Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever
Breed Compatibility
77% Compatible
Energy Level
Border Collie: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Labrador Retriever: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Very Compatible
Trainability
Border Collie: Eager to Please1.0
Labrador Retriever: Eager to Please1.0
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Border Collie: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Labrador Retriever: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Border Collie3/5
Labrador Retriever5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Border Collie3/5
Labrador Retriever5/5
Good with Strangers
Border Collie4/5
Labrador Retriever5/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Border Collie
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
CEA: Eye development disorder
MDR1: Drug sensitivity gene
TNS: Neurological condition
CL: Neurological disorder
Epilepsy: Seizure disorder
Labrador Retriever
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development issue
PRA: Progressive eye deterioration
Exercise-Induced Collapse: Activity limit
Bloat: Digestive emergency risk
Heart Issues: Cardiac health concerns
Pros & Cons Comparison
Border Collie
Pros
Extremely intelligent
Highly trainable
Athletic and agile
Loyal and devoted
Excellent working dog
Cons
Requires extensive exercise
May be too intense for novice owners
Strong herding instinct
Needs constant mental stimulation
Can be overly sensitive
Labrador Retriever
Pros
Excellent family dog
Highly trainable
Great with children
Versatile working ability
Cons
Heavy shedding
High exercise needs
Prone to weight gain
Chewing tendency in puppyhood
Border Collie Fun Fact
Border Collies can learn to recognize over 1,000 words and can understand complex multi-step commands.
Labrador Retriever Fun Fact
Labrador Retrievers have a special gene that makes them obsessed with food, contributing to their trainability!
Heritage & Purpose
Border Collie
Origin:
Developed in the border country between Scotland and England during the 1700s, these dogs revolutionized sheep herding with their distinctive 'eye' and precise control of livestock.
Labrador Retriever
Origin:
Developed in Newfoundland during the 1800s, these dogs worked alongside fishermen retrieving nets and fish, later refined in England as sporting and hunting companions.
Special Considerations
Border Collie
Requires extensive daily exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent training. Regular grooming needed during shedding seasons. Early socialization crucial.
Labrador Retriever
Regular grooming needed during heavy shedding seasons. Exercise requirements must be met daily. Weight management crucial to prevent obesity-related health issues.
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