice from their page and narrow your search by state.
Meanwhile, adoption is also an option. Your heart is in the right place if you want to give puppies from rescues a second chance.
Check out this list of shelters and adoption centers where you can adopt a Border Collie Lab mix:
- Atlantic Region Central Border Collie Rescue (ARCBCR) – This non-profit organization is based in Richmond, Virginia. Its volunteers love the purebred Border Collie and its mixes. All their rescues stay as foster pets in the private homes of their volunteers, where they are cared for. Their dogs receive vaccine shots, microchips, medications, and spayed or neutered procedures.
- Lucky Lab Rescue – Lucky Lab allows adoption in three regions in the United States: Texas, The Midwest, and New England. They take in Labrador Retriever and its mixes, including Border Collie Lab mixes. Their dogs are also spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.
- Border Collie Save & Rescue – This non-profit charitable rescue is dedicated to taking in Border Collies and Border Collie mixes that are abandoned or surrendered. Their rescues come with spaying/neutering, vaccination, and training.
If you fail to find a Border Collie Lab mix from the sources above, drive around your neighborhood as there may be local rescues.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Borador
No breed is perfect. Whether purebred or crossbred, dogs are bound to have advantages and disadvantages, and Boradors are no exception. However, this doesn’t make them any less desirable.
To help you mold your choice if this is the right mixed breed dog for you, here are the pros and cons of owning a Borador.
Here are some advantages of owning a Borador:
- Highly intelligent: The Borador’s parent breeds are some of the most intelligent dog breeds, which are said to have the intelligence of a 2-year-old kid. You can expect no less of the Borador. No wonder this amazing dog loves puzzles and games that stimulate its mind.
- Athletic and energetic: The Labrador Collie mix is a highly energetic hybrid that loves to go on long walks and runs. It keeps an active lifestyle with its owners, which is a win-win for both.
- Easily trainable: Being an intelligent dog has its perks, such as being trainable. They’re eager to please their owners. Thus, they retain commands better and quickly pick up on cues.
On the other hand, below are the disadvantages of owning a Borador:
- Easily gets bored: Boradors get bored quickly, especially if their owners fail to take them out on their daily exercise routines. This boredom can manifest into destructive behaviors such as chewing and digging.
- Needs backyard space: The Borador is a medium- to large-sized dog that loves to run around. This could pose a problem for owners living in apartments with no backyard space, as Boradors might become restless and destroy items around the house as they run wild.
- Ankle-nipping: Ankle-nipping is an instinctive herding behavior for Boradors. This nipping could scare off young kids. They also tend to herd other pets and children sometimes.
If you’re ready to take on the huge responsibility of being a Borador owner, then it’s only proper to know the pros and cons of owning a Lab Border Collie mix.
This is to ensure that the dog’s personality and behavior would fit your lifestyle and needs so that you won’t regret your decision later on and impulsively leave the dog at a shelter.
Here’s the video of a Borador in action, being playful and active:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Border Collie Lab Mixes Good Dogs?
The parent breeds of a Border Collie Lab mix, the Border Collie and the Labrador Retriever, are amazing companions and family dogs. So, it’s only natural that the Border Collie Lab mix would also inherit these good traits.
This mix can quickly bond with other people, children, and other animals. Its temperament is outgoing, energetic, clever, and affectionate.
Do Border Collie Lab Mixes Shed a Lot?
Border Collie Lab Mixes are moderate shedders with coats either on the short or long end, depending on genetics.
They can shed all year round, but this can be easily mitigated by using de-shedding shampoo. Regular brushing and grooming can also help control shedding.
Are Border Collie Lab Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, the Border Collie Lab mix is not a hypoallergenic breed since it tends to shed moderately all year round. Most people and children allergic to dog fur can’t own Boradors and should opt for dog breeds that shed less.
Do Boradors Like Swimming?
The Border Collie Lab mix loves to swim like its parent breeds! Expect the Borador to be a great companion when swimming in the pool or in the ocean, even without retrieving a game.
Swimming can be a part of their daily activities since Boradors are very active dogs.
Are Boradors Smaller than Labradors?
Boradors are mostly medium-sized dogs and are slightly smaller than Labradors. This is because the Border Collie side is smaller than the Labrador side of the mix and may manifest in the Borador.
However, it’s important to note that the size and weight of Boradors are not something set in stone. It still depends on heredity, diet, exercise, and the environment.
Are Boradors Easy to Train?
The Lab Border Collie mix is easy to train. It listens and retains commands for the rest of its life. Potty training is also relatively smoother for Border Lab mixes compared to most dogs.
These herding dogs are also good at taking cues from their owners and respond significantly to positive reinforcement. This makes the Borador a fitting candidate as a therapy dog or search and rescue dog.
Are Boradors Smart Dogs?
The Borador is considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds around. Its parent breeds are two of the smartest dog breeds, with their IQ comparable to that of a two-year-old child.
They love games and puzzles that keep their minds active. It’s essential to routinely give them mental stimulation as it distracts them from boredom.
Final Thoughts
The Lab Collie mix is a beautiful crossbreed with an outgoing temperament. It is sweet, hardworking, curious, intelligent, and highly energetic, making it a great family dog.
If you have a wide running space, love being active, and your lifestyle matches the daily needs of the Borador, then this awesome dog breed is definitely worth considering!
So, what do you think about the Border Collie Lab mix? Let us know in the comments below!
