Behind the Rare Beauty of Lilac Border Collies: A Dog Lover‘s Guide
As a dog lover and veterinarian, I‘ve always been fascinated by the incredible diversity of coat colors and patterns that exist within each breed. And when it comes to the iconic Border Collie, there‘s one rare shade that never fails to take my breath away – lilac.
Lilac Border Collies have a stunning silvery-purple coat that seems to shimmer in the sunlight. It‘s an unusual color that many people have never seen in person. In fact, when I first laid eyes on a lilac Border Collie, I thought it was a mixed breed! But after doing some research, I discovered the unique genetic story behind these pinkish-grey pups.
The Genetics of Lilac
So what exactly causes a Border Collie to be born with a lilac coat? It all comes down to two recessive genes that affect the pigment melanin.
The first is the dilute gene (also called the d allele) on what‘s known as the D locus. This gene causes black pigment to be lightened to a grey-blue shade, as seen in Blue Dobermans, Weimaraners, and blue French Bulldogs. It essentially "dilutes" the normal dark eumelanin.
The second key gene for lilac is the b allele on the B locus. This recessive gene turns all black pigment to brown or chocolate. It‘s what causes the brown in chocolate Labs and liver German Shorthaired Pointers for example.
To get a lilac Border Collie puppy, both parents must carry the recessive d and b alleles to pass down to their offspring. Even then, each puppy has only a 25% chance of inheriting both and expressing the lilac color. Here‘s how the inheritance looks:
Parent 1: Bbdd
Parent 2: Bbdd
Puppy possibilities:
- 25% BB__ (black)
- 50% Bb__ (black carrying chocolate)
- 25% bbdd (lilac)So a litter of puppies may have only one or two lilacs, if any! Compare that to the much more common black and white color pattern, where a litter of two tri-color parents (black/white/tan) will produce 100% black and white puppies.
This rare dilute combo is also called "Isabella" in some breeds like Doberman Pinschers and Dachshunds. Interestingly, Weimaraners are always born with the dd dilute gene, making their default color a silvery taupe, but they don‘t have the liver gene so it presents as more of a grey.
It‘s important to note that in certain breeds, the dilute genes (blue and Isabella) have been linked to skin issues like color dilution alopecia which causes hair loss and flaky skin. However, this condition is very rarely seen in Border Collies. Any breeder producing lilac Border Collies should still have their breeding dogs thoroughly tested and evaluated for health to avoid passing on genetic diseases.
History of Lilac Border Collies
The first recorded breeding of a "lilac" Border Collie was in the 1940s by a well-known breeder named James Gardner. He bred a black and tan dog to a "lilac and tan" bitch which produced a litter of four lilac puppies. However, the color was very controversial at the time, with many purists arguing that anything other than the classic black and white was not a "true" Border Collie.
As a result, lilacs remained extremely rare for many decades. It wasn‘t until the 1970s-80s that a few breeders in the UK and US started selectively breeding for the unusual color. One of the earliest lilac Border Collie champions was Emblem of Pinewood, born in 1985. He became a successful stud dog, siring many litters of lilac and dilute puppies.
Still, even today lilac remains the rarest of all Border Collie colors. Let‘s take a look at the statistics:
| Color | % of Border Collies |
|---|---|
| Black & White | 45% |
| Red & White | 15% |
| Blue Merle | 12% |
| Chocolate/Red Tri | 10% |
| Sable | 6% |
| Blue & White | 6% |
| Lilac | >1% |
*Based on data from the Border Collie Society of America
As you can see, lilac makes up less than 1% of all Border Collies registered! Compare that to 45% for the classic black and white. Even "rare" colors like sable and slate merle are far more common than lilac.
This rarity often comes with a high price tag for lilac Border Collie puppies. While a black and white puppy from a reputable breeder typically costs around $1000-$1500, lilacs can go for $2500-$3500 or more. Waiting lists are common as demand outpaces supply.
Grooming a Lilac Coat
One question many prospective lilac owners have is – will the coat color fade or change as the dog grows up? Like other dilute colors, lilacs may be born slightly darker and lighten up as they age. Most will end up a pale silvery grey with a pinkish or purplish hue by adulthood.
Genetically, the coat is actually chocolate, so some lilacs may have warmer brown tones on their ears and face while others appear more cool grey and blue-tinted. But in general, the lilac coat has an ethereal, shimmery quality that‘s hard to capture in photos.
Texture-wise, lilacs have the same medium-length double coat as any other Border Collie. Regular brushing and occasional baths are all that‘s needed to keep the coat healthy and free of tangles. I recommend a pin brush or slicker brush for everyday grooming and an undercoat rake during shedding season.
Because the lighter color doesn‘t hide dirt as well as the darker shades, lilac Border Collies may need slightly more frequent baths especially if they love romping outdoors. Look for a mild whitening or brightening shampoo to keep the coat gleaming without stripping out oils.
Meet a Lilac Breeder
To get more insights on this rare color, I interviewed Sarah M., a Border Collie breeder of 20 years who‘s had several lilac litters. Here‘s what she had to say:
I first fell in love with lilacs after seeing one at a herding trial in the early 2000s. The way the coat shimmered in the sun was mesmerizing and unlike anything I‘d seen before. I knew I wanted to help preserve and promote this unique color while still maintaining the breed‘s working ability and stellar health.
Since lilacs are so rare, a lot of people contact me hoping to get on a waiting list for a puppy. I always emphasize that while the color is beautiful, it‘s the Border Collie temperament, biddability, and soundness that should be the main priority. I do extensive health testing on all my breeding dogs to ensure each litter has the best chance of being healthy, regardless of color.
There‘s a misconception that lilacs are "designer dogs" or not true Border Collies, but that couldn‘t be further from the truth. Lilacs compete in herding, agility, and obedience alongside the black and whites and perform just as well. In fact, one of the most famous Border Collies in the US is a blue merle female named Verb who has won multiple international sheepdog trials. Color has no effect on working ability.
For anyone considering a lilac Border Collie, I would advise doing thorough research on the breed as a whole first. They require a lot of time, training, and exercise to thrive. Be prepared for a dog that needs a job to do, whether that‘s learning new tricks, competing in a sport, or going on long hikes. The lilac color is icing on the cake, but the Border Collie personality is the real star!
Lilac Border Collies in Pop Culture
Lilac Border Collies are so rare that there haven‘t been any famous movie stars or TV dogs to my knowledge. However, there are a few social media darlings that have attracted quite a following!
One of the most well-known is Bleu (@bleubordercollies), a striking lilac and white female from the UK with over 50,000 Instagram followers. Her account showcases her adventures in the Scottish Highlands, from long hikes to paddleboarding.
In the US, a young lilac stud dog named Finn (@finnthebordercollies) has been making waves in the dog sport world. He‘s already earned titles in obedience, trick dog, and dock diving, proving that lilacs can excel in any activity.
As social media helps these unique pups gain more visibility, I predict we‘ll start seeing more lilacs in the spotlight in the coming years. However, I want to emphasize that popularity and trendiness should never be the main reason for getting a dog of any color.
Choosing Your Border Collie
At the end of the day, a Border Collie‘s coat color has no effect on their intelligence, trainability, or work ethic. While the lilac shade is undeniably striking, it‘s the breed‘s loyalty, enthusiasm, and keen mind that make them such beloved companions.
When choosing a Border Collie puppy, whether lilac, black and white, red merle, or any shade in between, always prioritize health and temperament above aesthetics. Look for a responsible breeder who does thorough testing on all breeding stock and is committed to preserving the breed‘s original herding instincts and soundness.
Once you‘ve found that perfect puppy, get ready for a lifetime of adventures with your new best friend! Whether you plan to compete in disc dog, take up agility, or explore the great outdoors, a well-bred Border Collie will be up for anything. And if they happen to have a gorgeous, shimmery lilac coat, well that‘s just a bonus!
With knowledge of the breed, realistic expectations, and a dedication to training and exercise, any color of Border Collie can be a wonderful addition to an active household. The special individuals who open their hearts and homes to a lilac Border Collie are not only getting a beautiful dog, but a piece of living history. By supporting ethical breeders of this rare variety, they‘re helping keep the lilac legacy alive for generations to come.
