Which lives longer, the Border Collie or the Golden Retriever?

The Golden Retriever has the longer median lifespan: Border Collie 13.1 years versus Golden Retriever 13.2 years (McMillan 2024).

Which is healthier, the Border Collie or the Golden Retriever?

On the Breed Health Score the Border Collie scores 78/100 and the Golden Retriever scores 79/100. The Golden Retriever scores higher.

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever

The Border Collie has a median lifespan of 13.1 years and a Breed Health Score of 78/100 (grade A); the Golden Retriever lives a median of 13.2 years with a score of 79/100 (grade A). On the overall index the Golden Retriever scores higher. The Golden Retriever has the longer median lifespan.

Border Collie

78grade A

Golden Retriever

79grade A

Median lifespan

13.1 yr

13.2 yr

Size

medium · 14-20 kg

large · 25-34 kg

Flat-faced

Longevity

Conformation

100

Hereditary burden

Health Score

78A

79A

Conditions

Collie eye anomaly Hip dysplasia Epilepsy Trapped neutrophil syndrome Ceroid lipofuscinosis

Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Cancer (haemangiosarcoma, lymphoma)Atopic dermatitis Hypothyroidism

Full profiles

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How to read this. The Breed Health Score combines longevity (65%), conformation (20%) and hereditary burden (15%); see the methodology. Median lifespan is from McMillan, K.M. et al. (2024) "Longevity of companion dog breeds", Scientific Reports (584,734 UK dogs). Data CC-BY 4.0. These are independent estimates for comparing breeds, not veterinary advice. Build your own with the interactive compare tool.