Designer Breed Icon
  • Activity Level: high
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  • Shedding Level: moderate
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  • Grooming Level: low
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  • Trainability: high
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  • Good for Novice Owners: high
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  • Adaptability: moderate
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  • Kid/Pet Friendly: often
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  • Prey Drive: high
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  • Watchdog: aware
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  • Average Size: Medium
  • Average Lifespan: 10-15 years
  • Registered?: other

Borador Dog Breed Information

Overview

Temperament

Adaptability

Health

Owner Experience

Grooming

Activity Level

Size

Life Span

Did You Know?

The Borador is a cross between a Border Collie and a Labrador Retriever. Although they can take on any combination of characteristics from their parents, Boradors tend to be outgoing, friendly, and energetic dogs that are devoted to their families and make fantastic companions.

These dogs tend to make fantastic family companions. Not only are they friendly and playful, but they also tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets, provided they are well-socialized. They can have a high prey drive, so they may need some extra socialization with other smaller pets in the household.

They can also inherit some herding instincts from their Border Collie parent, and they may attempt to herd family members and other animals in the house. Training and socialization early on can help curb these tendencies. Boradors also tend to be outgoing and open. Although they may bark to let you know someone or something is on the property, well-socialized Boradors are usually more interested in making friends.

A Borador is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Due to their high energy, they tend to do best in homes with a yard where they can run and with families who can be active with them. They can adapt to apartment living, but they will need plenty of time dedicated to giving them attention, making sure they aren’t bored, and giving them enough exercise every day.

They do well in just about any climate. But, as with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time because they are easily bored and also because they bond closely with their families. These dogs are happiest when spending time with the people they love.

While a mixed-breed dog can be healthier than a purebred dog, it’s not a guarantee. A mixed-breed can inherit the health conditions common to one, both, or neither of their parent breeds. For a Borador, these potential health concerns include hypothyroidism, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and Collie eye anomalies. Good breeding practices and the health of the parents make a big difference in the health of Borador puppies.

Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to ensure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests that have been done and to see any results or clearances they may have.

With some of the smartest dog breeds as parents, the Borador is a highly intelligent dog that is eager to please and picks up on things quickly. Although this generally makes them a good fit for owners of all experience levels, they do tend to get bored easily and are high-energy dogs.

This can be a challenge for first-time dog owners to handle alone. But, puppy training classes can help. Obedience classes tend to be a good idea regardless, as they can help socialize a puppy and also strengthen the bond you have with your puppy.

The Borador could inherit a coat type similar to one of their parents or one that is a mix of both. Either way, they will shed moderately year-round, require weekly brushing, and the occasional bath. Regardless of coat type, you will also need to care for your Borador’s nails, ears, and teeth.

Once or twice monthly nail trims are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. But, you may need to cut your dog’s nails more often if they grow quickly or don’t wear down as much naturally between trims.

Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning your dog’s ears as needed can help prevent ear infections. Floppy ears are more likely to trap dirt and moisture, so they are more prone to developing ear infections. Regular ear checks and cleaning when you need to can help keep your dog’s ears healthy. Plus, if anything is happening, you can catch it early and get to the vet.

Because many owners overlook dental care for dogs, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Your dog’s teeth and gums need care just as yours do. Ideally, you’re using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing your dog’s teeth every day, in addition to cleanings at the vet when needed. This can help prevent painful dental diseases and further complications from them later in life.

A Borador is a high-energy dog breed that requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity are usually enough for this dog.

However, they will likely be up for more activity if you are, as they love nothing more than spending time with their families. And, if they can spend that time being active with their families, even better for them.

They tend to be athletic dogs, so don’t be afraid to try various activities to find out what they like to do. To avoid damage to developing bones, it’s important to keep things low-impact until puppies finish growing. Swimming with your dog is a great low-impact activity. Once they’re done growing, you can also try things like running with your dog, hiking with them, playing frisbee, etc.

A fully-grown Borador usually stands 19-24 inches tall and weighs 35-65 pounds.

Boradors generally live for 10-15 years on average.

Although Borador is the most common name, these dogs are also sometimes called a Border Collie Lab or a Border Lab.