Torn between Labrador and Border Collie

I currently have a Westie but have missed having a bigger dog since my GSD passed away 4 years ago so I've been thinking of getting another dog.

The dogs I've always liked are Border Collies and Labradors, The wife is more in favour of a Lab and I'm more in favour of a BC.

I want to take up formal obedience with the new dog.
I absolutely love seeing a BC chase a ball or disc, there intensity and concentration are second to none.

However I also love Labs which are also very trainable to a high standard but are far more likely to be chilled out around the house.

I could go on forever about the pro's and cons of each and nobody can decide for me but which would be your choice? and why?

Do what I did and get a cross from a reputable source that cares about the dogs welfare. :P

*Awaits popcorn*

Collie all the way!!

Collies can chill in the house, my last collie was from a working farm, both parents worked and he had a strong work ethic. Loved having jobs to do but was always calm in the house.

Give them enough exercise outside and mental stimulation inside and they can be your perfect dog.

My collie puppy now has started to learn to chill in the house, of course he is always up for a game and into everything but he is learning when enough is enough.

I'm looking after a Lab and I have to say it isn't my kind of dog. Quite stupid compared to my collie but that is just a comparison of 2 different breeds of dogs out of millions. Also just my opinion!

It would definitely be a BC for me. I have nothing against Labs at all, but out of the two I prefer Collies.

My gran always used to have working farm bred BCs and hers were always fine in the house as they had plenty of things to do when they were outside it.

Have to admit to being curious as to why you don't want to do obedience with your Westie. (My other gran had a Lab and a Westie when I was younger and the Westie was the smart one of the two).

BC for me as well i'm afraid. I'm just not a Labrador person, I find them boring on the eye (sorry to all the lab owners) and their stocky build puts me off, I prefer a more athletic looking dog. Plus the fact that so many are overweight doesnt do much for their image.

I have 2 BC's and they are fine in the house.

Westies are roughly in the middle range for intelligence and I suppose I think I'd be able to do much more with a BC which are widely considered to be at the top for intelligence.
My westie is also quite nervy when out of the house and I don't think she would cope well at a training club with so much going on.

Definitely a Labrador for me. I don't think I'd be the right home for a collie, and labs are just more my kind of dog. But I'm with labaddicted and would prefer a crossbreed

Apples and oranges in terms of breed.

I am not a BC fan but obviously am a Lab fan.

Bad side of Labs is that they shed heavily, are boisterous in youth (like most dogs really but Labs can be extra mad!) and are usually walking food disposals; aka they are obsessed with eating.

Good sides is that their coat requires no maintenance bar a few minutes of brushing every now and then. When well bred they are highly trainable and intelligent. They are adaptable and can slot in to pretty much everyone's life, love everyone, are reliable, non aggressive and have wonderful temperaments.

I have to emphasis again that a well bred dog should be all of those things. Due to their popularity there are some Labs with iffy temperaments about but these should NEVER be the norm. Finding an excellent breeder should ensure you end up with a 'proper' Labrador.

With Labs you also have the option of going for the more chilled, lazier show type or the much more athletic, energetic working type. If you have an active lifestyle a working bred Labrador might be ideal.

Definitely border collies for me! I have had labradors in the past and wouldn't have another one - no real reason, they just don't 'do' it for me. I can't imagine having anything else but a collie now, especially as I am addicted to agility!

Love both breeds, own collies & bc gsd cross, have owned a lab who was a wonderful family dog, he was my OH first dog and he had a go at various different dog sports.

If you are looking to do competitve obedience, BC may be a better option, people do compete with labs, but collies enjoy the job. Have you considered working trials, Labs and collies both enjoy that sport.

BC's do settle in the house. They often need careful socialisation and habituation as young dogs.