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

"Find similarities and differences between Blue Heeler vs Labrador Retriever vs American Pit Bull Terrier" Compare Blue Heeler and Labrador Retriever. Which is better: Blue Heeler or Labrador Retriever or American Pit Bull Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Blue Heeler Labrador Retriever American Pit Bull Terrier
OriginsAustralia flagAustralia England flagEngland Canada flagCanada United States flagUnited States
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank5181336
Reviews21113
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier breeds.
Australian Cattle Dog
Cattle Dog
Queensland Heeler
Red Heeler
Lab
Labrador
Pit
Pit Bull
Pitbull
Pitty
APBT
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Blue Heeler vs Labrador Retriever vs American Pit Bull Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Large Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.
30-62 pounds (13-28 kg) Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) 22-78 pounds (10-35 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
46 pounds (20.5 kg) Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) 50 pounds (22.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Blue Heeler or Labrador Retriever or American Pit Bull Terrier? Blue Heeler vs Labrador Retriever vs American Pit Bull Terrier height comparison:
Male: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm), Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm) 14-24 inches (35-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 18.5 inches (47 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm) 19 inches (47.5 cm)

Blue Heeler vs Labrador Retriever vs American Pit Bull Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds.
$400-$800 $1000-$2000 $500-$700
Availability
Which is easier to get, Blue Heeler or Labrador Retriever or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.
Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier is a commonly available dog breed.

Blue Heeler vs Labrador Retriever vs American Pit Bull Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Blue Heeler dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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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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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is easiest to train?
Blue Heeler dogs are easy to train.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is most alert?
Blue Heeler dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is most protective?
Blue Heeler dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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Blue Heeler vs Labrador Retriever vs American Pit Bull Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier? Compare temperaments.
Active
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Hard working
Resourceful
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Stubborn
Clownish
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Obedient
Loyal
Strong
Willed
Aggressive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
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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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Blue Heeler vs Labrador Retriever vs American Pit Bull Terrier?
Slightly Below Average: Blue Heeler dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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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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Social Needs
Blue Heeler vs Labrador Retriever vs American Pit Bull Terrier social needs comparison:
Blue Heeler dogs are kinda antisocial.
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Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Blue Heeler is strong enough to escape from home.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the American Pit Bull Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Blue Heeler dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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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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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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Blue Heeler vs Labrador Retriever vs American Pit Bull Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Blue Heeler rarely barks.
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Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
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Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is most playful?
The Blue Heeler is a highly playful breed.
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The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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The American Pit Bull Terrier is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Blue Heeler breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the American Pit Bull Terrier breed in the home.

Blue Heeler vs Labrador Retriever vs American Pit Bull Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Blue Heeler 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.
Average: American Pit Bull Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Blue Heeler or Labrador Retriever or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Blue Heeler dogs handle alone time quite well.
Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
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.

Blue Heeler vs Labrador Retriever vs American Pit Bull Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Blue Heeler has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The American Pit Bull Terrier has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which uses mouth most during play?
Blue Heeler 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.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Blue Heeler bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Pit Bull Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Blue Heeler vs Labrador Retriever vs American Pit Bull Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Blue Heeler: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which handles climate changes best?
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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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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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has fewer health issues?
Blue Heelers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Labrador Retriever 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.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The Blue Heeler should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Labrador Retriever 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Blue Heeler vs Labrador Retriever vs American Pit Bull Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Blue Heeler vs Labrador Retriever vs American Pit Bull Terrier health problems comparison:
No data available Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy
Hip Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Skin Allergies

Blue Heeler vs Labrador Retriever vs American Pit Bull Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is most active?
Blue Heeler dogs are high-energy dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Blue Heeler vs Labrador Retriever vs American Pit Bull Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Blue Heeler or Labrador Retriever or American Pit Bull Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Blue Heeler dogs need a lot of exercises.
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Blue Heeler or Labrador Retriever or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Blue Heeler dogs don't need too much sleep.
Labrador Retriever 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.

Blue Heeler vs Labrador Retriever vs American Pit Bull Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Blue Heeler's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which needs most food?
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. Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Blue Heeler vs Labrador Retriever vs American Pit Bull Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. What colors are available?
Blue
Red speckled
Blue speckled
Blue Mottled
Red Mottled
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Black
Gray
Tan
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Yellow
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Blue Heeler requires minimal grooming.
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Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
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Effortless: The American Pit Bull Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which drools least?
The Blue Heeler is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
See more.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Blue Heeler has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The American Pit Bull Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Fine
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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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.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Blue Heeler or Labrador Retriever or American Pit Bull Terrier? Blue Heeler or Labrador Retriever or {name3 shedding:
Blue Heeler dogs shed moderately.
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Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Blue Heeler vs Labrador Retriever vs American Pit Bull Terrier Good With Comparison

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

Blue Heeler vs Labrador Retriever vs American Pit Bull Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is best suited for service work?

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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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which excels in therapy work?

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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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has best nose work ability?

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 & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is best for SAR work?

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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Blue Heeler breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

American Pit Bull Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is best for draft work?

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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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has most military use?

Not really

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

Blue Heeler vs Labrador Retriever vs American Pit Bull Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has most puppies?
1-7 puppies 5-10 puppies 5-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. What's recommended?

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.

Blue Heeler vs Labrador Retriever vs American Pit Bull Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Blue Heeler, Labrador Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has most recognition?
No data available 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
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

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