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

"Find similarities and differences between Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie" Compare Labrador Retriever and Border Collie. Which is better: Labrador Retriever or Border Collie?
 
 
 
Name Labrador Retriever Border Collie
OriginsEngland flagEngland Canada flagCanada England flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales
Group Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank138
Reviews1113
User Ratings

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

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Labrador Retriever or a Border Collie? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Labrador Retriever and a Border Collie. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Labrador Retriever or Border Collie? Is a Labrador Retriever taller than a Border Collie?
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm) Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm) Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Labrador Retriever and a Border Collie. Which breed costs more?
$1000-$2000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Labrador Retriever or Border Collie?
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Labrador Retriever and a Border Collie. How do their temperaments differ?
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie?
Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Sensitive: Border Collie 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: Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie?
Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie social needs comparison:
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Border Collie 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 Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie?
Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie? Which can be better for hunting?
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 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 vs Border Collie Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Labrador Retriever or a Border Collie? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
See more.
Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Labrador Retriever or a Border Collie? Compare play drive and energy.
The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Labrador Retriever or a Border Collie? Compare living space needs.
It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Labrador Retriever or a Border Collie? Compare adaptability levels.
Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Labrador Retriever or Border Collie?
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 dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Labrador Retriever or a Border Collie? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Labrador Retriever or a Border Collie? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Labrador Retriever or a Border Collie? Compare average lifespans.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Labrador Retriever or a Border Collie? Compare climate tolerances.
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 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.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Labrador Retriever and a Border Collie. Which breed is healthier?
The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Border Collie 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: Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie?
Average
The Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Labrador Retriever or a Border Collie? Compare activity levels.
Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Labrador Retriever or Border Collie? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Labrador Retriever or Border Collie?
Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Labrador Retriever or a Border Collie? Compare obesity risks.
High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Labrador Retriever or a Border Collie? Compare daily food needs.
Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

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

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Labrador Retriever or a Border Collie? Compare kid-friendliness.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Labrador Retriever or Border Collie? Which dog is more friendly?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Labrador Retriever or Border Collie?
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Labrador Retriever or Border Collie? Can a Labrador Retriever and a Border Collie be friends? Do Labrador Retriever dogs get along with Border Collie dogs?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie?
Yes
Labrador Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Labrador Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Border Collie is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Labrador Retriever or a Border Collie? 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 Labrador Retriever and Border Collie. 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.

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie Reproducibility Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Labrador Retriever and Border Collie. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Labrador Retriever and Border Collie. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Labrador Retriever and Border Collie. Which is more widely recognized?
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
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

Rate This Comparsion - Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie

Reviews

  • bob

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

  • M. Petlvr

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

    Love this site! Great informational guide!