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Smooth Collie vs Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Comparison - Dog breed selector: Short-Haired Collie or Sheepdog or Lab? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Smooth Collie vs Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever" Compare Smooth Collie and Border Collie. Which is better: Smooth Collie or Border Collie or Labrador Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Smooth Collie Border Collie Labrador Retriever
OriginsScotland flagScotland England flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales England flagEngland Canada flagCanada
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank354381
Reviews21311
User Ratings

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

Smooth Collie vs Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg), Female: 53-65 pounds (24-29 kg) Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg) Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg) Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg) Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Smooth Collie or Border Collie or Labrador Retriever? Smooth Collie vs Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever height comparison:
Male: 24–26 inch (60–66 cm), Female: 22–24 inch (55–61 cm) Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm) Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm)

Smooth Collie vs Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. Find price differences between these breeds.
$400-$600 $600-$800 $1000-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Smooth Collie or Border Collie or Labrador Retriever?
Average: The Smooth Collie is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.

Smooth Collie vs Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

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

Smooth Collie vs Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed is most vocal?
Average to High: The Smooth Collie is a vocal breed.
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Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
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Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed is most playful?
The Smooth Collie is a playful breed.
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The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
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The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Smooth Collie indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.

Smooth Collie vs Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Smooth Collie vs Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Smooth Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Smooth Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Smooth Collie vs Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed lives longest?
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Smooth Collie: 15 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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.
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 Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. Which has fewer health issues?
The Smooth Collie 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Smooth Collie 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 Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Smooth Collie vs Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Smooth Collie vs Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Drug Sensitivity
Collie Eye Anomaly
Gray Collie Syndrome
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy

Smooth Collie vs Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed is most active?
Smooth Collie dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Smooth Collie vs Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Smooth Collie or Border Collie or Labrador Retriever? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Smooth Collie dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises.
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Smooth Collie or Border Collie or Labrador Retriever?
Smooth Collie dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.
Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.

Smooth Collie vs Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Smooth Collie has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. Which needs most food?
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. Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Smooth Collie vs Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. What colors are available?
White
Sable
Merle
Black & White & Tan
Blue & Merle
Blue & Merle & White
Sable & White
White & Merle
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
Yellow
Chocolate
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. Which requires most maintenance?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. Which drools least?
The Smooth Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Smooth Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Thick
Flat
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Smooth Collie or Border Collie or Labrador Retriever? Smooth Collie or Border Collie or {name3 shedding:
Smooth Collie dogs are heavy shedders.
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Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
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Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Smooth Collie vs Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Good With Comparison

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

Smooth Collie vs Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. 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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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. 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.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. 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 Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. Which is best for SAR work?

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.

Yes

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

Not really

Smooth Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. 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.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. 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.

Smooth Collie vs Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

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

Smooth Collie vs Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. 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 Retrievers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Labrador Retriever. 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
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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