Appearance of the Borador
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| Hybrid dogs, such as Boradors, often resemble one parent more than the other, and in a litter of Borador puppies, you'd expect to find one or two at either end of the Labrador Retriever - Border Collie spectrum. However, most puppies tend to fall somewhere in between, Borador and generally looking like very large Border Collies, as the Collie's coat color and markings tend to overwhelm the Labrador Retriever's solid coloration. The head is fairly broad, as is the muzzle, and the jaw is strong. Like the Border Collie, the Borador has intelligent, expressive eyes that are generally brown, although they can be quite light in some dogs, especially those with merle-colored markings. The coat is short, reasonably coarse and generally very glossy. The range of markings and colors includes the following (with the possibility of white markings in the black, brown and beige varieties): black, brown, bronze, blue merle, chocolate merle, red merle. The neck and back are strong and broad, and the limbs are well-proportioned and muscular with a solid bone structure. Most Boradors have the webbed feet of the Labrador Retriever and can be great swimmers if the opportunity arises. The tail is reminiscent of the Labrador Retriever, extremely thick at the base and tapering gradually. On average, they weigh between 18 and 26 kg and measure between 50 and 57 cm, although these ranges should only be taken as a rough guide, as a very small value. Collie and very large Labrador Retrievers abound, and size combinations in individual matings can vary. |
Temperament of the Borador
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| These dogs are capable of a wide variety of moods, behaviors and emotions, and can easily adapt to changing circumstances and the demands of their owners. Although they tend to be clumsy, excitable and impulsive as puppies, Boradors grow into adults who can be found at different times of the day, lying on a sofa with the kids, closely following every move in the kitchen for a treat, chasing the mailman down the aisle or listening intently to a conversation to get a feel for what's coming up. This is a dog for the whole family, as devoted to the youngest child as to the adults at home, having something different to offer everyone. They are incredibly friendly with children and other pets, although some retain the herding Collie instinct and are inclined to keep them nipping at their ankles. Although this should not be interpreted as aggression, it is necessary to eradicate it for fear of causing injury. Most Boradors are relentless watchdogs and will prove quite capable of barking and behaving to deter strangers. However, they are very rarely aggressive and quickly get up to speed once introduced. |
Needs and activities of the Borador
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| The Border Collie and Labrador Retriever are very athletic and energetic animals, and require a lot of exercise. Although the mix is not as hyperactive as the purebred Border Collie, they generally remain happiest and healthiest when they have at least two hours of vigorous activity and mental stimulation a day. In addition to brisk walks or jogs, this dog may also be able to devote considerable energy to alternative activities, such as swimming, competitive Frisbee, agility training and herding. Although these dogs can adapt to an apartment if given enough activity, they are generally better suited to larger homes with room to run around. |
Maintenance of the Borador
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| The Borador is a fairly easy-care hybrid. Bathing is not a frequent requirement for this dog, as it tends to have a faint dog odor, but some Labrador Retrievers and their offspring have a penchant for playing in mud and rolling in smelly things, requiring more frequent bathing. Border Collies shed moderately, but Labrador Retrievers shed remarkably well for short-furred dogs, especially at the change of season. This crossbreed generally requires thorough brushing several times a week to remove hair and redistribute the animal's natural oils, as well as daily brushing when the seasons change. Fortunately, for sufferers of mild dandruff allergies, this dog's coat is relatively dandruff-free and therefore cannot trigger the typical histamine response. |
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