Would a Lab Border Collie Cross be difficult to groom? ?

Question

I'm looking to adopt a lab border collie cross from a local shelter and i know it will shed sometimes but i'm wondering how often i would have to brush it and whatnot. I'm also wondering what kind of things i would have to buy for it? The one i'm looking at already has its shots and worming. It is also spayed/neutered. I'm also wondering how easy it is to train them?

Answer 1

I like the look of a border collie. They are so cute.

Answer 2

No, a Lab/Border Collie mix would not be difficult to groom. You can take him to the groomer once a month for a Furminator treatment if you are concerned about shedding. The Furminator treatment will remove all of the excess hair and nearly if not completely eliminate shedding.

As for what to buy, lots of puzzle toys. Labs and Border Collies are very active dogs. They need lots of mental and physical stimulation everyday to stay healthy. Border Collies are the number 1 smartest breed, and labs are in the top 10. Bordom in dogs leads to behavior problems. So you need to decide if you are capable of keeping up with the dog's needs. Being that they are so smart, they are fairly easy to train, but also kinda difficult depending on the personality of your particular dog. Seeing as how this is a shelter dog, you may find yourself dealing with some unexpected behavior issues, unless you are lucky. Most shelter dogs have issues because most shelters do not have the budget to hire trainers or to stimulate the dogs properly. Also, you won't know the history of the dogs life. There could have been some traumatic events that took place prior to you owning the dog that has affected his behavior.

If the dog decides you are not a good leader, then he will train you and it will be difficult to train him effectively. However, the reverse is true as well. If he sees you as a good leader, then he will be very trainable! I've seen border collies and labs do some amazing things!

It will be a fun and challenging ride for you owning a Lab/Border Collie mix. Enjoy it!  

Answer 3

Depends - Rough coat, or smooth coat?

Smooth coats are easy. Rough coats, are a bit more involved, but they're no way near as bad as, say, a 'Sibe's coat.

For a rough coat, I'd recommend a de-shedding rake, such as the Furminator - Use it at least weekly. For smooth coats, a simple grooming brush will do nicely, but it probably won't get much use.

This is going to be a smart, active, energetic dog. You're really going to want to have a means for tapping and draining that energy - balls, and other chase toys, are a good idea. Also, get a crate, and train the dog to the crate. Feed the dog in the crate, and train him (her?) to go into the crate to chill out when over stimulated. Put towels over the crate to make it more den-like. The crate should be a place of refuge for the dog, not a punishment. For instance, any time things get too crazy in my house, my BC/x ducks into her crate to get away from it.

This should be a dog that's fairly outgoing, though shelter dogs are often fairly traumitized, and may take a month or so to show their full personality - I know mine did! Be patient, and don't be surprised at apparent overnight changes - It's just your dog unfolding all the petals of his personality.

This should be a dog that trains fairly easily, and will likely take exercise as its own reward. It'll likely be bouncy and exuberent. Be aware that this is going to be a dog that's going to need mostly positive training methods.

Answer 4

well labs shed, a lot, and border collies shed a lot too. you would brush it at atleast 3 or 4 times a week if you want the coat nice and clean. you should get tennis balls, a nyla bone from petsmart or petco to chew (my dogs love it) its very easy to train them.