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

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

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	Labrador Retriever	Irish Water Spaniel	Border Collie
Origins	England Canada	Ireland	England Scotland Wales
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Gun Dog	Gun Dog	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	1	164	38
Reviews	9	1	13
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Lab Labrador	Bog Dog Rat Tail Spaniel Shannon Spaniel Whiptail	Sheepdog Scotch Sheep Dog
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Border Collie? Which is the smallest dog, Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Border Collie?	Large	Medium	Large
Weight Which is heavier, Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Irish Water Spaniel? Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie weight comparison:	Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)	45-65 pounds (20-30 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)	55 pounds (25 kg)	Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Border Collie? Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie height comparison:	Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)	20-23 inches (51-58 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)	21.5 inches (54.5 cm)	Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Border Collie? Which is more expensive?	$1000-$2000	$800-$1000	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Border Collie?	Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.	Frequent: The Irish Water Spaniel is easier than average to get.	Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie intelligence:	Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Very smart: Irish Water Spaniel is an excellent dog breed. See more.	Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie trainability comparison.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs are easy to train. See more.	Border Collie dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Border Collie?	Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Border Collie? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders. See more.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs are average defenders. See more.	Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Border Collie? Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie behavior/temperament comparison:	Playful Loving Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Social Cheerful	Active Clownish Alert Intelligent Quick Inquisitive	Energetic Protective Alert Intelligent Responsive Loyal Tenacious
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. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie?	Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. See more.	Average to High: Irish Water Spaniel dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.	High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie social needs comparison:	Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs need for social interaction is average. 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?	Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Irish Water Spaniel 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? 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.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. 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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie playfulness comparison:	The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Irish Water Spaniel is a playful breed. See more.	The Border Collie is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie?	Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally. See more.	Average: The Irish Water Spaniel barks occasionally. See more.	Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Border Collie?	It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.	It is not recommended to keep the Irish Water Spaniel breed in the home.	It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie 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.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.	Border Collie 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 Irish Water Spaniel 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.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	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 Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Border Collie?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Irish Water Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
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 Irish Water Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie mouthiness comparison:	Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie health comparison. Which is the healthier: Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie?	The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Irish Water Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs.	The Border Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel 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	No data available	Hip Dysplasia Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Collie Eye Anomaly Osteochondrosis Dissecans
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.	Rare The Irish Water Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Average The Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie lifespan comparison. How long do Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel and Border Collie breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	10-12 years The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Irish Water Spaniel: 11 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie?	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 Irish Water Spaniel 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 Border Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Border Collie? Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie energy level comparison:	Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs are high-energy dogs.	Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Border Collie? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.	Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel or Border Collie?	Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs don't need too much sleep.	Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Border Collie?	Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	2 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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie weight gain potential comparison:	High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.	Average: The Irish Water Spaniel has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie coat comparison:	Dense Waterproof Hard Short	Dense Curly Tight	Dense Feathered Straight Short Moderately Long
Colors What are the original Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel and Border Collie color?	Black Yellow Chocolate	Brown	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 Which dog is easy to maintain, Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Border Collie? Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie grooming comparison:	Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming. See more.	Advanced: The Irish Water Spaniel requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Border Collie? Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or {name3 shedding:	Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately. See more.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Border Collie dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Border Collie?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. 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.
Hypoallergenic Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie?	High 🔼 The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Irish Water Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Border Collie 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. See more.	The Irish Water Spaniel is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. See more.	The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.	Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Border Collie? Which dog is more friendly?	Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Border Collie?	Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Border Collie?	Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Border Collie?	Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Irish Water Spaniel dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie?	Yes Labrador Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel 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.	Irish Water Spaniels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie 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.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Border Collie? Which is better for autism?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
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.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
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.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie?	Yes Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Yes Irish Water Spaniel breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Not really Border Collie 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 Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie 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 Irish Water Spaniel and Border Collie have?	5-10 puppies	4-12 puppies	4-8 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie 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 1878 as a Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 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 Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs 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	No data available	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

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