Differences and Similarities between the Collie and the Labradoodle.

Last Updated: May 01, 2022

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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.

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

See this article that compares the Border Collie to the Labradoodle.

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

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

FactorCollieLabradoodle
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Tendency NOT to Wander5/53/5
Life Span10 to 14 years12 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone2/54/5
Easy To Groom2/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/52/5
Height22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder21 to 24 inches at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living3/53/5
Tolerates Hot Weather3/54/5
General Health3/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/53/5
Does NOT chew on things3/55/5
NOT Rambunctious3/51/5
Minimal Exercise Needs3/51/5
Good For Novice Owners4/54/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/55/5
Dog Friendly4/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers4/55/5
Easy To Train4/54/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Low Prey Drive2/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/54/5
Potential For Playfulness4/55/5
Easygoing1/53/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/54/5
Does NOT Shed1/53/5
Weight50 to 70 pounds50 to 65 pounds
Average Lifespan12.0 years13.0 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
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    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.

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

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

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

    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 Comparison of the Collie versus Labradoodle

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

    The Collie weighs 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The Collie is 22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Labradoodle weighs 50 to 65 pounds when fully grown. The Labradoodle is 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Size of Collie versus Size of Labradoodle

    Lifespan of Collie versus Labradoodle

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

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

    The Labradoodle live longer than the Collie.

    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.

    Check out our list of best Collie breeders here

    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 Marty that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Collies like Marty on pefinder.com.

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

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

    Also, Jake – Courtesy Post – Please Do Not Contact Sdro Directly is an adorable Male Labradoodle on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    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 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.

    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.

    Is the Collie Easier to Train than the Labradoodle?

    Collies are very easy to train.

    Labradoodles are very easy to train.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds

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

    Collie versus Redbone Coonhound     Collie versus Irish Water Spaniel     Collie versus American Hairless Terrier     Collie versus German Shepherd Dog     Collie versus Shih Tzu     Collie versus Border Terrier     Collie versus Newfoundland     Collie versus Carolina Dog     Collie versus Harrier     Collie versus Giant Schnauzer     Collie versus Chi-Poo     Collie versus Alaskan Malamute     Collie versus Belgian Sheepdog     Collie versus Chinese Crested     Collie versus Pomapoo     

    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.