Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Comparison - Dog breed selector: Sheepdog or Golden Flat Coat or Lab? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever" Compare Border Collie and Golden Retriever. Which is better: Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Border Collie	Golden Retriever	Labrador Retriever
Origins	England Scotland Wales	Scotland	England Canada
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Gun Dog	Gun Dog
Popularity Rank	38	3	1
Reviews	13	14	9
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Sheepdog Scotch Sheep Dog	Golden Flat Coat Yellow Retriever	Lab Labrador
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Which is the smallest dog, Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever?	Large	Large	Large
Weight Which is heavier, Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Golden Retriever? Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever weight comparison:	Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg)	Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)	Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg)	Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)	Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever height comparison:	Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm)	Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)	Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)	Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)	Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm)

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Which is more expensive?	$600-$800	$1000-$2000	$1000-$2000
Availability Which is easier to get, Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever?	Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever intelligence:	Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever trainability comparison.	Border Collie dogs are easy to train. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever?	Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever behavior/temperament comparison:	Energetic Protective Alert Intelligent Responsive Loyal Tenacious	Intelligent Confident Friendly Reliable Kind Trustworthy	Playful Loving Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Social Cheerful
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever?	High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever social needs comparison:	Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Border Collie dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever playfulness comparison:	The Border Collie is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever?	Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks. See more.	Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever?	It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.	It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.	It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever?	Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever mouthiness comparison:	Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever health comparison. Which is the healthier: Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever?	The Border Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.	The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Collie Eye Anomaly Osteochondrosis Dissecans	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Elbow Dysplasia Osteochondrosis Dissecans Hemangiosarcoma Osteosarcoma Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Epilepsy Ear Infections Elbow Dysplasia Osteochondrosis Dissecans Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia Acute Moist Dermatitis Cold Tail Myopathy
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Rare The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Average The Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever lifespan comparison. How long do Border Collie, Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever?	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Border Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever energy level comparison:	Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.	Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.	Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises.	Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.	Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever?	Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.	Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.	Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever?	1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity. See more.	High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.	High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever coat comparison:	Dense Feathered Straight Short Moderately Long	Silky Wavy Shiny Straight	Dense Waterproof Hard Short
Colors What are the original Border Collie, Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever color?	Black Tan Red Sable Brindle Lilac Gold Seal White & Red Slate Sable Merle Black & White Tricolor Blue merle Blue merle-tricolor Slate merle Red merle Saddleback Sable White & Blue White & Blue Merle White & Red Merle White Ticked White & Gold White & Sable White & Seal	Golden Light	Black Yellow Chocolate
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever grooming comparison:	Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort. See more.	Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Border Collie or Golden Retriever or {name3 shedding:	Border Collie dogs shed moderately. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever?	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	2-3 weeks Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Hypoallergenic Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever?	Medium ⏺ The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. See more.	The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler. See more.

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.	Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever?	Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever?	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever?	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever?	Yes Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Golden Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Labrador Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Border Collie is not the best dog breed for office environment.	Yes Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment	No Labrador Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Which is better for autism?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be a search and rescue dog?	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever?	Not really Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Yes Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Yes Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.
Litter Size How many puppies can Border Collie and Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever have?	4-8 puppies	5-10 puppies	5-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.	Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.	Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club The American Int. Border Collie Registry The American Border Collie Association	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Canadian Canine Registry

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