The Golden Retriever border collie mix is one of the world’s cutest breeds. These pups are loving, intelligent, and energetic. They inherited the best qualities of both their parents.
The Border Collie Golden Retriever mix is also called Golden Collies. This mixed-breed dog can be found in shelters. So if you want to add one of these mixed-breed dogs to your home, that’s an excellent place to start.
The Golden Retriever Border Collie mix is devoted to its owners and will love you unconditionally. Keep in mind that they are not just a snuggle buddy. This dog is not meant to live in an apartment. Therefore, outdoor walks and exercise are essential.
Although this cute puppy has been around for a while, many people still know little about it. Luckily, this article will cover everything you need to know about this breed, to help you decide whether this dog is right for you!
Let’s dive in
Table of Contents
Golden Retriever Border Collie Mix History
The Golden Retriever border Collie mix is a relatively new designer breed of dog, and it was introduced to the market in the 1980s. However, it’s impossible to pinpoint the exact history of this mixed breed.
There is a lot of history behind the parent breeds. The Scotland Collies were first bred to be sheepdogs and used on farms as guard dogs. Legend has it that Queen Victoria loved the Collie too.
The Golden Retriever can also be attributed to Scottish history. Originally Goldens were used for hunting animals. The Golden Retriever is now one of the most popular dogs in the United States.
Although the Border Collie Golden Retriever mix is a popular designer breed, many end up in shelters. If you consider adding the Gollie into your home, contacting local shelters and rescue groups is worth contacting.
The Gollies Appearance
Just like any mixed-breed, no two Gollies will look exactly alike. Genetics also plays a role in your dog’s appearance. The Golden Retriever Border Collie mix is generally strong and sturdy with a straight back and fuzzy tail.
Other features aside, they look similar to their Golden Retriever parents with smaller ears. In most cases, their coat will be the same as that of their border collie parents.
Size, Height & Weight
A fully grown Golden Retriever Border Collie mix should be large, strong, and athletic. They can be anywhere from 19 to 24 inches in height and weigh between 45 and 75 pounds. Although they are usually smaller than their male counterparts, that isn’t always the case.
Coat & Color
The Golden Collie has extremely dense, medium-length wavy hair that allows them to adapt to many weather conditions. If you are looking for coat colors, your dog can take the color of one of its parents or have a combination of both parents’ colors.
The most common coat colors are:
- Golden
- Red
- Black
- White
- Brown
- Tan
- Yellow
Golden Retriever Border Collie Mix Temperament
It’s difficult to predict the personality and temperament of a Border Collie Golden Retriever mix, as it is with all mixed-breed dogs.
It would be best to meet Collie’s parents first to understand your potential pup’s temperament and personality traits.
Intelligent
Border collies and Golden Retrievers are both intelligent dogs. You can expect your dog to be as smart as them. The Golden Retriever Border Collie mix is easy to train because of its high intelligence. They can learn complex commands and tricks in just a few repetitions. Positive reinforcement techniques are key to unlocking your dog’s potential. Don’t yell or punish your dog.
Although they are friendly by nature, the Golden Retriever-border collie mix can be shy around new people and may become timid over time if they are not socialized properly from an early age. Socialize your puppy from the moment they arrive home. Let them interact with other dogs and people and get exposed to different situations.
Loyal
The Border Collie Golden Retriever mix is a friendly, loyal dog that makes great companions for single people and families with children.
Gollies are known for their strong bond with their family members and love to get involved in all the activities of their families. This mix can get along with strangers and adults, but they also love children and love to be the center of attention.
This people-oriented dog requires a lot of attention and affection to stay happy and content. They can become anxious about separation and even depressed. If your dog can’t spend more than six hours per day with you alone, then this may not be the best breed for you.
You have two options: either find a more independent breed or hire a dog sitter who will keep your dog company while you are away.
Energetic
The Golden and a collie are both energetic parents, so there is a high chance that your puppy will also be playful, energetic, and agile. The Golden Retriever Border Collie mix requires lots of energy, so he needs to get enough exercise every day.
The average collie Golden needs around 90 minutes of exercise per day. But some Gollies may require up to 180 minutes of activity to burn off their excess energy.
Along with daily walks, you can also go for a run, hike, or take your dog swimming. Dogs love to fetch and retrieve. This is why throwing a Frisbee, and a ball can be a great way to let your dog have fun while getting some exercise.
Guard Dog
You can expect your Gollie to be very alert and watchful, depending on how well it looks after its parent. Although your dog is alert and observant, you should not expect him to be a great guardian or watchdog.
Most Golden border Retrievers don’t do well as guard dogs. Instead, they will just lick the intruders senselessly and be too friendly. However, You can expect your Golden Border Retriever to bark if anything seems suspicious. They will also alert you if anyone is at the door.
Is the Golden Retriever Border Collie Mix Easy To Train?
The Golden Retriever Border Collie mix is extremely trainable, as it inherited intelligence from the Border Collie and Golden Retriever. This crossbreed is friendly and easy to train.
To help prevent future behavioral issues, you can begin training as soon as your puppy is born.
Agile dogs are great for agility rings. However, this mixed breed can do even more!
Because of their energy and high energy, they should be active as much as possible. Running, walking, hiking, and swimming are great ways to exercise your pet.
You can use puzzle toys to stimulate their minds. For Example, you can hide the treats, and the dog has to find out how to get them.
You can train The Golden Border Retriever to be a working or sporting dog. You can also train them to retrieve, herd, or perform other canine sports.
Border Collie And Golden Retriever Mix Health Problems
Although mixed-breed dogs tend to be healthier than purebreds, The Gollies can still inherit health problems that could affect Golden Retrievers or Border Collies.
These are the most common problems that this mixture can cause health issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Allergies
- Bloat
- Infections of the ear
You can avoid this problem by purchasing your Golden collie mix from a reputable breeder. Ask the breeder for the parents’ hip, elbow, and other results from any ophthalmologist exams.
Golden Retriever Border Collie mix is generally healthy with a life expectancy between 10 and 15 years. Before you bring your Gollies home, be ready for a long-term commitment as well as some vet bills.
What’s the Price of Golden Border Retriever Puppies?
You can purchase the Gollies puppies through a breeder for $300-800.
However, since both parent breeds are common, you’ll see more scammers selling these dogs than you will find in a breeder. It would be best if you were cautious about paying too much for a puppy, as this is often an indicator of a puppy mill.
It is best to meet the breeder personally before you buy a puppy. Golden Border Retriever puppies should have a lot of energy and be playful and confident.
These dogs may not be available at your local shelter. But it’s possible. Any animal you find is likely mixed with other dogs, so it’s not a good place to search if you want a pure mix.
It’s always worth checking with local rescue groups. It’s unlikely that you’ll find one that caters to Golden Border Retrievers only, but rescues for Border Collie and Golden Retrievers may be able to help.
Read more: golden retriever price
Final Thoughts
The Gollies are a playful, energetic companion. They are active dogs who love to spend time with their owners.
They require some exercise, so before you adopt one, make sure you are ready for the challenge. You shouldn’t be attached to your lawn, as they love to dig.
These dogs can change your life incredibly if you are willing to work hard. At the very least, You’ll get a little more exercise by filling out all the holes in your yard.
