Breed matchup

Collie vs Labrador Retriever

Interactive head-to-head—swap sides, filter traits, and see who edges each lifestyle score before you read the full guides.

Collie

Labrador Retriever

Collie

large · Scotland

Labrador Retriever

large · Canada

Head-to-head

Collie vs Labrador Retriever

Derived comparison from breed profiles: Collie runs moderate energy vs Labrador Retriever's very high. Labrador Retriever scores higher with kids (5/5 vs 2/5). Shedding levels are similar. Elegant herding dog known for their gentle nature and beautiful coat. America's most popular dog breed.

Derived from breed profile scores—not a substitute for meeting dogs or consulting professionals.

large vs large

Energy 3 vs 5

long vs short

12-15 years · 10-12 years

Biggest differences

Weight

50-75 lbs

55-80 lbs

Height

22-26 inches

21-24 inches

Lifespan

12-15 years

10-12 years

Monthly cost*

$90–$170

$80–$150

*Typical ownership cost band estimate—not a quote.

Lifestyle scores

Tap a trait for context. Filter by what matters most to you.

Temperament

Typical breed leanings—individuals vary.

Collie

Elegant herding dog known for their gentle nature and beautiful coat. Overall, Collies are described as gentle, intelligent, devoted, protective. Trainability sits around 5/5 and bark tendency around 4/5, so consistent positive training usually pays off quickly.

Gentle

Intelligent

Devoted

Protective

Labrador Retriever

America's most popular dog breed. Overall, Labrador Retrievers are described as outgoing, even-tempered, gentle, agile. Trainability sits around 5/5 and bark tendency around 2/5, so consistent positive training usually pays off quickly.

Outgoing

Even-tempered

Gentle

Agile

Care side by side

Grooming, exercise, and training at a glance.

Collie

Moderate energy requiring daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Labrador Retriever

Highly energetic breed requiring 1-2 hours of vigorous exercise daily.

Who should choose which?

Use this as a shortlist—then meet dogs and read full guides.

Choose Collie

Choose a Collie if you want a large dog with moderate energy, kids fit limited, and apartment fit poor. Temperament leans gentle and intelligent.

Choose Labrador Retriever

Choose a Labrador Retriever if you prefer large size, very high energy, kids fit excellent, and apartment fit limited. Traits include outgoing and even-tempered.

Still deciding?

Take the lifestyle match quiz or open both breed guides for first-year costs, health screening, and adopter questions.

FAQs

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

Which is better for apartments, Collie or Labrador Retriever?

Labrador Retriever is the stronger apartment candidate (2/5).

Which is better with kids, Collie or Labrador Retriever?

Labrador Retriever scores higher with kids (5/5). Supervision still matters.

How do Collie and Labrador Retriever compare on energy?

Collie: 3/5 (moderate). Labrador Retriever: 5/5 (very high). Match the higher-energy breed only if you can meet exercise needs daily.

References

This comparison summarizes publicly available breed-standard and veterinary education sources. Always consult your veterinarian for individual care, and meet dogs in person before deciding.