Differences and Similarities between the Collie and the Labradoodle.

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Collie Versus Labradoodle: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Collie 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 Collie 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 Collie and the Labradoodle.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Collie 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 Collie 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 Collie 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 Collie or the Labradoodle.

Collie versus Labradoodle

Collie versus Labradoodle: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Collie belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Collie versus Labradoodle: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Collie 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 Collie and the Labradoodle

Factor Collie Labradoodle
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 12 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Height 22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 50 to 65 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1480 $1640
Price Range $1000 – $1800 $1000 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Dermatomyositis
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Collie 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 Collie is 83 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 Collie. 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 Collie and the Labradoodle so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Collie versus Labradoodle

    The Similarities Between the Collie and the Labradoodle

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

  • Both the Collie and the Labradoodle do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Collie and the Labradoodle are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Collie and the Labradoodle can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Collie and the Labradoodle get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Collie and the Labradoodle are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Collie and the Labradoodle are very easy to train.
  • Both the Collie and the Labradoodle are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Collie and the Labradoodle are very playful.
  • Both the Collie and the Labradoodle are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Collie and the Labradoodle get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Collie versus Labradoodle

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

    Collies weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Collies are 22 to 26 inches all 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 Collie versus Labradoodle

    The lifespan of Collies is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Collies is 12.0 years.

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

    Labradoodles live longer than Collies.

    Collie versus Labradoodle

    Price of Collie versus Price of Labradoodle

    The average price of the Collie puppy is $1480. The price of the Collie typically ranges from $1000 – $1800. However, the price of a Collie can be as low as $300 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 356 Collie 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. However, the price of the Labradoodle can be as low as $250 and as high as $5850. 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 Collie.

    Collie Labradoodle
    Average Price $1480 $1640
    Price Range $1000 to $1800 $1000 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Collies. 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 Collie 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.

    Collie versus Labradoodle

    Adopting the Collie versus Adopting the Labradoodle

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Collies and many Labradoodles are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Collie named Rory Charlie`O that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Collies like Rory Charlie`O on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Collies, Labradoodles are also available for adoption. For example, Sterling is a Male Labradoodle that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Labradoodles like Sterling that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Collie and the Labradoodle can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Humphrey is the name of another Collie (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Socks is an adorable Male Labradoodle on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Collies and Labradoodles are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Collies and Labradoodles that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Collie versus Labradoodle

    Collies do not like to be left alone.

    Labradoodles can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Collies shed more than Labradoodles?

    Collies shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Labradoodles shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Collie or the Labradoodle

    Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Labradoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Collie or the Labradoodle?

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

    Labradoodles are very easy to groom.

    Does the Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Labradoodle?

    Collies 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 Collies Bark and Howl? What about Labradoodles?

    Collies are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Can Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Labradoodles Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Labradoodles can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Collie vs. Labradoodle

    Collies do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

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

    Can Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Labradoodles Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Collies 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 Collie or the Labradoodle?

    Collies get along very well with other dogs.

    Labradoodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Collies good family dogs? What about Labradoodles?

    Collies 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 Collies and Labradoodles?

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

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

    Is the Collie Easier to Train than the Labradoodle?

    Collies are very easy to train.

    Labradoodles are very easy to train.

    Is the Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Labradoodle?

    Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Labradoodles adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Collies are very good for new dog owners.

    Labradoodles are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Collie

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Collie that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Collie:

  • Keeshond (84 percent match with Collie). Here is our comparison of the Labradoodle vs Keeshond.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labradoodle

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Labradoodle that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Labradoodle:

  • Goldendoodle (78 percent match with Labradoodle). Here is our comparison of the Collie vs Goldendoodle.
  • Goldador (85 percent match with Labradoodle). Here is our comparison of the Collie vs Goldador.
  • French Spaniel (78 percent match with Labradoodle). Here is our comparison of the Collie vs French Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Collie and how the Labradoodle compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Collie and of the Labradoodle to other breeds:

    Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Collie versus Irish Terrier     Collie versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Collie versus Briard     Collie versus Australian Kelpie     Collie versus Sussex Spaniel     Collie versus Swedish Vallhund     Collie versus Japanese Chin     Collie versus Canaan Dog     Collie versus Lhasapoo     Collie versus Saluki     Collie versus Dutch Shepherd     Collie versus Catahoula Bulldog     Collie versus Leonberger     Collie versus Aussiedoodle     Collie versus Belgian Tervuren     Collie versus American Water Spaniel     Collie versus American Bulldog     Collie versus American Water Spaniel     Collie versus Portuguese Pointer     Collie versus Briard     Collie versus Afghan Hound     Collie versus Afador     Collie versus Scottish Deerhound     Collie versus Beaglier     Collie versus Portuguese Water Dog     

    Labradoodle Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Labradoodle versus Affenpinscher     Labradoodle versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Labradoodle versus Schipperke     Labradoodle versus Vizsla     Labradoodle versus Standard Poodle     Labradoodle versus Cairn Terrier     Labradoodle versus Lakeland Terrier     Labradoodle versus Catahoula Bulldog     Labradoodle versus Shih Tzu     Labradoodle versus Pharaoh Hound     Labradoodle versus Puggle     Labradoodle versus Brittany     Labradoodle versus Boxerdoodle     Labradoodle versus Affenhuahua     Labradoodle versus Lowchen     Labradoodle versus Toy Fox Terrier     Labradoodle versus Beagle     Labradoodle versus Frenchton     Labradoodle versus Mal Shi     Labradoodle versus Border Collie     Labradoodle versus Shetland Sheepdog     Labradoodle versus Welsh Terrier     Labradoodle versus Lowchen     Labradoodle versus Chihuahua     Labradoodle versus Lancashire Heeler     

    Conclusion: Collie 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 Collie and the Labradoodle better suits you and your family.