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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?
 
 
 
Name Border Collie Labrador Retriever
OriginsEngland flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales England flagEngland Canada flagCanada
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank381
Reviews1311
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Border Collie and Labrador Retriever. What other names are these breeds known by?
Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Lab
Labrador
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Border Collie and a Labrador Retriever. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Border Collie and a Labrador Retriever. Which breed is heavier?
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 Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Border Collie and a Labrador Retriever. Which breed costs more?
$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 Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare training requirements.
Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare alertness levels.
Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare territorial behaviors.
Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Border Collie and a Labrador Retriever. How do their temperaments differ?
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever?
Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever?
High: Border Collie 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.
Social Needs
Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever social needs comparison:
Border Collie 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? What's the difference between Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever?
Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs 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 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.
Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
See more.
Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare play drive and energy.
The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare living space needs.
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.

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare adaptability levels.
Border Collie 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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Border Collie 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.
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 Labrador Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Border Collie 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.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare average lifespans.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare climate tolerances.
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.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Border Collie and a Labrador Retriever. Which breed is healthier?
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.
Vet Care Frequency
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.
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:
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare activity levels.
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
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 Collie 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 Labrador Retriever?
Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.
Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare obesity risks.
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.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare daily food needs.
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.

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Border Collie and Labrador Retriever? Compare breed colors.
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
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare drooling amounts.
The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Border Collie and a Labrador Retriever? Compare fur types.
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare bathing frequencies.
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.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Border Collie or Labrador Retriever? Do Border Collie dogs shed more than Labrador Retriever dogs?
Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare kid-friendliness.
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.
Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Collie or Labrador Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Border Collie or Labrador Retriever?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
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 Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs 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 Collie 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.
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 As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare service capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare scenting abilities.

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 & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare SAR abilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare maritime abilities.

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.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever? Compare draft work capabilities.

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.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Border Collie and Labrador Retriever. Which has stronger military background?

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

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Border Collie and Labrador Retriever. Which has larger litters?
4-8 puppies 5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Border Collie and Labrador Retriever breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Border Collie and Labrador Retriever. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Border Collie and Labrador Retriever. Which groups do they belong to?
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 Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Border Collie and Labrador Retriever. Which groups are they in?
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.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Border Collie and Labrador Retriever. Which is more widely recognized?
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

Rate This Comparsion - Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever

Reviews

  • bob

    Dec 12, 2019, 9:49:40 AM:

  • M. Petlvr

    Sep 15, 2021, 9:14:37 PM:

    Love this site! Great informational guide!