Brown Border Collie (Ultimate Breed Guide)

The Brown Border Collie is a purebred dog originating from the Anglo-Scottish border. Brown is a highly unique coat colour that sets these Border Collies apart from the typical Black and White Border Collie. Their beautiful yet rare coat colour as well as their alert, hardworking and intelligent nature makes them highly sought after, fetching high prices.

If you are interested in Brown Border Collies, keep reading this article to find out the answers to all your questions about this dog breed!

Cover Image Credit: Photo by Elina Volkova on Pexels

Can Border Collies Be Brown?

Yes, Border Collies can be brown however most Brown Border Collies are brown and white. They look a lot like the typical Black and White Border Collie but instead of solid black patches, they have solid brown patches. These patches can range from a rusty red brown colour to a dark chocolate colour. They have white markings on their chest, neck, legs as well as a white blaze marking on their face.

What Is A Brown Border Collie Called?

Brown Border Collies (genetically “b/b” Border Collies) are either called Chocolate Border Collies or Red Border Collies depending on where you live. Ones that have diluted brown coats are called Lilac Border Collies.

Terminology for brown coated Border Collies can be really confusing as it geographical. In the United States and Britain, they are referred to as “Red Border Collies” while in Australia and other countries they are called “Chocolate Border Collies”.

In this article we are talking about Border Collies that are genetically “b/b”.

Characteristics

Brown Border Collie Characteristics
Height	18 to 22 inches (45.7cm to 55.9cm).
Weight	30 and 55 pounds (13.6kg to 24.9kg).
Temperament	Lively, hardworking, intelligent.
Activity Levels	High.
Exercise Requirements	1 to 2 hours per day.
Lifespan	12 to 15 years.
Coat	Brown double coat.
Eyes	Brown, blue or green.
Shedding	Moderate to high.
Apartment Adaptability	Not suited to apartments.
Good with Children	Sometimes.

Are Brown Border Collies Rare?

Brown Border Collies are pretty rare. The gene that causes this coat colour is recessive so both parents need to carry at least one copy of the gene to pass it on to their offspring. The Border Collie puppies then need to inherit two copies of the gene to express a brown coat. They are “b/b”.

Coat Variations

Light Brown Border Collie

Light Brown Border Collies are called Lilac Border Collies. They have a diluted coat which appears to be a very pale or washed out brown colour. Lilac Border Collies carry two copies of the brown gene (b/b) and two copies of the dilute gene (d/d). This coat is quite rare as it requires two sets of recessive genes.

All Brown Border Collie

All Brown Border Collies exist but they are even rarer than Brown & White Border Collies. They feature a solid brown coat that often has reddish undertones. All Brown Border Collies have brown noses and often have green or hazel eyes.

Chocolate Border Collie

Chocolate Border Collies are the same as Brown Border Collies. Some breeders prefer to refer to this coat colour as “chocolate”. It is just a matter of personal preference.

Dark Brown Border Collie

Brown Border Collies have coats that can range in colour from light brown to dark brown. Ones that are called “Chocolate Border Collies” often feature a darker coloured coat.

The other possibility is that a Border Collie that appears to have a dark brown coat is actually a Seal Border Collie. Seal Border Collies have black coats that appear to be brown in sunlight.

Chocolate Tri Colour Border Collie

Chocolate Tri Colour Border Collies have a mainly brown coat with white and tan markings. The white markings are located on their chest, neck, legs and face while the tan points are on their eye brows, muzzle, ears, back and tail. They look a lot like Brown and White Border Collies but have additional tan points.

Price

Brown Border Collies are more expensive than the average Border Collie as the coat colour is quite rare. Most Brown Border Collies cost between $2000AUD and $4000AUD+ however some can be even more expensive.

Size

Brown Border Collies get to a height of 45cm to 55cm tall and weigh between 13kg and 25kg when fully grown.

Temperament

Brown Border Collies are a high energy, intelligent and extremely hard working dog. For these reasons, Border Collies do very well in physically and mentally challenging environments such as farms where they can herd livestock and run around a lot.

Brown Border Collies require a lot more exercise per day than other breeds. If you can’t provide them with lots of play and exercise, they may become destructive out of boredom. Border Collies are also very intelligent so they pick up tricks very quickly and are quite easy to train. They should be socialized from a very young age, especially around young children otherwise they may be inclined to herd them.

Lifespan

Brown Border Collies have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. There are many factors that affect the lifespan of a Border Collie including size, gender and whether they are desexed or intact. These variables mean they can have shorter or longer lifespans than the average.

You can give a Border Collie the best chance of living a long life by giving them plenty of daily exercise, feeding them healthy food and keeping on top of vet appointments.

Shedding

Brown Border Collies shed a moderate amount throughout the year and heavily twice a year during seasonal shedding when they lose their undercoat. Their coats consist of the outer layer of ‘guard hairs’ which are what give Border Collies their colour while their undercoat is white and very dense. The heavy shedding lasts for 2 to 3 weeks during spring and autumn when they lose their undercoat. They are not hypoallergenic as they produce a moderate amount of dander which irritates allergy sufferers.

Brown Border Collie Name Ideas

Brown Male Border Collie Names	Brown Female Border Collie Names
Charlie	Millie
Teddy	Pepper
Scooby	Cinnamon
Bear	Penny
Bruno	Maple
Yogi	Bambi
Reece	Marley
Dusty	Chai
Russell	Amber
Milo	Willow