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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?
 
 
 
Name Labrador Retriever Irish Water Spaniel Border Collie
OriginsEngland flagEngland Canada flagCanada Ireland flagIreland England flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales
Group Gun Dog Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank116438
Reviews11113
User Ratings

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

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

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. Which breed is the largest?
Large Medium Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie? Compare adult weight ranges.
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 Range
Compare puppy costs for Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. Find price differences between these breeds.
$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

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

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie? Compare temperaments.
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.
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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 Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie?
Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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Average to High: Irish Water Spaniel dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie social needs comparison:
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs need for social interaction is average.
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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.
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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.
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Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
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Average: The Irish Water Spaniel barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. Which breed is most playful?
The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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The Irish Water Spaniel is a playful breed.
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The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. 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 Irish Water Spaniel breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. Which breed is most flexible?
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.
Alone Time Tolerance
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 Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. Which has lowest bite risk?

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.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. 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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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.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. Which has the strongest bite?

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.

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

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. Which breed lives longest?
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
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. 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 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.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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

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

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. Which breed is most active?
Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are high-energy dogs.
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
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.

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

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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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.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. Which needs most food?
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.

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

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. What colors are available?
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 Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. Which requires most maintenance?
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.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. Which drools least?
The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
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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.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. Which has least natural smell?

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.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Dense
Curly
Tight
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. 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.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or Border Collie? Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel or {name3 shedding:
Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs shed none to minimal.
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Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
See more.

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

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. Which is best with kids?
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.
Pet Compatibility
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.
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 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 Capability
Compare service dog potential between Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. Which is best suited for service work?

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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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. Which excels in therapy work?

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.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. Which has best nose work ability?

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 & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. Which is best for SAR work?

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. Which is best suited for water work?

Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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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.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. 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 Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. Which has most puppies?
5-10 puppies 4-12 puppies 4-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. 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, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. 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 Irish Water Spaniel vs Border Collie Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. How are they classified?
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 Classification
Compare FCI groups for Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. 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 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.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. 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
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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