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

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

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

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

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever

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

Border Collie

78grade A

Labrador Retriever

79grade A

Median lifespan

13.1 yr

Size

medium · 14-20 kg

large · 25-36 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 Obesity Osteoarthritis Exercise-induced collapse

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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.