Borador

40-60 lbs
19-22"
Unknown
Border Collie
Labrador Retriever
Border Collie Lab, Border Lab

The Borador is a highly intelligent and active hybrid dog, a combination of the Border Collie, an adept herding dog, and the Labrador Retriever, a proficient gun dog and retriever of fowl. This medium to large canine tends to get along well with children, strangers, and even other animals, and they are extremely eager to please their owner. This makes them a very easy dog to train, and they thrive on that training. This combination of breeds may become destructive and has a tendency to chew when they are bored, so keeping them busy is generally recommended. Due to their size and their high exercise requirements, the Borador will be happier in a home with a yard.

purpose Purpose
Companion, Herding
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Border Collie, Labrador Retriever

Borador Health

Average Size
Male Borador size stats
Height: 20-23 inches Weight: 45-65 lbs
Female Borador size stats
Height: 19-22 inches Weight: 40-60 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Cataracts
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Lens Luxation
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans
Minor Concerns
  • Deafness
  • Pannus
  • Skin Problems
Occasional Tests
  • Eye
  • Hip
  • Blood
  • Hearing
  • Skeletal
  • X-Rays
  • Physical Examination

Borador Breed History

The Borador is a crossbreed of two very popular dog breeds, the Border Collie and the Labrador Retriever, and is recognized by most of the hybrid and designer dog registries and clubs. As popular as it is, the Borador is still a newly recognized crossbreed most likely within the last ten to twenty years. The Border Collie is an extremely intelligent canine, considered by many experts to be the most intelligent overall breed of dog. This breed is an extremely old breed, believed to be a combination between small, spitz-like herding dogs that travelled with Viking raiders during the third century and somewhat larger Roman herding dogs that had relocated during the Roman invasion of Britain during the first century. They were bred for performance rather than for looks and although they are an attractive dog, they are first and foremost a working dog. The Labrador Retriever also has a long history, some of which we can only guess at; although most experts are in agreement that the St. John’s dog, a water dog that became extinct in the 1980’s, founded the Labrador Retriever breed, they are divided on whether the Newfoundland dog gave rise to the St. John’s dog or was bred from the St. John’s dog. The St. John’s dog with its short, oily coat, was as at home swimming in the water as running on land and worked alongside the fishermen on the coasts of Newfoundland. They, like the Labrador, were retrievers, although they specialized in retrieving nets, ropes, and even fish, rather than the waterfowl that the Labrador was bred for. It was in the 1800’s that James Harris and Walter Scott, both of whom had been breeding the St. John’s dog to be gun dogs, met while out shooting. Mr. Harris made a gift of two of his male retrievers to Mr. Scott, who then bred them to his own dogs. The resulting canines were the ancestors of today’s modern Labradors. The combination of the two results in a highly intelligent and energetic animal with an agreeable temperament and an intense work drive. 

Borador Breed Appearance

The Borador hybrid will generally be a medium sized dog with a fairly flat skull, although those that take after the Labrador may have a squarer muzzle while those that favor the Border Collie will have a muzzle that is thinner and more tapered at the front. The body of the Borador may be slightly longer than it is tall, and it should sport a deep, well formed chest. Both of the parent breeds are athletically built with strong, straight legs and long tails, so the hybrid will also be an athletic animal with a strong, straight legs and a long tail that hangs down when relaxed or follows the topline when alert or excited. Neither of the parents, nor the Borador itself, should have a tail that curls over the back of the dog, although either the tail may or may not be feathered. They will have a double layer coat with a short dense undercoat with a layer of straight, shiny guard hairs protecting it. The outer coat can be either short like the Labrador coat, or medium length like the Border Collie coat and on occasion, it may have a slight wave to it. Boradors are most often black & white, although they can come in golden or chocolate colors as well.

Borador Breed Maintenance

The Borador is a fairly easy hybrid to groom. Bathing is not a frequent requirement for this dog as they tend to have a low amount of doggy odor, but some Labradors and their offspring have a penchant for playing in the mud and rolling in things that are smelly, which necessitates more frequent bathing. The Border Collie is a moderate shedder but the Labrador Retriever sheds a remarkable amount of hair for such as short furred canine, particularly during the change of the seasons. This crossbreed will generally require a thorough brushing several times a week to eliminate hair and redistribute the animal’s natural oils, and daily brushing during the change of the seasons. Fortunately, for those with mild dander allergies, this dog’s coat is fairly dander free, so may not trigger the typical histamine response. 

Borador Temperament

The Borador has a balanced and caring nature, with a keen desire to please. They are an extremely intelligent and trainable dog, with a very cooperative attitude. They are also as active as they are intelligent and these canines will be much more balanced and confident if given a job or regular activity of some sort, and they tend to excel at most jobs that they are given. They are generally quite sociable and tend to be friendly to family members and strangers alike, although they will bark to alert their family to unexpected noises, making them an acceptable choice as a guard dog. The Borador is also affectionate towards children and other animals although they can be a bit boisterous when they are still young and they may inherit a tendency to herd small animals or children by nipping at their heels. They can also serve quite admirably as a service animal for the blind or otherwise disabled, or as an agility or frisbee competitor. 

Borador Activity Requirements

Both the Border Collie and the Labrador Retriever are very athletic and energetic animals, and they require a great deal of exercise. Although the mix is not quite as hyperactive as the purebred Border Collie, they are still generally happiest and healthiest when they get at least two hours of vigorous activity and mental stimulation per day. Along with brisk walks or jogs, this dog may also be able to expend their considerable energy with alternative activities, such as swimming, competitive frisbee, agility training, and herding. Although these dogs may be able to adapt to an apartment setting if they are given enough activity, they are generally better suited to larger homes with room to run. 

Borador Owner Experiences

Midge
11 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tug-of-war
Fetch
Chase
My Borador is amazing! She sometimes misbehaves but she’s a puppy and she learns very quickly. She loves playing with my other dog Beaux, a black mouth cur mixed with a Småland Hound.
3 years ago
Toby
4 Years
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Run
Swim
Fetch
Speak
Shake
Toby is a great dog! He's had a fair amount of health problems in his young life and was recently diagnosed with Atypical Addison's disease, but with medication he's back to his old self. He LOVES fetch and will run until he has to rest in the shade or the cool tile in the house. He loves cuddling and hates being cold.
6 years, 10 months ago
Cookie
7 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She is super smart but has a stubborn streak. I previously always had pure Border Collies, and Cookie is definitely a few levels calmer than they are. She's also very food-oriented which is helpful in getting her to behave. House training was extremely easy. I've read that Boradors usually aren't very "barky," but Cookie is! No one will break in here; they won't even get onto our block without Cookie alerting us. A doorbell is pointless on my house. She does well with other dogs (we have two more) once they accept that she is in charge. She is not good to have around cats, birds or other small animals, although she does get a ton of exercise chasing squirrels in our yard. She's very affectionate and just wants to be loved on constantly.
6 years, 10 months ago
Bean
2 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
jump
Tricks
Speak
Best dog EVER. I love her so much, she is SO smart and so eager to please! She has never shown aggression towards anybody or anything, which makes her the perfect animal. She is my best friend.
6 years, 8 months ago
Sam
2 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He loves fetching a ball he is very athletic
He is a rescue dog that we rescued when he was 11 months old.. He was so sweet and friendly with my kids, we just fell in love with him. He is very athletic and smart. Loves to play ball and to be outside. Doesn't care for rain but loves the snow. He thinks he is a lap dog but weights 85 lbs. He does bark very loud and is protective when he sees men that he doesn't know. Great with children and his tail wags faster and harder than any dog tail that I have ever seen.
6 years, 6 months ago
Ruby
3 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My pup came from a rescue as a 10 week old. She is a very loyal affectionate sweet loving individual. She is very easy to teach her manners like, sit, stay, lay down, up, give me 5 and other paw. She is walking on a leach as a pro. I only had to tell her no 3 times. Potty training we got very quickly and now goes to the back door. ( not saying we did not have accidents, we did) She have been with our family for a month and we are all in love and she is being treated like a princess. My children takes very good care of her and she has so much love to give them. She has her two favorite and it’s my middle child and I. (don’t take me wrong she loves all of us) When we are sitting in our living room, I’m sitting on the couch and he is sitting on a chair she is in the middle of both of us. My husband at first did not want a female, he wanted a male. His decision was made after he meet her. Now he is telling her sweetheart, honey you name it. Its love….
6 years, 6 months ago
Raven
4 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Run
Explore the woods
Learn a new trick
Swim
Play
Nap
Bath time
Off-leash
Running
Laying in the sun
Got Raven from our local county animal shelter back in January this year. She was only 5 weeks old or so but very socially demanding from the very beginning. We did our part though to try to prevent her from having separation anxiety and she has since become a very loyal guard dog for our family. She's very friendly, loves everyone and is eager to please. She learned the command sit within one hour and has repeated this trick with or without treats as an incentive. She was decently easy to teach basic commands, and we also have had no issues of her jumping up on people after having been taught. Though, potty training has been an issue with our cats, as she wants to use the litterbox too and will potty outside of it. Had some issues with leash training because of her excitement with seeing everything, but she is happy to walk beside me without a leash now. Unfortunately, I am allergic to her dandruff and she requires regular bathing to make her more tolerable for me. I can not spend a lot of time too close to her personally but when I do get to she just wants to snuggle close for closeness sake. We have a number of rescue cats, she gets along fine with them. She may get a little rough from time to time but is very quick to behave when told no. Recently, since we let her out during the day to run out her energy with the cats, she has become a good guard dog and notifies us when there are people, unusual vehicles, or other animals in our yard. Despite her being so small still, she was brave enough to protect our cats by chasing off a neighbors German shepherd who we've caught chasing our cats before. Fiercely loyal, absolutely loving, all around a great dog for families or someone who wants a friend who will be excited to greet them at the door when they get home. We picked up a very shy, scared puppy that warmed up to be a best friend and protector.
6 years, 6 months ago
KOBI
2 Years
4 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Beach walks
Beach walks ball throw and catch
Only had kobi for 10 days so far from rescue home. Very friendly and energetic.
6 years, 4 months ago
Pickles
13 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Their awesome best dog ever
6 years, 4 months ago
Cosmo
4 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Walks
Super sweet, loves people
6 years, 3 months ago
Maja
8 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
training
Tracking
Apporting
The most intelligent dog in this world, probably most intelligent in this household (my IQ is 135). She learn things before I even think about train her to do whatever it is, totally amazing.
6 years, 1 month ago
Max
4 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We adopted Max as a puppy and he has a greta temprant and lots of energy.Great with kids and other animals.
6 years ago
Willow
19 Months
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Swim
Walk
Agility training
Tricks
Willow is our second Borador. We previously had Poppy for 16 fantastic years, so we all agreed we wanted the same crossbreed as they are such smart animals and make a fantastic family pet. We have recently rehomed a 6 month old Sprocker with little social and training skills and Willow has been a great surrogate mum showing him the ropes. Boradors love mental stimulation, so lots of food games and going to regular doggy lessons is key to keep them occupied.
5 years, 11 months ago
Nila Boujiee
1 Year
6 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We love our borador. She is so smart and trains very easily. She doesn't like to be in trouble so for the most part she is a good girl. She is great with our four kids and even the kids in the neighborhood. She does have a protective side but that's mostly towards strange noises she hears outside. She has never shown any aggression towards anyone. She is socially awkward but she loves to be outside and once she is used to her surroundings she does great. I love my baby and this breed of dog.
5 years, 11 months ago
Snoopy
2 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Tug-of-war
Running
Tricks
I do daycare in my home and Snoopy is absolutely wonderful with the children! He is extremely affectionate but also very protective.
5 years, 9 months ago
Sadie
16 Weeks
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Great I love my board
5 years, 5 months ago
Bosco
18 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
watching him run around yard
Watching tv
Playing chase
Got him when he was 9months old. It was not until a week ago we discovered he was a Borador. (thanks to google lens) he is older now and well has had some issues but love him and very aware of the age and the possibility of his departure.
5 years, 5 months ago
Lady
14 Years
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Throwing a ball
Lady is the best dog you could ever ask for. She is great with children and loves everyone.
5 years, 4 months ago
Zoey Grace
7 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Frisbee,
Laser pointers
Cuddling
Ball
We got Zoey from an ad in a newspaper when she was a puppy. She was free! Never knew this mix had an actual name! She's the most loving, laid back, but energetic dog. She's happy whether she's cuddling on the couch with us or outside playing frisbee, and anything in between. Shes the best dog we've ever had, and now we are so partial to the breed!
5 years, 1 month ago
Annie Bacons Mannifield
12 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Annie and I have been pals for 11 years now. She has met countless other dogs and cats, chickens, it is her natural inclination to herd , so really she only gives chase if the other animal runs. Very caring, nurturing, she sleeps curled up next to me, in the same spot, for the last 11 years. Sits under my legs when I sit down. Very vocal, better than a doorbell, and has quite a thunderous bark for being 65 lbs. Her vision is great, and her hearing is above par, she remembers the sounds of family members vehicles, and the way they walk. At 10yo she was taught basic sign language commands, and learned them in a day, for 6 commands. She is a dreamer, shes very active in her sleep, light barks and kicking the feet. Her coat is more like a 3 layer coat, 1 under coat, and 2 longer that overlap, hiding golden bands under her black coat. I bring her to my automotive shop where she meets at least 10 new people a day, and she keeps to her self and enjoys a good pat on the head. We have lived in different houses, with a multitude of other family members animals, and she is very protective on her own turf, though in a non aggressive way. Shes never bitten a person. As shes gotten into her senior years she can be snappy to other small dogs. She prefers to be a "watch dog " these days, but still get out and keeps the legs stretched, she can keep a really good pace that's quite amazing for her age. I've had labs, I've had border collies, all around shes as good as the mix can get. And she loves fresh cooked bacon, and butt scratches.
5 years, 1 month ago
Wrigley
3 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
snuggling
Tug-of-war
Walks
playing with other dogs
Playing in the snow
Our Wrigley is the absolute sweetest dog I have ever met. He is such a people pleaser and very smart. He’s a once in a lifetime kind of dog and gets along with everyone. He loves other dogs, kids, and anyone he meets. He is completely content with a lazy day on the couch or a busy active day at the park. He is content with everything. More than anything he is so very loving and would do anything to make us happy. He is not a runner or wanderer and never goes far from our side. He loves to swim and be outdoors. We are so partial to this breed because we feel like we have hit the jackpot.
5 years, 1 month ago
Gus
1 Year
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Gus is such an amazing dog. He loves dogs and people. He is amazing when kids walk him, he never pulls. Gus is such a smart pup. He also has a brother who is a 1 year old Boston Terrier Bulldog mix, they get along so well. I can't imagine life without him. Him and his brother bring so much happiness to us. Mr. Gus Gus:)
5 years ago
Bailey Rey
9 Weeks
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
So far so good. She’s super smart and is learning quickly. She is very active and does attempt to nip a bit which we are working on. But I would agree that she enjoys a lot of activity. She is also very friendly and loves all people she’s met thus far.
4 years, 9 months ago
Juniper
11 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She is the sweetest dog I have ever had. Acutely tuned to my mood. She nuzzles me when I'm upset, loves on me whn I'm sad, and generally makes me smile. Anyone thinking of a family dog should consider a borador. Friendly and playful, wonderful with kids, truly ones best friend.
4 years, 8 months ago
Nova
1 Year
9+ People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Jogging
Fetch
Walking
swimming
Amazing dog!She does pee a lot though when she's nervous... But we have a 8 year old daughter to a 20 year old daughter and her husband and 1 year old and Nova does well with anyone! But she will get jealous of other dogs sometimes but is still good with them. :)
4 years, 1 month ago
Luna
1 Year
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Dog Parks
Walk
She loves to snuggle with me a lot. She is mostly black with a white chest. She is so affectionate and loves everyone she meets.
4 years, 1 month ago
Rocky & Maya
1 Year
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Run
We found our Rocky next to the road on our way to our holiday home when he was only 8weeks old! We absolutely fell in love with him & the breed. He is an old soul & looooves his cuddles! A year later we got Maya. Very happy, energetic & intelligent puppy! She loves playing fetch and learns so quickly! They both have the BEST personalities! We can’t keep them off the bed, just wants to cuddle & be by our side the whole time. I wish I knew about this breed earlier! Love the white chest & white toes!
4 years ago
Star
1 Year
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Boradors are the most amazing dogs with such a wonderful temperment, not a bad bone in her body. Very much a high energy dog, ours could probably go for a 20 mile walk and get home and still want to go for another walk. She goes bonkers after having a Walk or swim or getting wet, she flys around the house and garden. She can be distructive but we are now introducing tricks and other things to do with her. Sum a Borador up Wonderful, no day is the same when you own one.
3 years, 12 months ago
Toby
3 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Loves all dogs
Walk
Run
Extremely friendly.
Socialising
training
Toby is extremely high energy. He absolutely loves walks and meeting new dogs and people - he always goes towards them and is always wagging his tail. He is very nippy when he gets over excited and over tired but a quick time out in his cage and he calms right down and plays with his toys. Initially he didn't like being away from me and my partner in the slightest - even when toilet training he would need us to go outside with him but every day he is getting more and more confident and more and more independant. He is very quick to learn new tricks and pick up training - helps that he is food orientated and loves praise also. He is starting to get more of a foodie the older he gets but up until 3 months he only learnt when he was getting praise and not treats - it is now a 50/50 mix. Don't be worried if at first he doesn't eat all of his food. He will get more interested in food the older they get. I love the borador bread so much - you get the best of both worlds and will have a proper companion for the rest of their life which can be upwards of 15 years.
3 years, 9 months ago
Harley
3 Years
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My boy Harley is by far my favorite dog I've ever had. Literally the perfect dog. He's very friendly, protective, and loves snuggles.
3 years, 8 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - Other
Question

I have a borador dog can he get taller more than 25 inches if yes,then how and can he become a good gurad dog

Answer
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
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