which dog do you feel is the best, labrador retriever or border collie, state why...?

Answer 1

Well, for me personally, it's a Border Collie. But I did my research on the breed to well prepare for what to expect from owning a dog such as this breed. They are very smart, intense, hard working and seem to have a never ending supply of energy. But all of these things can be a double edged sword. Far too many people take this breed in "because they are smart and learn fast" only to realize that they are not prepared to handle the energy level and needs of the Border Collie. They can be neurotic, obsessive and need more than just the daily walks. Just a walk simply isn't enuf as with a breed this smart, they need a mental work out as well. This is why I feel training is not optional, but mandatory, for this breed. Also, persuing a dog sport, like agility, is a good way to give them a "job" to do and keep them healthy, excercised and happy. If a BC gets bored, they WILL find ways to entertain themselves and this often results in destruction within the home.

People get one cuz they want a "smart" dog, and then realize how much work and commitment is required to keep their BC truly happy. Then they end up in rescues and shelters because people couldn't handle them.

So if you're debating between the breeds, I can't tell you much about Labs, but with Border Collies, I can say that you really need to be prepared for what this breed is all about, or you could be setting yourself up for disaster. If this is a breed you are considering, do your research on the pros and the cons to help you make a more educated choice. Finding a reputable breeder will also be of great benefit, as they will help you determine if this breed will fit your lifestyle and help you pick a puppy that is right for "you". Also, plan for obedience training, and I would suggest considering something like agility, flyball, frisbee or herding as well. These are all around versatile dogs and really can do it all--not limited to just one sport per dog.

Added: Um, there is such a thing as the smooth coated Border Collie...

Answer 2

There is no 'best' breed, that's why there are so many of them. what's necessary or desired by one person is not by another. As a livestock owner and competative herder, I can say i'd definitely take the border collie but i have owned labs and they're great dogs. They just don't fit into my lifestyle right now.

Labs are high energy dogs that love to do things for their master. They especially love retrieving and water so if you like to get out an exercise and want a fun loving happy go lucky dog, labs are for you.

BC's are intense highly driven dogs. Generally, unless you get an AKC conformation bred dog, they need to have work to do all day (at least several hours every single day). these dogs will not be happy with an hour of throwing a ball and then back in the house. There are lots of horror stories out there of people who got a Border Collie and then discovered that the breed was much more energy than they could ever deal with. If you like spending a lot of time working with your dog and doing mental and physical things with their dogs then the BC could be the right breed for you. Most owners, however, just don't have the time that a BC requires.

Answer 3

Border Collies are a LOT less stinky.
Both are high energy dogs - so if you have a lot of time on your hands - these are the breeds for you.
Border Collies have a lot less health problems too.

Answer 4

i imagine breed particular guidelines are ridiculous in each and every way. Why ought to my properly experienced and correctly behaved Dobermans be punished at the same time as they have done no longer some thing incorrect and that i'm a responsible puppy proprietor? Their in trouble-free terms crime is searching scary. i understand poodles that frighten more beneficial people than my canines. i imagine that there must be particular criteria to personal a particular breed, like you need to take a kind or the canines has to bypass an effective canines citizen route. Then when you've a controversy including your canines, you lose that actual to personal a canines. era. yet anybody that has never had any subject matters ought to no longer lose their actual because of a few bozos. those guidelines in trouble-free terms punish the responsible ones and that is incorrect.

Answer 5

Border collies are great herders, sheep, children but in a small apt they're fairly yappy and they need a tremendous amount of exercise.

Labs have a great temperment, are good with children and adults alike. Gentle giants who are still good watch dogs. They are great water dogs for those who like to hunt, hence their name retrievers.

They also need room and alot of exercise daily.

However my preference is toward retrievers. I grew up with a Lab / Irish setter cross, who lived 13 years. He was the most gentle family dog and yet provided us with so many comic moments. The entire neighbourhood adored him.

Answer 6

I would say lab because they are more friendly and easier to maintain in a way. Collies are great pets but their long fur does get troublesome when it gets dirty or tangled. Labs dont have long fur but they shed often.
Both dogs would make great pets it just depends what kind of dog you're into.

I'd say the lab ;)

Answer 7

I have a border collie/lab mix that I wouldn't trade for all the stars in the sky! They make a stellar mix!

Answer 8

Border collie because they're active, smart, beautiful, a good size, and agile. They're definitely not for most people though, because of their *extreme* amount of energy and potential destructiveness if not exercized enough, mentally and physically. Labs are more appropriate for most people since they don't require quite as much exercize.

Answer 9

I think a lab becuz if you live in the city or somewhere like that it will protect and stand by you obediantly. A border collie is a ranch dog like if you live on a ranch or anywhere it can herd animals and ranch stuff like that. If you prefer a playful animal get the lab or if you prefer a mellow animal the border collie. PLus border collies get hair ALL over the carpets and you got to get them groomed all the time. thats all i can tell you.

Answer 10

both are great dogs. the lab will love to swim . the collie will swim also and like it but not quite as much as the lab.
there really isnt one that is better then the other its really a matter of choice there both smart and nice