Borador (Border Collie & Lab Mix): Info, Pictures, Facts, Traits
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| Height: | 19 – 24 inches |
| Weight: | 40 – 64 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 12 years |
| Colors: | Black, brown, tan, and white |
| Suitable for: | Active families, large families, companionship |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, smart |
The Borador is created by mixing a Border Collie with a Labrador. The appearance of these dogs can vary based on which parent they take after more. They tend to resemble a large Border Collie because the coat of the Borador resembles the Border Collie as opposed to the usually solid color present on the Labrador. They have a broad head with a strong jaw and brown eyes.
The Borador is smart and easy to train and has worked as a service dog. It’s a great watchdog due to its attentive nature, and it’s friendly towards children and small animals. It’s clumsy as a puppy but becomes extremely agile as an adult.
Borador Puppies
Borador PuppiesWhen you’re looking for a Borador puppy, make sure to do your research to find an ethical and reputable breeder. Reputable breeders will include all paperwork with the sale. They may also perform several genetic tests that can help you discover how healthy your pet is likely to be.
Boradors tend to be intelligent and active dogs. Be ready to dedicate lots of time to exercising your dog and playing games with them to avoid boredom. They’re highly trainable dogs due to their intelligence. These are excellent dogs for active people who are ready to commit to an energetic dog.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Borador
1. The Border Collie parent dates to the Roman Empire.
2. The Labrador parent is the most popular dog in America, according to the American Kennel Club
3. The Labrador parent did not come from Labrador but came instead from Newfoundland.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Borador 🧠
The Borador is an extremely outgoing breed, and they are very affectionate. They will quickly become one of the family and like to play games and run around in the yard. They have strong herding skills, which can cause them to nip at the ankles of children. You can curb this behavior with proper training at an early age.
They are very intelligent and can quickly learn new tricks, and they are eager to perform tasks.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡
The Borador makes a great family pet because they enjoy being part of a family and are very affectionate. They are not great for homes with small children because of their herding tendency, so it may be better to wait until the children are older before getting one of these dogs.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽
Yes, the Borador gets along great with other pets and loves to play games and pal around. It may still do the herding, which can scare some animals, so you will need to keep watch and make sure none of your animals are under duress.
Things to Know When Owning a Borador
Things to Know When Owning a BoradorThere are quite a few things to think about before you purchase a Borador for your home. We’ll take a look at them here.
Food and Diet Requirements 🦴
The Borador is a good-sized dog and will require a good amount of food to keep it healthy. Most experts recommend a dry kibble as the main food. This food should contain high-quality ingredients like chicken, turkey, or duck. We also recommend looking for brands that contain antioxidants, probiotics, and fatty acids.
Daily Exercise Requirements 🐕
The Borador will require a good amount of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Walking is usually not enough activity for these dogs and they would require walking more than 2 hours per day. Fetch and games of hide and seek can help reduce the amount of walking you need to do, as can any number of water games. The Borador is an excellent swimmer.
Training 🦮
The Border Collie and its descendant the Borador are incredibly intelligent and can learn many new commands on the first try. They are also capable of complex multi-step tasks and will be getting the paper and your slippers in no time. As usual, positive reinforcement using treats and plenty of praise is the best way to get results. A consistent schedule is also important, and many people fail without one.
Grooming ✂️
The Borador usually takes after the Border Collie parent and doesn’t shed much. Grooming will have you brushing the dog about once per week. Besides the coat, you will need to keep an eye on their waxy ears. You will need to gently remove the wax using a damp cloth to help reduce the risk of an ear infection. You will also need to brush their teeth regularly as well as clip the toenails.
- See Also: 11 Best Dry Dog Shampoos
Health and Conditions ❤️
Let’s look at the overall health of the Borador in this section.
- Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is very similar to elbow dysplasia and is also the result of a malformed joint that causes bones to rub together and wear down. Hip dysplasia affects the hind legs instead of the front legs, and though it’s very common in many breeds, we don’t see it as much in the Borador. This condition is painful, and there is no cure. Signs include a decreased range of motion and difficulty rising.
- Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones to keep the body operating correctly. Signs include a loss or thinning of the hair, excess shedding, and weight gain. You may also notice reduced activity and a lower tolerance for cold weather.
- Skin Disease
Skin disease is a condition that is common in the Borador. Signs of a skin condition include excessive scratching and possibly pulling out fur. A dull coat and brown discharge from the ears are also common signs of skin disease. In many cases, itchy skin is not a serious problem, but it’s best to take your Borador to the vet if you notice excessive scratching. There are plenty of treatments that can help alleviate these conditions, including pills and creams.
- Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is a common cause of thoracic limb lameness, and it affects a wide range of dog breeds, including the Borador. Elbow dysplasia is caused by an abnormally formed joint, not unlike hip dysplasia. When the joint forms incorrectly, the bones rub together and wear down. As the bones wear down, it affects your pet’s ability to put weight on it, which can lead to lameness in the leg. There is no cure for elbow dysplasia, but it’s managed with medication and surgery.
Male vs Female
Male vs FemaleThe male Boradors seem to seek out attention more often than the females and will often push you or your hand to get attention. They also seem to have a more even, calm temperament.
The female Borador tends to be more independent and slightly more stubborn. Female Boradors are extremely territorial and will respond with aggressive behavior when challenged but tend to mellow with age.
Final Thoughts
Final ThoughtsThe Borador is a great choice for a companion or a family dog and is a blend of two of the most popular dogs. The Labrador is the most popular dog in America, and the Border Collie is one of the smartest dog breeds in existence. These dogs can be almost anything from companion to family dog to work dog. They are smart enough to take on chores around the house or impress your friends with their ability to follow commands. The only thing you need to watch out for is their instinct to herd. This instinct can scare and even injure small children or pets, and so may not be the best environment for the Borador.
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- Bassador (Basset Hound & Labrador Retriever Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts
- Boglen Terrier (Beagle & Boston Terrier Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts
Featured Image Credit: Tealee Johansen, Shutterstock
