Which is Better between the Border Collie and the Goldendoodle?

Last Updated: Mar 09, 2022

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Border Collie Versus Goldendoodle: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Border Collie and the Goldendoodle 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 Collie and for the Goldendoodle. 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 Collie and the Goldendoodle.

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

Note that the border collie breed comes in two varieties based on coat texture. There is the smooth-coat border collie and the rough-coat border collie. Read our article on rough-coat border collie versus smooth-coat border collie.

Furthermore, the border collie dog breed is very different from the collie dog breed. Learn about the differences between these two dog breeds in our border collie versus collie article.

Finally, just like the border collie, the collie also comes in two varieties. There is the rough collie and the smooth collie. To learn about the differences and similarities between them, check out our article on rough collie versus smooth collie.

Border Collie versus Goldendoodle

Border Collie versus Goldendoodle: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Border 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 Goldendoodle belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

Border Collie versus Goldendoodle: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Border Collie to the Goldendoodle 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 Collie and the Goldendoodle

FactorBorder CollieGoldendoodle
Tolerates Being Alone1/53/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Life Span12 to 15 years10 to 15 years
Height18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living2/51/5
Good For Novice Owners2/54/5
General Health2/53/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl4/53/5
Dog Friendly3/55/5
Does NOT Shed3/54/5
Easy To Groom3/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/53/5
Does NOT chew on things3/55/5
Low Prey Drive3/55/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/53/5
Weight30 to 45 pounds50 to 90 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather4/53/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/53/5
Kid-Friendly4/55/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/54/5
Easy To Train5/54/5
Intelligence5/55/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/51/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Average Lifespan13.5 years12.5 years
Average Price$1000$2160
Price Range$600 – $1250$1500 – $2500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Congenital Deafness
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination, recommended annually until age 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
  • Shoulders
  • TNS Info
  • Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Border 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 Goldendoodle. 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 Collie is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Goldendoodle is 90 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Goldendoodle, we still believe that the Border Collie is a better pet than the Goldendoodle.

    This is because Border Collies are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Border Collie will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Border Collie :-). We are for the Border Collie. So get a Border Collie!

    Border Collie versus Goldendoodle

    The Similarities Between the Border Collie and the Goldendoodle

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

  • Both the Border Collie and the Goldendoodle do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Goldendoodle do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Goldendoodle have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Goldendoodle are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Goldendoodle can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Goldendoodle can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Goldendoodle get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Goldendoodle are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Goldendoodle are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Goldendoodle are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Goldendoodle are very easy to train.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Goldendoodle are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Goldendoodle have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Goldendoodle require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Goldendoodle are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Border Collie versus Goldendoodle

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

    Border Collies weigh 30 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Border Collies are 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Goldendoodles weigh 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Goldendoodles are 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Here is our article on Border Collie size, Border Collie growth, and Border Collie weight.

    Lifespan of Border Collie versus Goldendoodle

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

    The lifespan of Goldendoodles is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Goldendoodles is 12.5 years.

    Border Collies live longer than Goldendoodles.

    Go to this article to learn more about Border Collie lifespan and how long Border Collie live.

    Border Collie versus Goldendoodle

    Price of Border Collie versus Price of Goldendoodle

    The average price of the Border Collie puppy is $1000. The price of the Border Collie typically ranges from $600 – $1250. However, the price of a Border Collie can be as low as $100 and as high as $5500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1009 Border Collie puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Goldendoodle puppy is $2160. The price of the Goldendoodle typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of the Goldendoodle can be as low as $300 and as high as $16000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 4237 Goldendoodle puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Goldendoodle is more expensive than the Border Collie.

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    Border Collie Goldendoodle
    Average Price $1000 $2160
    Price Range $600 to $1250 $1500 to $2500

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Goldendoodles

    A breakdown of the prices of Goldendoodles

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Border Collie puppy or the Goldendoodle 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.

    Go to this article to learn more about Border Collie cost and price.

    Check out our list of best Border Collie breeders here

    Border Collie versus Goldendoodle

    Adopting the Border Collie versus Adopting the Goldendoodle

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Border Collies and many Goldendoodles 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 Border Collie named Rocky that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Border Collies like Rocky on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Border Collies, Goldendoodles are also available for adoption. For example, Meathead is a Male Goldendoodle that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Goldendoodles like Meathead that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

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

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

    Also, Odie is an adorable Male Goldendoodle on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Border Collie versus Goldendoodle

    Border Collies do not like to be left alone.

    Goldendoodles can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Border Collies shed more than Goldendoodles?

    Border Collies shed moderately.

    Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Border Collies, and on how to groom a Border Collie

    Goldendoodles do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Border Collie or the Goldendoodle?

    Border Collies are moderately easy to groom.

    To learn more about how to properly groom a Border Collie, check out our article on how to groom a Border Collie.

    Learn more on how to take care of a Border Collie here.

    Goldendoodles are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Border Collie or the Goldendoodle?

    Border Collies get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Goldendoodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Border Collies good family dogs? What about Goldendoodles?

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

    Border Collie make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.

    Learn about Border Collie temperament here.

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

    Is the Border Collie Easier to Train than the Goldendoodle?

    Border Collies are very easy to train.

    Goldendoodles are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Border Collie or the Goldendoodle

    Border Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Goldendoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Border Collies and Goldendoodles?

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

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

    Does the Border Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Goldendoodle?

    Border Collies have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Goldendoodles 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 Collies Bark and Howl? What about Goldendoodles?

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

    Goldendoodles bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Border Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Goldendoodles Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Border Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Goldendoodles can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Border Collie vs. Goldendoodle

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

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

    Can Border Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Goldendoodles Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Border Collies can tolerate hot weather.

    Goldendoodles can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Is the Border Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Goldendoodle?

    Border Collies do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Goldendoodles do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Border Collies are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Goldendoodles are very good for new dog owners.

    Border Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Border Collie compares to other breeds aside from the Goldendoodle. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Border Collie to other breeds:

    Border Collie versus American Hairless Terrier     Border Collie versus Border Terrier     Border Collie versus Papipoo     Border Collie versus Brussels Griffon     Border Collie versus Komondor     Border Collie versus Bouvier des Flandres     Border Collie versus Spanish Mastiff     Border Collie versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Border Collie versus Tibetan Terrier     Border Collie versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Border Collie versus Bluetick Coonhound     Border Collie versus Saint Bernard     Border Collie versus Brittany     Border Collie versus English Setter     Border Collie versus Toy Fox Terrier     Border Collie versus Irish Wolfhound     Border Collie versus Cairn Terrier     Border Collie versus Schipperke     

    Conclusion: Border Collie versus Goldendoodle. 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 Collie and the Goldendoodle better suits you and your family.