Golden Retrievers and Border Collies are two top-tier dog breeds that are popular in the canine community and adored by pet lovers across the globe.
So, it just makes sense to mix them. Lo and behold, we have the Golden Retriever Border Collie mix, a fantastic mixed breed dog from two amazing and well-loved parent breeds.
Also known as Golden Collie, Golden Border Collie, Golden Border Retriever, Gollie, or Coltriever, the Border Collie Golden Retriever mix is a cross between a purebred Golden Retriever and a purebred Border Collie.
Just like other energetic large breed dogs, raising this designer dog breed comes with its own pros and cons. And since a dog is a lifelong commitment, it’s essential that you must know all of these things to ensure that this adorable dog is compatible with your lifestyle and living conditions.
While we can’t question the Golden Collie’s reputation as a loyal canine companion, we should also consider that this highly active and intelligent dog requires regular mental and physical stimulation.
And given their size, it goes without saying that this huge dog may not be suitable for apartment living. Just like other big active dogs, it’s best if you can provide a huge living space for your Golden Collie with a fenced backyard.
Moreover, Golden Border Retrievers also shed a lot, they are prone to separation anxiety, and they are not big barkers, which makes them not suitable as guard dogs.
On the other hand, Border Collie Golden Retriever mixes can be excellent first dogs since they are sociable and eager to please. They don't seem to be aggressive or have many other problems that would make having a dog difficult.
History and Origin: Golden Border Retriever
Despite its pedigree heritage and enormous popularity, we are still somehow lost when it comes to the Golden Collie’s history. And we can attribute this to the fact that no breeders have come forward to claim responsibility for crossing the two popular parent breeds.
However, while there is no way to be certain, it appears likely that deliberate breeding began within the last ten years or so. And even if it’s a relatively recent hybrid, the Border Collie Golden Retriever cross is already recognized by a number of breed registries.
These are the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Dog Registry of America (DRA), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR), and Designer Breed Registry (DBR).
As with all mixed breed dogs, the key to understanding the Gollies better is by learning the physical characteristics and temperaments of the parent breeds. And in their case, it’s a good thing that their purebred parents have long been well-known and famous around the world.
The Energetic and Intelligent Border Collie
Today, Border Collies are said to be the best and smartest herding dogs, and we can give credit to such an exceptional reputation, to their roots.
The Romans brought their sheepherding dogs with them when they successfully conquered Britain centuries ago.
And just like the Romans, the Vikings also imported their own livestock herder when they attempted to raid what is now known as the United Kingdom.
Over time, the working canine of all working canines, the Border Collie, was created through the crossbreeding of the Romans' stout herding dogs and the Vikings' Spitz-like herders.
The Border Collie's piercing look, known as “the eye,” along with their crouched stalk and bursts of speed make them exceptional herding dogs. Needless to say, they are attentive to the slightest movements made by their owner or handler.
Moreover, Border Collies aren't the kind of dogs who would spend the day curled up on the couch with their owner. Due to their high energy levels, they would benefit greatly from extensive mental and physical stimulation.
The Loyal and Affectionate Golden Retriever
The Scottish dog breeder Dudley Marjoribanks is to be credited with creating the Golden Retriever.
Marjoribanks set out to develop an unflappable gundog in the middle of the 1800s. He did this by crossing the yellow Retriever with the now extinct Tweed Water Spaniel. Irish Setter and Bloodhound genes were also incorporated into the mix.
Marjoribanks and his successors were eventually able to perfect the current Golden Retriever through meticulous breeding.
Goldens are still excellent working dogs for waterfowl hunters, but they also make wonderful home companions. They enjoy being in the water and working hard, but they adore their pack the most.
Despite being approved by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as early as 1925, Golden Retrievers only really became well-known in the 1970s.
Like Labradors and Flat-Coated Retrievers, Golden Retrievers are popular with families for a reason. They instinctively form bonds with people and other animals and are very affectionate and loyal dogs.
Physical Appearance of a Golden Retriever Border Collie Mix
No two Gollies are precisely the same, as with any mixed breed dog, and your dog's look will depend on heredity. However, you can expect your Golden Retriever Border Collie cross to have a solid body, a straight back, and a shaggy tail.
This cross will have a rather dense, double-layered coat, just like its parent breeds. Others may have the wavy and silky coat of the Golden Retriever, while others may get the rough and corded coat of the Border Collie.
The Border Golden Retriever comes in a variety of colors, including red, black, black and white, yellow or golden, light or dark brown, and chocolate. On their faces and chests, the majority of them have marks. Also, most of them have markings on their chest and face.
This mix sheds its coats frequently as a result of both parents' DNA. Even if the seasons don't change, they will continue to shed. However, shedding can be decreased if proper grooming techniques are used regularly.
Mixed Border Collies and Golden Retrievers should be robust, strong, and athletic when fully matured. As mentioned earlier, they typically range in height from 18 to 24 inches and weigh between 45 and 70 pounds. And while it's not always the case, females often have smaller body sizes than males.
Grooming
Golden Borders are relatively high-maintenance in terms of upkeep, and they are not hypoallergenic. So, if you are a first-time dog owner, you're not comfortable grooming your furry buddy most of the time, and you are allergic to dust and dander, then, this is not the breed for you.
You will need to brush your Gollie mix three times a week to keep up with all of that loose hair and get rid of dirt and dander. Depending on how much dog hair is scattered all over your home during the shedding season, you should brush him or her every day or every other day.
You should only bathe your Gollie when necessary, or around every several months. Avoid giving your dog frequent showers because they will dry out and irritate their skin. Also, choose a shampoo made specifically for dogs.
Additionally, since they are more susceptible to ear infections than many other breeds, it is crucial to clean their ears about once a week. And if they've been in the water, make sure to dry them off.
The remainder of your mixed breed's grooming should be simple maintenance, including nail trimming, and tooth brushing. To give your mixed breed dog time to become used to this habit, you should brush his teeth every day and start this daily routine while he is young.
It should come as no surprise that this offshoot breed should be brilliant as Border Collies and Golden Retrievers are both at the top of the class in terms of canine intellect.
Like their parents, Golden Border Collies are vivacious and outgoing. They are courageous and suitable for both dynamic families and energetic singles.
These canines are capable of learning any skill you wish to teach them, and they are eager to learn. They have a remarkable capacity for pleasing others and can complete even the most challenging tasks quickly.
They are also utter sweethearts. Although they could be a bit shy among strangers, they love everyone and everything.
That's why it's crucial to socialize them while they are young. Although a poorly socialized Golden Border Retriever would not necessarily turn aggressive, it might instead become an utterly scared wallflower.
And if you can help them develop a sense of self-assurance with unfamiliar people and circumstances, they'll spend their entire lives making friends.
Common Health Issues of Golden Border Collie Puppies
Although mixed-breed canines are typically healthy dogs and have way better health than their purebred counterparts, the Gollie can still inherit some of the same health issues as Golden Retrievers and Border Collies.
However, there are instances where the puppies are healthy even while one of the parents has a medical condition. The best way to determine whether a crossbreed dog is free from a serious ailment is to look up its lineage.
Below are just some of the health issues that may come up sooner or later, if you decide to buy, adopt, or rescue a Golden Retriever Border Collie mix pup:
Your Golden Border Retriever can have an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 with the right care, along with a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Also, since your pup is susceptible to several health problems, it’s best to have him checked regularly. Your vet can monitor his health and provide veterinary advice to ensure that your pup lives a long and happy life.
How to Care for a Border Collie Golden Retriever Mix
Exercise & Living Conditions
A Border Collie Golden Retriever is a highly energetic dog. So, if you are fond of staying at home and binging on Netflix, this dog might not be for you.
For a Golden Collie to live a happy and healthy life, he needs an average of 90 minutes of exercise per day. These lively dogs can work out on their own even if you aren't watching. Set aside a space in your house for them to play. They are aware of their boundaries, so once they become fatigued, they will eventually quit exercising.
Don't overlook their mental health either. These intelligent puppies appreciate a challenge. These dogs love engaging in exercises like obedience training, agility training, and puzzles.
They'll play fetch all day, so taking them to a park and throwing a tennis ball for an hour or so is a fantastic way to connect. They are comfortable near water, so spending the day at the beach or paddling in the pool should tire them out in a low-impact way.
Aside from having a lot of pent up energy that needs to be exhausted, Golden Retriever Border Collie mixes are also relatively large canines. This implies that they may struggle to live in apartments or other compact settings.
These dogs require adequate room to run around and play frequently in order to be at their happiest and healthiest. If they have a small portion of outside space to call their own, they will thrive.
In general, Golden Border Retrievers get along with other dogs, provided they've been properly socialized. However, compared to some other breeds, they're less likely to play with another dog because they prefer to play fetch or spend time alone with their favorite human.
It's crucial to teach them to leave smaller pets alone because they have mild prey drives. It's simpler to do this if you start when they are young. Thus, it will be simpler to introduce a Golden Border Retriever puppy into a home with cats than the opposite.
Additionally, they have strong herding instincts, so they could try to push your cat or other small pet a little bit even if they won't chase or fight it. So, before your cat tries to cut off the dog's nose, you should find a way to stop this habit.
Diet & Nutrition
The amount of food an individual dog consumes and its nutritional needs will differ from one another. Their size, age, daily activities, and state of health should all be taken into consideration.
When determining how much to feed your pet, it's often better to stick to calories. A Golden Retriever needs 989 to 1,272 calories per day, while a Border Collie typically needs 700 to 1,000. So, anywhere between those ranges can apply to their mixed-breed offspring.
These dogs are capable of running continuously if necessary; in fact, their parent breeds were created to do so.
You must therefore make sure they have access to a sufficient supply of high-quality fuel. Typically, this refers to a kibble that has a lot of protein, preferably from a range of lean meats.
Protein burns more slowly than carbohydrates do, giving your dog more energy to be active all day. Protein is also less likely to cause belly fat if you can't offer them the necessary amount of activity.
Cheap fillers like corn, wheat, and soy are the main ingredients in kibbles to be on the lookout for. These ingredients are filled with a lot of empty calories and may give some dogs stomach problems. Instead, seek out premium fruits and vegetables, the same ones you would consume yourself if you were trying to lose weight.
However, just because they require a lot of fuel does not imply you should pack them to the brim. Don't free-feed them because obesity can lead to a variety of issues in these dogs; instead, give them a few cups of kibble every morning and evening.
Training of Golden Border Retriever Puppies
Given that it inherited the intellect of both the Border Collie and Golden Retriever, this crossbreed is exceptionally trainable.
In addition to being laid-back and submissive, it is also a people-pleaser. So, you can expect that your training sessions would be painless and straightforward.
You can begin training your dog at a young age to make them better house pets and prevent the emergence of behavioral problems. Once trained, they will be familiar with your household routines.
Make sure they are comfortable using their own “restroom” so they will know where to relieve themselves. Also, once they are trained, you can let them inside without worrying about them ruining your belongings.
Positive reinforcement works effectively with these clever dogs, and punishment is more likely to backfire.
Be cautious while giving out treats, though. Oftentimes, praise and affection suffice as rewards. If you give these dogs a cookie every time they behave well, you can easily overfeed them.
Buyer’s Guide
What to Look For
Reputable breeders test the genetic conditions common to each breed in the dogs they use for breeding.
They will present medical records as evidence that the Border Collie and Golden Retriever parents were healthy prior to mating. To show that they care about their dog's health, they'll also advise you to have a veterinarian examine your puppy before taking it home.
It is advised that you visit the dog's family and check their surroundings before making a decision. Determine whether the puppies were born and nurtured in a clean environment.
Adopting is a terrific choice if you already feel comfortable with the thought of this crossbreed living with you. Adopting a dog or puppy not only saves money but also gives a furry angel a second shot at finding a home and a family.
Price of a Golden Border Retriever Puppy
When determining a puppy's price, numerous factors are taken into account. Most of the time, the cost is influenced by the quality of the dog's coat.
Additionally, rates vary between genders. Due to the fact that females can bear children, female puppies are typically more expensive than male ones.
Future breeding can be done with a female dog. Having said all of these things, plus a Golden Border Retriever puppy is also a popular choice among crossbreeds, you can expect to spend anywhere between $750 to $1500 to get this dog home.
Conclusion
The Golden Border Retriever is difficult to beat if you're looking for a fun, high-energy pet. These canines are incredibly energetic and adore spending time with their owners.
However, they need a ton of activity, so be sure you’re up to the challenge before adopting one. Additionally, they enjoy digging, so it's ideal if you're not overly connected to your lawn.
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He is a seasoned writer who has more than 10 years of experience in creating engaging and optimized content for various platforms and audiences. He has worked on diverse projects ranging from articles, social media posts, newsletters and ebooks, covering different topics and niches.
