Labradoodle Border Collie mix dogs are a hyrid breed that comes from Labrador Retriever, Poodle and Border Collie lines. With so much hard working, smart dog history behind them, it’s no surprise that this mixed breed is very intelligent. Clever, affectionate, loyal and full of energy, the Labradoodle Border Collie mix is a great pet for working homes that love positive dog training. They are natural herders, retrievers and amazing swimmers too. Today we’ll get to know the breed traits, personality and care requirements of a cute Labradoodle Border Collie mix puppy. And how to raise them to become a great family pet.
The Labradoodle Border Collie mix is a double hybrid that combines the Labradoodle mixed breed with a purebred Border Collie. Overall, this mix will be intelligent, eager to please, and very energetic. They will be happiest when they have a job to do. But, resulting puppies can be very different from one another, especially if breeders use a first generation Labradoodle.
Labradoodle Border Collie Mix History
Designer dogs and mixed breeds are a popular modern trend. Normally, they are the result of two purebred dogs mating. But, the Labradoodle Border Collie mix combines a purebred dog with a mixed breed dog. This is perhaps one of the newest mix breeds, so at the moment it is not very popular, and there is no documented origin. The best way to get a closer look at the history of this mix is to examine its parent breeds.
The Parent Breeds
There are two Labradoodle strains – the American and the Australian. The American strain simply mixed a purebred Labrador Retriever with a purebred Standard Poodle. But, the Australian Strain often also includes the purebred Cocker Spaniel.
As mixed breed dogs, Labradoodles can vary in appearance and temperament. They were originally bred by a man named Wally Conron, in an attempt to create a hypoallergenic, or low shedding guide dog. However, nowadays, they are more common as general family pets, having taken the world by storm. They are not recognised by the AKC.
In contrast, the Border Collie is a well-established American Kennel Club-registered purebred dog breed. This purebred dog has a long history as a working and herding dog, that can still be found working on farms today, as well as in family homes.
Labradoodle Border Collie Mix Appearance
Mixed breed dogs are notably quite varied in their appearance. This is because puppies can take after either parent. They might favour one completely, or be a perfect blend. So, you must make sure you’re happy with any possible outcome.
Size
Most mixed breeds fall somewhere in between the sizes of their parents. The difficulty with predicting the size of a Labradoodle Border Collie mix is that the Labradoodle parent breed can be quite varied.
Border Collies are usually medium sized dogs. They grow from 18 to 22 inches tall, weighing most often between 30 and 55 pounds. Labradoodles are often slightly larger than this. They are often 19 – 24 inches tall, weighing anywhere from 40 to 90 pounds.
The best way to predict how big your mix will be is to look at the two exact parent dogs being bred. Their puppies will often fall somewhere between those two sizes. And, as with the parents, females are often smaller than males.
Coat Type
The Border Collie can have one of two coat types – rough or smooth.
Rough coated Border Collies have a medium length, feathered coat. Smooth coated Border Collies have shorter, coarser coats. Both types are dense, weather-resistant, and double layered.
Labradoodles often have one of three types of coat – hair, fleece, and wool.
Hair coated Labradoodles are more like the Labrador, with straight, dense fur. Fleece coated Doodles are the perfect mix, with shaggy, loose curls. And, wool coated Labradoodles are more like the Poodle, with tightly curled fur.
So, there’s a lot of variety that can be passed down to a Border Collie Labradoodle mix.
Just like their size, take a look at the specific parents being bred to guess what sort of coat your puppy might inherit.
Coat Colors
Another area that lots of potential owners want to learn about is coat colors.
But, together the Border Collie and Labradoodle parent breeds cover pretty much every coat color possible on dogs.
So, your puppy could be any blend, including more unusual colors like parti, merle, and even brindle markings.
As with every other trait, take a look at the parent breeds. Some colors tend to be dominant over others, so reading up on dog color genetics can be great fun, and help you predict your pup’s colors.
Labradoodle Border Collie Mix Temperament
Both parent breeds in this mix come from a long and noble lineage of working dog breeds. So, they share some wonderful personality traits.
Your Labradoodle Border Collie mix will have lots of energy, and will be very intelligent. They tend to be happiest when they have a job to do, or regular activities to participate in.
However, if they take after their Border Collie parent, they may have natural herding instincts. This can include chasing small kids or other pets, and nipping at their heels to ‘herd’ them.
On top of this, Border Collies can be quite independent and stubborn. So, first time owners may feel a little overwhelmed if their Doodle Collie mix inherits these traits.
If socialized well, your mix will likely be friendly and affectionate. However, Poodles and Border Collies can be aloof with strangers.
So, if your Border Collie Labradoodle mix inherits these traits, they may be wary of strangers even with plenty of socialization.
Labradoodle Border Collie Mix Training
As we already know, both parent breeds in this mix come from working roots. This mix will be intelligent and often eager to please.
They are usually happiest when they have a job to do. In fact, Border Collies and Poodles are known to be two of the most intelligent breeds out there!
However, there’s a chance that your pup could be stubborn when learning new skills.
So, stick to positive reward methods to build a strong bond and reinforce training.
Keep training sessions consistent and engaging for the best results.
Labradoodle Border Collie Mix Exercise
Just like their high intelligence levels, both parent breeds have high energy needs. So, this mix will need plenty of exercise.
Your dog will likely enjoy dog sports such as agility, herding, retrieving, and more.
Training is also a great way to offer your pooch some exercise.
But, make sure your dog has at least an hour every day to really run and stretch their legs.
Labradoodle Border Collie Mix Health
As purebred dog breeding becomes increasingly focused on the breed standard, more purebred dog breeds are developing serious genetic health issues.
This has become a major motivation among concerned breeders for developing hybrid breeding programs.
However, it can take time to dilute the genes responsible for serious issues like joint malformation and heart problems.
Only conscientious pre-screening testing can prevent passing along heart-breaking health issues to Labradoodle Border Collie mix puppies.
And, owners should learn about potential health problems to ensure they can recognise any issues in their mix.
Labradoodle Health Issues
Labradoodles are prone to the same health issues that Labradors and Poodles are. These two breeds share some issues, making them potentially more likely.
The following issues could affect a Labradoodle mix:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Heart problems
- Exercise Induced Collapse
- Eye issues
- Centronuclear Myopathy
- Thyroid issues
- Sebaceous Adenitis
Border Collie Health Issues
Border Collies are prone to the following health problems:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Eye issues
- Heart problems
- Collie eye anomaly
- Congenital deafness
- Autoimmune Thyroiditis
- Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
- Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome
So, you can see that your Labradoodle Border Collie mix will have a higher risk factor for dysplasia, eye and cardiac issues and certain immune system problems.
Potential Lifespan
Labradoodles will often live well into their teens. The average from their parent breeds tends to lie between 12 and 17 years.
Border Collies tend to live, on average, between 12 and 15 years.
So, a Labradoodle Border Collie mix will usually reflect this average. If you choose a reputable breeder and offer your mix the best lifestyle possible, your dog will likely live well into their teens, too.
Labradoodle Border Collie Mix Grooming and Coat Care
As we’ve learnt, mixed breed dogs like this can inherit any blend of traits from their parents. So, their shedding levels and grooming requirements will depend entirely on this.
No matter what type of fur your dog inherits, they will need a lot of grooming.
Border Collies and some Labradoodle types will shed, especially during hotter seasons. Border Collies and some Doodles have double coats, so can shed that underlayer in summer.
If your mix inherits tighter curls in their fur, you will probably experience less shedding. But, you will still need to groom your mix, as any fur that does shed will get caught up in the curls.
This can cause painful knots and tangles.
If you have specific coat type needs, be sure to talk with the breeder about these before making a commitment to a puppy.
Are Labradoodle Border Collie Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog breed. Allergens are present in dog dander, saliva, and urine.
Some dogs will shed less, which can help to control the spread of these allergens. And, some coat types can catch shedding dander to control the spread.
The tight Poodle curls will do this. So, if your Labradoodle Border Collie mix inherits those typical Poodle curls, you may experience fewer allergy symptoms.
However, the best way to check if you are allergic to this mix is to spend some time with your chosen dog before bringing them home.
Labradoodle Border Collie Mix Puppies
As this is such a new mixed breed, you might struggle to find puppies at first.
However, designer dogs are increasingly common. And, both of the parent breeds in this mix are very popular.
So, you may find Labradoodle Border Collie mix puppies in the future. You can work with reputable breeders to get the healthiest puppy possible.
Make sure to avoid puppy mills and pet stores on your search for a puppy.
The price of puppies will usually depend on the quality of the parents, demand, and location.
But, you should expect to pay upwards of $1000, especially as these puppies increase in popularity.
Do You Have a Labradoodle Border Collie Mix?
The Labradoodle Border Collie mix dog is a high energy, playful, affectionate and intelligent canine companion.
If you lead an outdoor lifestyle and want a dog to stay by your side through that, this could be the perfect breed for you!
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References and Resources
- McEwing, A. ‘Frequently Asked Questions About the Breed’, Australian Labradoodle Association of America (2021)
- DeLay, R. ‘Should You Buy or Adopt a Border Collie?’, Border Collie Society (2021)
- Lubin, G. ‘These are the ‘Smartest’ Dog Breeds’, Science Alert (2018)
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC)
- Vredegoor, D. (et al), ‘Can F 1 Levels in Hair and Homes of Different Dog Breeds: Lack of Evidence to Describe Any Dog Breed as Hypoallergenic’, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2012)
- Hiby, E. (et al), ‘Dog Training Methods: Their Use, Effectiveness and Interaction with Behavior and Welfare’, Animal Welfare (2004)
- Howell, T. (et al), ‘Puppy Parties and Beyond: The Role of Early Age Socialization Practices on Adult Dog Behavior’, Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports (2015)