Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Comparison – Which dog is better Sheepdog or Lab?

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

Price and Availability Size Grooming, Hair and Care Personality / Temperament Good With Health As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Border Collie	Labrador Retriever
Origins	England Scotland Wales	England Canada
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Gun Dog
Popularity Rank	38	1
Reviews	12	5
User Ratings

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

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Border Collie or Labrador Retriever? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Border Collie and Labrador Retriever?	$600-$800	$1000-$2000
Availability Which is easier to get, Border Collie or Labrador Retriever?	Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Size Comparison

Size Which dog is bigger, Border Collie or Labrador Retriever? Is the Border Collie bigger than the Labrador Retriever breed? Is a Border Collie smaller than a Labrador Retriever?	Large	Large
Weight Which is heavier, Border Collie or Labrador Retriever? Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever weight comparison:	Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 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: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Border Collie or Labrador Retriever? Is a Border Collie taller than a Labrador Retriever?	Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 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: 22 inches (55.5 cm)

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Grooming, Hair and Care Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever coat comparison:	Dense Feathered Straight Short Moderately Long	Dense Waterproof Hard Short
Colors What are the original Border Collie and Labrador Retriever color? Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever color comparison:	Black & White Tricolor Tan Blue merle Blue merle-tricolor Slate merle Red merle Black Brindle Gold Lilac Red Sable Sable Merle Saddleback Sable White & Blue White & Blue Merle White & Red White & Red Merle White Ticked Seal Slate White & Gold White & Sable White & Seal	Yellow Chocolate Black
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Border Collie or Labrador Retriever? Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever grooming comparison:	Average: The Border Collie 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 Labrador Retriever? Do Border Collie dogs shed more than Labrador Retriever dogs?	Border Collies shed moderately. See more.	Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retriever?	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. 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.

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Personality / Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Border Collie or Labrador Retriever? Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever behavior/temperament comparison:	Intelligent Alert Tenacious Protective Energetic Responsive Loyal	Affectionate Cheerful Friendly Intelligent Loyal Playful Social Alert Energetic Gentle Loving Going Responsive
Intelligent Rank Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Border Collie or Labrador Retriever smarter? Which is best? Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever intelligence:	Outstanding: Border Collie 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 Labrador Retriever trainability comparison. What's the difference between Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever?	Border Collies are easy to train. See more.	Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Playfulness Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever playfulness comparison:	The Border Collie is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever?	Sensitive: Border Collies don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Sensitive: Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retriever?	High: Border Collies are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retrievers may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever social needs comparison:	Border Collies need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Labrador Retrievers need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever?	Low to Average: The Border Collie 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
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Border Collie or Labrador Retriever?	Border Collies are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Labrador Retrievers are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Border Collie or Labrador Retriever? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Border Collies are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Labrador Retrievers are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List
Biting Potential Is a Border Collie more dangerous than a Labrador Retriever?	Low 🔽 The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Bite Force Which bite is stronger: Border Collie or Labrador Retriever?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Border Collie 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
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever mouthiness comparison:	Border Collies have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Labrador Retrievers have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever?	Border Collies have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Labrador Retrievers have average wanderlust potential. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever? Which can be better for hunting?	Border Collies 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 Retrievers 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
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Border Collie or Labrador Retriever?	It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie 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
Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Border Collies adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Labrador Retrievers adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Border Collie or Labrador Retriever?	Border Collies tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Labrador Retrievers tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Good With Comparison

Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Collie or Labrador Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?	Border Collies are average friendly towards strangers.	Labrador Retrievers are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Border Collies are generally with other pets.	Labrador Retrievers are usually friendly towards other pets.
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Border Collie or Labrador Retriever?	Border Collies are very kid-friendly dogs.	Labrador Retrievers are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Border Collie or Labrador Retriever?	Border Collies are average friendly towards cats.	Labrador Retrievers are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Border Collie or Labrador Retriever? Can a Border Collie and a Labrador Retriever be friends? Do Border Collie dogs get along with Labrador Retriever dogs?	Border Collies are average friendly towards other dogs.	Labrador Retrievers are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever?	Yes Border Collies are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Labrador Retrievers 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.	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.	Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Health Comparison

Health Issues Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever health comparison. Which is the healthier: Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever?	The Border Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	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 Labrador Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever health problems comparison:	Allergies Collie Eye Anomaly Epilepsy Hip Dysplasia Osteochondrosis Dissecans Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)	Acute Moist Dermatitis Bloat Cataracts Cold Tail Ear Infections Elbow Dysplasia Epilepsy Hip Dysplasia Myopathy Osteochondrosis Dissecans Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever?	Average The Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least 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 Labrador Retriever lifespan comparison. How long do Border Collie and Labrador Retriever breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Border Collie and Labrador Retriever?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Hypoallergenic Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Energy Level Who has more energy a Border Collie or Labrador Retriever? Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever energy level comparison:	Border Collies are high-energy dogs.	Labrador Retrievers are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Border Collie or Labrador Retriever? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Border Collies need a lot of exercises.	Labrador Retrievers need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Border Collie or Labrador Retriever?	Border Collies don't need too much sleep.	Labrador Retrievers don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot
Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Border Collie or Labrador Retriever? Does the Border Collie breed eat more than the Labrador Retriever breed?	1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three 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 Labrador Retriever weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity. See more.	High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Border Collie 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.
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Border Collie or Labrador Retriever?	Medium ⏺ The Border Collie 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? What's the difference between Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever?	The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler. See more.

Border Collie 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.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Border Collie 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.
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.
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.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever?	Not really Border Collie breed usually doesn't like 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.
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.

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	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.
Litter Size How many puppies can Border Collie and Labrador Retriever have? Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever litter size comparison:	4-8 puppies	5-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Border Collie 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 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.
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 Canadian Canine Registry

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bob
Dec 12, 2019, 9:49:40 AM:
M. Petlvr
Sep 15, 2021, 9:14:37 PM:
Love this site! Great informational guide!