Golden retriever and border collie mix puppies are fluffy bundles of joy

The adorable, intelligent crossbreed you get when golden retrievers and border collies mate has a few different names. Regardless if they're called golden collies, gollies, or coltrievers, these good-natured, fluffy dogs make for great pets.

Golden retrievers (l.) and border collies (r.) make for cute, fluffy puppies.
Golden retrievers (l.) and border collies (r.) make for cute, fluffy puppies.  © Collage: 123RF/bucalexazvan/123RF/gbphoto21

Though many people refer to this breed as a golden collie or as a golden border retriever, these dogs' coats don't just come in gold.

Their fur comes in every color and mix from black, brown, and gold to red. But most of these hybrids, also known as coltrievers or gollies, tend to have some collie-like white spots or markings.

Most golden collies have long faces, floppy ears, and elongated snouts. They tend to have a friendly look, much like both their parent breeds.

Cat's brazen theft of porch groceries sparks hilarious chase!
Cats Cat's brazen theft of porch groceries sparks hilarious chase!

Still can't imagine this magical mixture of a dog? Check out the hashtags #goldencollie, #coltriever, and #goldenborderretriever on Instagram, and you'll be overwhelmed with pictures of adorable bundles of fluffy joy.

Instagram pics make it clear that this breed's looks can be varied. For example, Rider and Silas are both shaped like goldens but have jet black fur with collie-like markings, while Miso is a dark golden with white markings.

Border collie and golden retriever mixes on Instagram

Golden collies are super sweet

Golden collies are sweet dogs that love to play and hang out with their owners.
Golden collies are sweet dogs that love to play and hang out with their owners.  © Collage: Instagram/Screenshot/silasrockatansky/Instagram/Screenshot/rider.bw

Though their colors vary, this crossbreed is pretty much always fluffy. That's because both golden retrievers and border collies have double-layered coats.

This mix also tends to be very sweet. Experts say that the cross between these two hardworking breeds usually results in dogs that love to move and play.

Pooches such as these are happy-go-lucky, kind, eager to please, and intelligent. They make great family dogs and are happy to herd and hang with children of every age.

These loyal dogs love to go on adventures. They make great hiking buddies and steadfast family friends.

Cover photo: Collage: 123RF/bucalexazvan/123RF/gbphoto21

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