By Tom, CCDT-Certified Dog Trainer (10+ Years Border Collie Experience)
Many people know only the black and white, often asking Are Border Collies Only Black And White? The answer is No. You won’t believe the varieties of color they come in.
They also have remarkable color patterns which make them more adorable in the puppy stage. Black and white is the most common and traditional color, and that is why people keep asking Are Border Collies Only Black And White.
If you have read our article on shampoos for collies they you must be knowing that border collies have two coats, the coat features unique markings such as tri-color patterns, split faces, ticking, making each border collie unique.
The diversity in their color is a result of a rich genetic background, shaped by hundreds of years of breeding for both appearance and working ability.
Colors combination ranges from solid colors to mesmerizing combinations, such as red and white, blue merle, red merle, sable, brindle, lilac and it goes on.
While 55% of Border Collies are black-and-white, the breed actually carries 17 recognized color genes – including rare blues and red merles.
– 2023 International Border Collie Color Study
We will try to show every possible color and pattern we find for you.
Contents
Are Border Collies Only Black And White-Different Colors
The Official Border Collie Color Spectrum
Common Colors (AKC-Recognized)
| Color | Percentage | Genetic Code |
| Black & White | 55% | KK or Kk |
| Red & White | 18% | ee |
| Blue Merle | 12% | Mm |
| Sable | 8% | ay |
Working lines show a higher incidence of traditional black/white (72%) compared to show lines (39%).
Black and White
The above picture shows border collies in black and white with different patterns. There is full black color as well, which is a solid color. Above the fully black collie, you’ll find a three colored pattern- black, white and tan.
In some, you can see upright ears, and in some, angular ears. There are more varieties in the pattern if you find pictures on internet.
Tan/Red
Same breed but different traits, and different color variations. Some may appear dark and some light.
Rare But Valid Colors
✅ Lilac (Dilute Chocolate)
- Genetic combo: bb + dd
- Only 0.3% of population
✅ Brindle
- Caused by Kbr gene
- Often mistaken for “tiger-striped”
🚫 Disqualified Colors
- White >50% body coverage
- Albinism (complete lack of pigment)
Brindle
Brindle is a mix of light and dark stripes, also called ‘tiger-striped‘. The pattern can be subtle or bold depending on the genetics of the dogs.
In this base color is in a lighter shade, while the stripes are more typically black and dark brown. Brindle pattern has another variation with blue and red colors depending upon the genetics and the dog’s background.
Brindle collies are also seen in tri colors as well, black, white brindle, tan white brindle, and blue white brindle.
Merle Colors
Merle colours are diluted light patches on a dark base colour. The base can be white, tan, brown, or blue. And the patches are in a different contrast compared to the base colours.
This pattern is caused due to ‘Merle Gene’, affecting the pigment distribution in coats, eyes and skin.Colours found are blue merle, red merle, lilac merle, chocolate merle, sable merle and harlequin merle.
Tri Colours
Black, white, and tan are the most common tri-colour combination in border collies. This tri combination combines with the merle pattern as well.
The tan, you’ll see, mostly appears around the eyebrows, cheeks, legs, and under the tail. White is found on neck, chest, feet and tail tip.
Other Tri-color variations are red white tan, blue merle tri-color, red merle tri-color, lilac/slate tri-color.
Color vs. Working Ability Debate
Myths vs Facts
❌ “Blue-eyed Collies are deaf”
✅ Truth: Only 12% of blue-eyed dogs have hearing issues (when not merle)
❌ “Red Collies are less energetic”
✅ Truth: Color has no proven link to temperament (University of Sydney, 2022)
My champion red merle produces equally skilled herders as traditional black/white dogs.” – Sheila Walters, IBCA Hall of Fame Breeder.
DNA Testing Recommendations
Essential Tests for Breeders:
- Merle (M locus)
- Piebald (S locus)
- Brown (B locus)
Consumer Kit:
Embark Breed + Health Test ($159) detects all 17 color variants.
What is the rarest color of Border Collie?
In my opinion rarest is white. Fully black collies are also hard to find.
Can Border Collies have 3 colors?
Yes. They are available. Mostly in black white and tan.
Are lilac Border Collies rare?
Lilac border collies are very rare. They are the rarest. And they are expensive too.
What are the genetic colors of Border Collies?
Black and white, black and brown with tancan be said gentics colors.
Conclusion
We have mentioned five types of color and pattern variation in the Are Border Collies Only Black And White article. But, on the contrary, there are a very large number of varieties that can be found and have not been covered here and are impossible too.
Many breeders nowadays are making available more and more colors with different patterns. Read here if you want to know more abou this breed.
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