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

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

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	Labrador Retriever	Maltese
Origins	England Scotland Wales	England Canada	Italy
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Gun Dog	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	38	1	33
Reviews	13	11	3
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese breeds.	Sheepdog Scotch Sheep Dog	Lab Labrador	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which breed is the largest?	Large	Large	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese? Compare adult weight ranges.	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)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 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)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Border Collie or Labrador Retriever or Maltese? Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese height comparison:	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)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 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)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Find price differences between these breeds.	$600-$800	$1000-$2000	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Border Collie or Labrador Retriever or Maltese?	Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which breed ranks highest?	Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which is easiest to train?	Border Collie dogs are easy to train. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which breed is most alert?	Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which breed is most protective?	Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese? Compare temperaments.	Energetic Protective Alert Intelligent Responsive Loyal Tenacious	Playful Loving Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Social Cheerful	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing
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.	Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese?	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.	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese 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.	Maltese 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.	Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. 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.	Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which breed is most vocal?	Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks. See more.	Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally. See more.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which breed is most playful?	The Border Collie is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which adapts best to small spaces?	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.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which breed is most flexible?	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.	Maltese 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 or Maltese?	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.	Maltese 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 vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which uses mouth most during play?	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.	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which breed lives longest?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which handles climate changes best?	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.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which has fewer health issues?	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.	The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency 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.	Average The Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese 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	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which breed is most active?	Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.	Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.	Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Border Collie or Labrador Retriever or Maltese? 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.	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Border Collie or Labrador Retriever or Maltese?	Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.	Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.	Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

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

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which is most prone to obesity?	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.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which needs most food?	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.	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. What colors are available?	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	White
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort. See more.	Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which drools least?	The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler. See more.	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Dense Feathered Straight Short Moderately Long	Dense Waterproof Hard Short	Feathered
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which requires most frequent baths?	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.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Border Collie or Labrador Retriever or Maltese? Border Collie or Labrador Retriever or {name3 shedding:	Border Collie dogs shed moderately. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which is best with kids?	Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
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.	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Collie or Labrador Retriever or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Border Collie or Labrador Retriever or Maltese?	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Border Collie or Labrador Retriever or Maltese?	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese?	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.	Yes Maltese 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.	No Maltese 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.	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

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

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which is best suited for service work?	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which excels in therapy work?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which has best nose work ability?	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which is best for SAR work?	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which is best suited for water work?	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.	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which is best for draft work?	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.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which has most military use?	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 Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which has most puppies?	4-8 puppies	5-10 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. What's recommended?	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.

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. How are they classified internationally?	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 Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Maltese. Which has most recognition?	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	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

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