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

"Find similarities and differences between Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs English Springer Spaniel" Compare Labrador Retriever and Border Collie. Which is better: Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or English Springer Spaniel?
 
 
 
Name Labrador Retriever Border Collie English Springer Spaniel
OriginsEngland flagEngland Canada flagCanada England flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales England flagEngland
Group Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank13827
Reviews11133
User Ratings

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

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs English Springer Spaniel Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel? Compare adult weight ranges.
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) Male: 45-55 pounds (20-25 kg), Female: 40-50 pounds (18-23 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) Male: 50 pounds (22.5 kg), Female: 45 pounds (20.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or English Springer Spaniel? Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs English Springer Spaniel height comparison:
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) Male: 19-21 inches (48-56 cm), Female:18-20 inches (46-51 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) Male: 20 inches (52 cm), Female:19 inches (48.5 cm)

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs English Springer Spaniel Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1000-$2000 $600-$800 $700-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or English Springer Spaniel?
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The English Springer Spaniel is quite easy to get.

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs English Springer Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Very smart: English Springer Spaniel is an excellent dog breed.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which is easiest to train?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
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Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
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English Springer Spaniel dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which breed is most alert?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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English Springer Spaniel dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which breed is most protective?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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English Springer Spaniel dogs are average defenders.
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Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs English Springer Spaniel Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Playful
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Affectionate
Social
Cheerful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs English Springer Spaniel?
Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: English Springer Spaniel dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs English Springer Spaniel social needs comparison:
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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English Springer Spaniel dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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The wanderlust potential of the English Springer Spaniel is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? 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.
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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.
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English Springer Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs English Springer Spaniel Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
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Average: The English Springer Spaniel barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which breed is most playful?
The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
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The English Springer Spaniel is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which adapts best to small spaces?
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.
Very house-friendly dog the English Springer Spaniel breed.

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs English Springer Spaniel Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which breed is most flexible?
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.
English Springer Spaniel 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 or English Springer Spaniel?
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.
English Springer Spaniel dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs English Springer Spaniel Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The English Springer Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which uses mouth most during play?
Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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English Springer Spaniel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

English Springer Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs English Springer Spaniel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of English Springer Spaniel: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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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 health problems common in Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which has fewer health issues?
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.
English Springer Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
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.
Rare
The English Springer Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs English Springer Spaniel? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs English Springer Spaniel 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
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Ear Infections
Ectropion
Retinal Dysplasia
Phosphofructokinase deficiency (Tarui disease, PFK)

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs English Springer Spaniel Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs English Springer Spaniel Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The English Springer Spaniel has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which needs most food?
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. 3 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs English Springer Spaniel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. What colors are available?
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
Black
Tan
White
Liver
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
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Advanced: The English Springer Spaniel requires a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which drools least?
The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
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The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The English Springer Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which has least natural smell?

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The English Springer Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or English Springer Spaniel? Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or {name3 shedding:
Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
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English Springer Spaniel dogs shed moderately.
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Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs English Springer Spaniel Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which is best with kids?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
English Springer Spaniel dogs are 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.
English Springer Spaniel dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or English Springer Spaniel? Which dog is more friendly?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
English Springer Spaniel dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or English Springer Spaniel?
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
English Springer Spaniel dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or English Springer Spaniel?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
English Springer Spaniel dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs English Springer Spaniel?
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.
Yes
English Springer Spaniel 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.
No
English Springer Spaniel 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.
English Springer Spaniels are usually recommended for elderly people.

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs English Springer Spaniel As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which is best suited for service work?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. 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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. 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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which is best suited for water work?

Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Not really

Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

English Springer Spaniel breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. 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.

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs English Springer Spaniel Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which has most puppies?
5-10 puppies 4-8 puppies 4-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. 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.

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs English Springer Spaniel Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1910 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. How are they classified internationally?
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. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Flushing Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and English Springer Spaniel. Which has most recognition?
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
American Canine Registry
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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