{"id":29635,"date":"2021-05-31T07:00:20","date_gmt":"2021-05-31T06:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/?p=29635"},"modified":"2021-07-07T10:18:26","modified_gmt":"2021-07-07T09:18:26","slug":"black-lab-border-collie-mix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/black-lab-border-collie-mix\/","title":{"rendered":"Black Lab Border Collie Mix"},"content":{"rendered":"

The black Lab Border Collie mix will be energetic, intelligent and friendly. It often has a black coat with some white markings.<\/p>\n

But, there’s a chance puppies could be all black, or even brown and white. You won’t know until the puppies arrive!<\/p>\n

So, if your heart is set on an all black Borador puppy, or a black and white Borador, speak to your breeder about your preferences. They may be able to reserve puppies with your preferred coloring.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a closer look at what you can expect from this new and interesting mix.<\/p>\n

What is a Black Lab Border Collie Mix?<\/h2>\n

A black Lab Border Collie mix is a cross between a purebred Border Collie and a purebred Labrador Retriever with a black coat. As the name suggests!<\/p>\n

This mix is also known as a Borador.<\/a> But, just because a breeder is advertising Borador puppies doesn\u2019t mean that their puppies have a black Lab parent.<\/p>\n

So why does it matter whether you have a black Lab<\/a> parent, rather than a chocolate<\/a> or yellow Lab<\/a>?<\/p>\n

Many potential Borador owners want to find puppies with fully black, or black and white coats.<\/p>\n

The genes for a black coat are dominant over others. But, you have a better chance of getting a black Borador if you breed a Border Collie with a black Lab.<\/p>\n

Black Lab Border Collie Appearance<\/h2>\n

Since the black Lab Border Collie mix is a first generation hybrid (between two purebred dogs), there can still be quite a lot of variation in its appearance.<\/p>\n

But, it is likely that these puppies will have either a fully black coat, or a black and white coat.<\/p>\n

Border Collies often have black and white coloring. But, many people don\u2019t realise that black Labs can also have white markings.<\/p>\n

These white markings may be on their chest, paws, face, or other parts of their body. They are known as mismarks.<\/p>\n

Labs with mismarks aren\u2019t eligible for show. But they still make wonderful pets. In fact, some people believe that certain mismarks hark back to original Labrador breed lines<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But, there\u2019s no telling exactly which genes a first generation mix puppy will inherit. So, you won\u2019t know if they have a fully black, or a black and white coat until the litter arrives.<\/p>\n

\"black<\/p>\n

Size and Shape<\/h3>\n

As well as their coat color, a black Lab Border Collie can also vary in their size<\/a> and general appearance.<\/p>\n

Labs are large breed dogs. They grow between 21.5 and 24.5 inches tall, weighing from 55 to 80 pounds.<\/p>\n

Border Collies are small to medium dogs. They can be anywhere from 18 to 22 inches tall, weighing 30 to 55 pounds.<\/p>\n

In both breeds, females tend to be smaller and lighter than males.<\/p>\n

Predicting Adult Size<\/h3>\n

So, on average, a Borador will usually be between 19 and 24 inches tall. They will weigh from 30 to 80 pounds.<\/p>\n

For a best estimate, look at the size of the exact parent breeds used. Puppies will usually be somewhere between these sizes.<\/p>\n

But, other things can impact size. Including the amount of food puppies are given, birth order, and general health.<\/p>\n

Coat Type<\/h3>\n

Both parent breeds have a double layer coat that sheds moderately all year and more heavily in shedding seasons.<\/p>\n

Border Collies can have smooth or rough coats. Smooth coats are short and thick. The fur may be slightly longer on the legs and chest.<\/p>\n

Rough coats are medium length with feathering on the chest, neck and legs. Their hair may be straight or may have a slight wave.<\/p>\n

So, either way, your black Lab Border Collie mix will have a double layered coat.<\/p>\n

Grooming Needs<\/h3>\n

A black Lab Border Collie mix will need regular grooming, increased to brushing several times a week during shedding season.<\/p>\n

Those with longer coats will need more grooming than those with shorter coats to work out the common knots and tangles.<\/p>\n

Black Lab Border Collie Temperament<\/h2>\n

A black Lab Border Collie will have the same general temperament variation as any other Borador mix.<\/p>\n

But, since they are a first generation cross, there is likely to be variation among puppies.<\/p>\n

Both the black Lab and the Border Collie are originally working dogs. Border Collies were herding dogs. And Labs were gundogs that specialized in retrieving game for their owners<\/a>.<\/p>\n

So, a Borador mix will likely inherit the same traits that make both parent breeds such great working companions.<\/p>\n

They will be intelligent, very active, and eager to do a job with their people. They form strong bonds with their owners, and are often easily trained.<\/p>\n

As long as they are socialized well as puppies, a black Lab Border Collie mix will get along with most people and other animals.<\/p>\n

But, if they aren\u2019t socialized well, they may be over protective, and aggressive towards strangers and other animals.<\/p>\n

Natural Instincts<\/h3>\n

The natural instincts that make the Borador\u2019s parent breeds such great working dogs can also have drawbacks.<\/p>\n

When Labradors retrieve, they use their mouths. Modern Labs are very mouthy dogs. They will explore the world with their mouth. So, owners must keep floors and surfaces tidy.<\/p>\n

If your Borador takes after their Lab parent, they won\u2019t hesitate to hoover up stray socks or pieces of food. Even if it could harm them.<\/p>\n

Border Collies, on the other hand, have strong herding instincts. So, Boradors that take after their Collie parent may try to herd small children or other pets in your home.<\/p>\n

This could involve some barking, chasing, and nipping at heels, which can be stressful for young kids and other animals.<\/p>\n

So if you have young kids or other pets at home, you may be better off with a different mix.<\/p>\n

Black Lab Border Collie Mix Health<\/h2>\n

Mixed breed dogs combine genetics from two gene pools, which means there is wider gene variation compared to a purebred dog. So, mixes like the Borador can potentially be at lower risk of inheriting health issues than their purebred parents.<\/p>\n

But, they will still be prone to hereditary issues. Particularly if breeders don\u2019t health test dogs before breeding them.<\/p>\n

Black Lab Border Collie mix owners should be aware of the following health conditions:<\/p>\n