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Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever Comparison - Dog breed selector: Little Blue Dog or Pit or Lab? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever" Compare Australian Shepherd and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is better: Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or Labrador Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Australian Shepherd American Pit Bull Terrier Labrador Retriever
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States United States flagUnited States England flagEngland Canada flagCanada
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Hunting Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank173361
Reviews7109
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Pit
Pit Bull
Pitbull
Pitty
APBT
Lab
Labrador
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or Labrador Retriever? Which is the smallest dog, Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or Labrador Retriever?
Large Medium Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or American Pit Bull Terrier? Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever weight comparison:
Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) 22-78 pounds (10-35 kg) Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) 50 pounds (22.5 kg) Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or Labrador Retriever? Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever height comparison:
Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) 14-24 inches (35-60 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) 19 inches (47.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm)

Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or Labrador Retriever? Which is more expensive?
$600-$800 $500-$700 $1000-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or Labrador Retriever?
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.

Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever intelligence:
Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever trainability comparison.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or Labrador Retriever?
Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or Labrador Retriever? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or Labrador Retriever? Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever behavior/temperament comparison:
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Stubborn
Clownish
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Obedient
Loyal
Strong
Willed
Aggressive
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever?
Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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Social Needs
Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever social needs comparison:
Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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The wanderlust potential of the American Pit Bull Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever playfulness comparison:
The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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The American Pit Bull Terrier is a playful breed.
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The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever?
Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier barks occasionally.
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Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or Labrador Retriever?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Australian Shepherd indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the American Pit Bull Terrier breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.

Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: American Pit Bull Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or Labrador Retriever?
Australian Shepherd dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or Labrador Retriever?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Pit Bull Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The American Pit Bull Terrier has a high chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever mouthiness comparison:
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.

Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever health comparison. Which is the healthier: Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever?
The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
American Pit Bull Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Deafness
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Distichiasis
Collie Eye Anomaly
Detached Retina
Nasal Solar Dermatitis
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Persistent Pupillary Membranes
Hip Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Skin Allergies
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Frequent
The American Pit Bull Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever lifespan comparison. How long do Australian Shepherd, American Pit Bull Terrier and Labrador Retriever breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier: 12 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or Labrador Retriever? Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever energy level comparison:
Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or Labrador Retriever? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or Labrador Retriever?
Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.

Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or Labrador Retriever?
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever coat comparison:
Feathered Fine Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Colors
What are the original Australian Shepherd, American Pit Bull Terrier and Labrador Retriever color?
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Black
Gray
Tan
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Yellow
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or Labrador Retriever? Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever grooming comparison:
Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The American Pit Bull Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or Labrador Retriever? Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or Labrador Retriever?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever?

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The American Pit Bull Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The American Pit Bull Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
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Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or Labrador Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or Labrador Retriever?
Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or Labrador Retriever?
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or Labrador Retriever?
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are not dog-friendly.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever?
Yes
Australian Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Labrador Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Australian Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
American Pit Bull Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Labrador Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
American Pit Bull Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Australian Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier or Labrador Retriever? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever?

Not really

Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

American Pit Bull Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Australian Shepherd and American Pit Bull Terrier and Labrador Retriever have?
6-9 puppies, average 7 5-8 puppies 5-10 puppies

Australian Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Australian Shepherd Club Of America
American Canine Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Backwoods Bulldog Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

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