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Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Lab or Sheepdog or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog" Compare Labrador Retriever and Border Collie. Which is better: Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
 
 
 
Name Labrador Retriever Border Collie Shetland Sheepdog
OriginsEngland flagEngland Canada flagCanada England flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales Scotland flagScotland
Group Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank13824
Reviews9136
User Ratings

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

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is the smallest dog, Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
Large Large Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or Border Collie? Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog weight comparison:
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) 14-27 pounds (6-12 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) 20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog 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) 13-16 inches (33-41 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) 14.5 inches (37 cm)

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is more expensive?
$1000-$2000 $600-$800 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog intelligence:
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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Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog trainability comparison.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
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Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
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.
See more.
Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog 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 vs Shetland Sheepdog?
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: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog 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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Shetland Sheepdog 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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Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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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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Shetland Sheepdog 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 vs Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog playfulness comparison:
The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
See more.
Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
See more.
A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
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.
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
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.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
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.
Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?

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

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog mouthiness comparison:
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.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog health comparison. Which is the healthier: Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog?
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.
The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog 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
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Epilepsy
Heart Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly
Haemophilia
Trichiasis
Veterinarian Visits
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.
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog lifespan comparison. How long do Labrador Retriever, Border Collie and Shetland Sheepdog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog?
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.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog energy level comparison:
Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? 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.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
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. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog weight gain potential comparison:
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.
See more.
Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog coat comparison:
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Dense
Colors
What are the original Labrador Retriever, Border Collie and Shetland Sheepdog color?
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
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog grooming comparison:
Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? 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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Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
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.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog?

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the 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 Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
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.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog?
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
Shetland Sheepdog 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
Shetland Sheepdog 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.
Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Yes

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

Yes

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

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Labrador Retriever or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog?

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.

Not really

Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Labrador Retriever and Border Collie and Shetland Sheepdog have?
5-10 puppies 4-8 puppies 4-6 puppies

Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
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 1911 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
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 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

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