A Detailed Comparison of the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle.

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Border Terrier Versus Labradoodle: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Border Terrier and for the Labradoodle. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Border Terrier or the Labradoodle.

Border Terrier versus Labradoodle: Overview

A very important difference between the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Border Terrier is a small-sized dog while the Labradoodle is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Border Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Labradoodle belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

Border Terrier versus Labradoodle: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Border Terrier to the Labradoodle based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle

Factor Border Terrier Labradoodle
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Height 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder
Weight 11 to 15 pounds 50 to 65 pounds
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1160 $1640
Price Range $800 – $1400 $1000 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination annually until at least Age 8ys (96mo)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM)
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Border Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Labradoodle. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Border Terrier is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Labradoodle is 94 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Labradoodle is a better pet than the Border Terrier. So, you should get the Labradoodle!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle

    Below is a list of where the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle are most different:

    • Border Terriers do not like to be left alone. However, Labradoodles can be left alone for some time without problems.
    • Border Terriers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Labradoodles get along well with other dogs.
    • Border Terriers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Labradoodles are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Border Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Labradoodles have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.

    The Similarities Between the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle

    The Border Terrier and the Labradoodle are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle are most similar:

    • Both the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Border Terrier versus Labradoodle

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle.

    Border Terriers weigh 11 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Border Terriers are 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Labradoodles weigh 50 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Labradoodles are 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Border Terrier versus Labradoodle

    The lifespan of Border Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Border Terriers is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Labradoodles is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Labradoodles is 13.0 years.

    Border Terriers live longer than Labradoodles.

    Price of Border Terrier versus Price of Labradoodle

    The average price of the Border Terrier puppy is $1160. The price of the Border Terrier typically ranges from $800 – $1400. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 19 Border Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Labradoodle puppy is $1640. The price of the Labradoodle typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 2360 Labradoodle puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Labradoodle is more expensive than the Border Terrier.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Border Terrier and Labradoodle. For different price points, the charts show how many Border Terrier puppies or how many Labradoodle puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Border Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Border Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Labradoodles

    A breakdown of the prices of Labradoodles

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Border Terrier puppy or the Labradoodle puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Border Terrier versus Labradoodle

    Border Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Labradoodles can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Border Terriers shed more than Labradoodles?

    Border Terriers shed moderately.

    Labradoodles shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Border Terrier or the Labradoodle

    Border Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Labradoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Border Terrier or the Labradoodle?

    Border Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Labradoodles are very easy to groom.

    Does the Border Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Labradoodle?

    Border Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Labradoodles have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Border Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Labradoodles?

    Border Terriers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Labradoodles are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Border Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Labradoodles Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Border Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Labradoodles can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Border Terrier vs. Labradoodle

    Border Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Labradoodles have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Border Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Labradoodles Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Border Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Labradoodles can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Border Terrier or the Labradoodle?

    Border Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Labradoodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Border Terriers good family dogs? What about Labradoodles?

    Border Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Labradoodles are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Border Terriers and Labradoodles?

    Border Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Labradoodles get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Border Terrier Easier to Train than the Labradoodle?

    Border Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Labradoodles are very easy to train.

    Is the Border Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Labradoodle?

    Border Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Labradoodles adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Border Terrier or the Labradoodle?

    Border Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Labradoodles are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Border Terrier versus Labradoodle. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Border Terrier and the Labradoodle better suits you and your family.