Lab Rough Collie Mix: Everything You Need to Know

The Lab Rough Collie Mix is a unique and lovable breed that combines the friendly nature of a Labrador Retriever with the intelligence and loyalty of a Rough Collie. They're a cross between two popular breeds, making them a great choice for families and first-time dog owners.

Their medium to large size, typically weighing between 50-80 pounds, makes them a great companion for active families. They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, but they're not high-maintenance in terms of grooming.

One of the best things about the Lab Rough Collie Mix is their intelligence - they're highly trainable and love to please their owners. With consistent training and positive reinforcement, they can learn a wide range of commands and behaviors.

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Borador dogs are known for their loyalty, inherited from their Labrador parent, which can make them devoted companions.

They tend to be energetic and love to hike and swim, especially if you're with them.

Most Borador dogs will be between 40 and 60 pounds, with females usually smaller than males.

Their coat color can vary, but they often take on the distinct dual or tri-coloring of the Border Collie, or a beautiful black coat with a bi-color pattern.

You can't predict what a Borador puppy will look like until it's born, and even as it grows, its appearance may change to look more like one parent than the other.

The Borador is not a purebred dog and is not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club, but it is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club and the Dog Registry of America.

Borador dogs can live for 10 to 15 years, thanks to the longevity of both breed parents.

Consider reading: Smooth Haired Collie

Lab Collie mix dogs tend to be friendly, attentive, loving, and relatively easy to train, especially since they have the Labrador’s need to please.

Both Labradors and Border Collies are dogs with high levels of intelligence, so a Borador is likely to become bored and disruptive if not properly entertained.

Training can go a long way to help with this, and studies show that positive reinforcement or reward-based training are best for your dog.

It's essential to begin obedience training early in the puppy years, as this hybrid dog has two very trainable and smart parents.

This highly-disciplined crossbreed dog has a good work attitude and memory, making it easy to train.

Early socialization is also crucial, ideally beginning when your puppy is between 3 and 14 weeks of age, to help them become a healthy, happy, outgoing dog.

Proper training and socialization will help control your Borador's energy and familiarize them with different types of situations, people, and surroundings.

Rewarding good behavior and adhering to a proper training regime will help your Borador puppy fit in and behave.

With the right training, a Borador can become a versatile and adaptable dog, suitable for both working and family roles.

The Lab Rough Collie mix is a wonderful companion, but like all breeds, it's not immune to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia is a common problem that can cause mobility issues and arthritis as the dog ages.

Suggestion: Rough Collie Health Issues

Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent obesity, which is a major risk factor for many health problems. I've seen firsthand how a Lab Rough Collie mix can become overweight if not properly cared for.

Here are some health concerns to be aware of:

As you're considering bringing home a Borador, it's essential to be aware of the potential health risks associated with this breed.

Hip dysplasia is a common concern, so make sure to research reputable breeders who have had their dogs tested for this condition.

Arthritis can affect Boradors as they age, so it's crucial to provide regular exercise and a balanced diet to help maintain their joint health.

Some Boradors may be prone to osteochondritis, a condition that affects the joints and can lead to arthritis.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a genetic eye disorder that can cause vision loss in Boradors, so regular eye exams are vital.

For more insights, see: Pembroke Welsh Corgi Health Issues

Cancer is a risk for Boradors, as it is for many breeds, so be sure to stay on top of regular check-ups and screenings.

Obesity is a common health risk for many breeds, including Boradors, so be mindful of their diet and exercise levels.

Epilepsy and seizures can affect Boradors, so be aware of the signs and symptoms, such as sudden changes in behavior or seizures.

Some Boradors may be born with Collie eye anomaly, a genetic eye disorder that can cause vision problems.

Primary lens luxation is another potential eye issue that can affect Boradors, so keep an eye out for signs of eye problems.

Here are some of the health concerns you should be aware of when considering a Borador:

Feeding your dog is an essential part of their overall health and care. They should be fed as a medium to large-sized dog with a recommended type of specially-formulated dry food.

It's best to ask your vet if they need extra mineral and vitamins, as they can be fussy eaters.

Overfeeding can lead to weight gain, which puts pressure on their hips.

Living with a Lab Rough Collie mix requires a commitment to regular exercise, especially if you have a yard. Most days, one walk a day is sufficient, but you can also engage in a rousing game of tug-of-war or fetch.

As a dog owner, you need to consider the weather when exercising your dog. Dogs can overheat faster than humans, so it's essential to avoid walking them midday during hot months, especially on pavement.

You can also try playing with your dog indoors on rainy days or when you're not up to a walk. A dog park is another alternative for those days when you're feeling less active.

For high-energy dogs, consider nosework training or involvement in agility or herding competitions. This can help burn off excess energy and keep your dog engaged.

Puppies require more exercise than adult dogs, so you'll need to plan for two walks per day, usually one in the morning and one in the late afternoon. This will help prevent boredom and destruction when you're away.

Broaden your view: Do Border Collies Need to Be Groomed

Labradors, being a part of the mix, are known for their loyalty and longevity, with 10 to 15 years of lingering puppy love. However, they do require a fair amount of exercise, especially hiking and swimming.

A mix of hard and softer ground is recommended for exercise, especially for puppies, until they are at least 2 years old. This will help protect their delicate paws from hard ground.

On a similar theme: How Much Exercise Do Border Collies Need

Grooming your Lab Rough Collie mix is crucial to keep them looking and feeling their best. Both parent breeds are known to shed heavily, especially during hotter seasons.

You can expect to find lots of fur around your home, so be prepared to clean up regularly. Daily brushings are a must to keep their coat in healthy condition.

Use a bristle or pin brush to groom your dog once or twice a week, and a slicker brush to remove any mats that form. This will especially help if your dog spends a lot of time exercising outdoors.

In addition to regular brushing, you may need to groom more frequently during the heaviest shedding periods. You can also expect your dog to shed more heavily twice a year.

On a similar theme: Do Border Collies Malt

A Lab Rough Collie mix is likely to live around 13 years, which is a good 6 months longer than the average Labrador Retriever.

The lifespan of a Lab Rough Collie mix is influenced by the average lifespan of its parent breeds, with Border Collies living up to 13.5 years and Labradors up to 12.5 years.

Working with a breeder isn't your only option, as many rescues and animal shelters have these dogs waiting for a loving home.

A Border Collie Lab mix can live around 13 years, which is a good 1-2 years longer than their purebred counterparts.

Generally, mixed breed dogs tend to live a little longer than their purebred counterparts.

The average lifespan of a Border Collie is 13.5 years old, which is a great age for a dog.

The average lifespan of a Labrador Retriever is 12.5 years old, which is still a respectable age for a dog.

For your interest: Life Expectancy of a Corgi Dog

You can adopt a Lab Border Collie mix from a rescue or animal shelter, which is a great way to give a loving home to a dog in need. Some rescues specialize in placing designer dogs.

Being a rescue parent can be a wonderful and rewarding experience, especially since you'll know the dog's health history.

Owning a Shollie can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to consider the pros and cons before bringing one home.

They're incredibly affectionate and look adorable, especially as puppies. Their cute factor is undeniable.

Shollies are fiercely loyal to their owners and families, making them great companions. They'll follow you around just to be with you.

Their intelligence is impressive, and they're easy to train and groom. They're also not yappy dogs, which is a bonus for many owners.

Shollies are very active and energetic, but they also love their naps. They're sociable and gentle, making them great with children and other dogs when trained.

However, they can be stubborn at times, refusing to give you the ball even if they've fetched it. They may get unsettled if not occupied, leading to potential naughty behavior.

Leaving them alone for extended periods can result in destructive behavior, such as biting and chewing things. They're not suited to living in small spaces and should be provided with enough room to run around.

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It's also essential to remember that Shollies are strong and may jump during play, so they shouldn't be left alone with small children. They can shed hair, but not excessively.

As for their eating habits, Shollies can be fussy eaters, but they'll devour their favorite foods if given the chance. This can lead to weight gain, which is not ideal for their hips.