Labrador Retriever vs Border Collie

Side-by-side comparison

Choosing between Labrador Retriever and Border Collie depends on your specific needs and priorities.

When it comes to size, Labrador Retriever offers Large compared to Border Collie's Medium. When it comes to weight, Labrador Retriever offers 55-80 lbs compared to Border Collie's 30-55 lbs. When it comes to height, Labrador Retriever offers 21-25 inches compared to Border Collie's 18-22 inches.

Below is a detailed side-by-side breakdown to help you make an informed decision between these two breeds.

Size
Labrador Retriever
Large
Border Collie
Medium
Weight
Labrador Retriever
55-80 lbs
Border Collie
30-55 lbs
Height
Labrador Retriever
21-25 inches
Border Collie
18-22 inches
Lifespan
Labrador Retriever
10-12 years
Border Collie
12-15 years
Temperament
Labrador Retriever
FriendlyActiveOutgoing
Border Collie
TenaciousKeenEnergetic
Group
Labrador Retriever
Sporting
Border Collie
Herding
Origin
Labrador Retriever
Canada
Border Collie
England

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever is a large Sporting breed from Canada. Known for being friendly, active, outgoing. Has an average lifespan of 10-12 years and a weight range of 55-80 lbs.

Border Collie

Border Collie is a medium Herding breed from England. Known for being tenacious, keen, energetic. Has an average lifespan of 12-15 years and a weight range of 30-55 lbs.

Key Differences

AttributeLabrador RetrieverBorder CollieVerdict
SizeLargeMediumLabrador Retriever is the larger breed
Weight55-80 lbs30-55 lbsLabrador Retriever is heavier (approx. 59% difference)
Height21-25"18-22"Different heights (21-25" vs 18-22")
Life Span10-12 yrs12-15 yrsBorder Collie tends to live longer (12-15 vs 10-12 years)
Breed GroupSportingHerdingDifferent groups: Sporting vs Herding
OriginCanadaEnglandDifferent origins: Canada vs England
TemperamentFriendly, Active, OutgoingTenacious, Keen, EnergeticDifferent temperaments

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Labrador Retriever bigger than a Border Collie?

Labrador Retriever is the larger breed. Labrador Retriever weighs 55-80 lbs while Border Collie weighs 30-55 lbs.

Which lives longer, Labrador Retriever or Border Collie?

Border Collie tends to live longer (12-15 vs 10-12 years)

Are Labrador Retrievers and Border Collies good family dogs?

Both breeds can make great family pets. The Labrador Retriever is known for being friendly, active, outgoing, while the Border Collie is tenacious, keen, energetic.

What is the difference between a Labrador Retriever and a Border Collie?

The main differences are in size (Large vs Medium), origin (Canada vs England), and breed group (Sporting vs Herding).

Which breed is easier to train, Labrador Retriever or Border Collie?

Trainability varies by individual dog. The Labrador Retriever (Friendly, Active, Outgoing) and Border Collie (Tenacious, Keen, Energetic) each have distinct characteristics that affect training.