Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Comparison - Dog breed selector: Doberman or Alsatian wolf dog or Lab? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever" Compare Doberman Pinscher and German Shepherd. Which is better: Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?

Price and Availability Size Grooming, Hair and Care Personality / Temperament Good With Health As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Doberman Pinscher	German Shepherd	Labrador Retriever
Origins	Germany	Germany	England Canada
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Working Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Gun Dog
Popularity Rank	16	2	1
Reviews	14	12	5
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Doberman Dobermann Dobynm Dobie	Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian	Lab Labrador
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? Which is more expensive?	$800-$1000	$800-$2000	$1000-$2000
Availability Which is easier to get, Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?	Very frequent: The Doberman Pinscher is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Size Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? Which is the smallest dog, Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?	Medium	Large	Large
Weight Which is heavier, Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or German Shepherd? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever weight comparison:	Male: 88-99 pounds (40-45 kg), Female: 71-77 pounds (32-35 kg)	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 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: 93.5 pounds (42.5 kg), Female: 74 pounds (33.5 kg)	Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)	Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever height comparison:	Male: 26-28 inches (66-71cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 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: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)	Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)	Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm)

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Grooming, Hair and Care Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever coat comparison:	Fine	Fuzzy	Dense Waterproof Hard Short
Colors What are the original Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever color?	Blue Red Tan Brown White Black	Silver Tan Red Black	Yellow Chocolate Black
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever grooming comparison:	Easy to groom: The Doberman Pinscher doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.	Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:	Doberman Pinschers shed moderately. See more.	German Shepherds are heavy shedders. See more.	Labrador Retrievers shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Personality / Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever behavior/temperament comparison:	Alert Fearless Loyal Energetic Intelligent Obedient	Alert Courageous Intelligent Obedient Confident Curious Loyal Watchful	Affectionate Cheerful Friendly Intelligent Loyal Playful Social Alert Energetic Gentle Loving Going Responsive
Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever intelligence:	Outstanding: Doberman Pinscher is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever trainability comparison.	Doberman Pinschers are quite easy to train. See more.	German Shepherds are easy to train. See more.	Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Playfulness Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever playfulness comparison:	Average: Doberman Pinschers, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Sensitive: Doberman Pinschers don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Sensitive: German Shepherds don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Sensitive: Labrador Retrievers don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever?	High: Doberman Pinschers are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: German Shepherds are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retrievers may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever social needs comparison:	Doberman Pinschers need for social interaction is average. See more.	German Shepherds need for social interaction is average. See more.	Labrador Retrievers need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever?	Low to Average: The Doberman Pinscher rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. See more.	Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?	Doberman Pinschers are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	German Shepherds are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Labrador Retrievers are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Doberman Pinschers are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	German Shepherds are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Labrador Retrievers are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Moderate ⏺ The Doberman Pinscher has an average chance of biting somebody.	High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Bite Force Which bite is stronger: Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Doberman Pinscher bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever mouthiness comparison:	Doberman Pinschers have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	German Shepherds have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Labrador Retrievers have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Doberman Pinschers tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	German Shepherds are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Labrador Retrievers have average wanderlust potential. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Their prey drive is low. See more.	German Shepherds have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Labrador Retrievers have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?	Very house-friendly dog the Doberman Pinscher breed.	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 German Shepherd indoors.	It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List
Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Doberman Pinschers adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	German Shepherds adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Labrador Retrievers adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Labrador Retrievers tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Good With Comparison

Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?	Doberman Pinschers are not stranger friendly dogs.	German Shepherds are stranger-friendly dogs.	Labrador Retrievers are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Doberman Pinschers are generally with other pets.	German Shepherds are generally with other pets.	Labrador Retrievers are usually friendly towards other pets.
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?	Doberman Pinschers are average friendly dogs towards children.	German Shepherds are very kid-friendly dogs.	Labrador Retrievers are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?	Doberman Pinschers are average friendly towards cats.	German Shepherds are average friendly towards cats.	Labrador Retrievers are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?	Doberman Pinschers are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	German Shepherds are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Labrador Retrievers are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever?	Yes Doberman Pinschers are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes German Shepherds are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Labrador Retrievers are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Doberman Pinscher is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No German Shepherd 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?	Doberman Pinschers are commonly okay with elderly people.	German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Health Comparison

Health Issues Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever health comparison. Which is the healthier: Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever?	Doberman Pinschers are commonly healthy dogs.	German Shepherds 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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever health problems comparison:	Cardiomyopathy Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Wobbler's Syndrome	Allergies Blindness Bloat Cancer Cataracts Cherry Eye Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Cushing's Syndrome Degenerative Myelopathy Demodectic Mange Diabetes Digestive Problems Elbow Dysplasia Epilepsy Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Heart Disease Hemophilia A Hemophilia B Hip Dysplasia Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lens Luxation Lupus Megaesophagus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Panosteitis Paralysis Perianal Fistula Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Retinal Dysplasia Seborrhea Vitiligo Von Willebrand's Disease Wobbler's Syndrome	Acute Moist Dermatitis Bloat Cataracts Cold Tail Ear Infections Elbow Dysplasia Epilepsy Hip Dysplasia Myopathy Osteochondrosis Dissecans Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Rare The Doberman Pinscher should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Rare The German Shepherd 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever lifespan comparison. How long do Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	10-12 years The average lifespan of Doberman Pinscher: 11 years	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Hypoallergenic Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Energy Level Who has more energy a Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever energy level comparison:	Doberman Pinschers have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	German Shepherds are high-energy dogs.	Labrador Retrievers are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Doberman Pinschers need quite a lot of exercise.	German Shepherds need quite a lot of exercise.	Labrador Retrievers need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?	Doberman Pinschers sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	German Shepherds don't need too much sleep.	Labrador Retrievers don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot
Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?	5 to 6 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	3 to 4 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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Doberman Pinscher has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever?	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever?	Medium ⏺ The Doberman Pinscher has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd 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 Doberman Pinscher drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. See more.	The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler. See more.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd 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. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? Which is better for autism?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
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.	Yes This breed would make an excellent 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: Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever?	Not really Doberman Pinscher breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Yes Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.
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. See more.	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. See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd 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 Doberman Pinscher and German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever have?	6-10 puppies	6-10 puppies	5-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.	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 Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type section.	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.	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 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 New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Canadian Canine Registry	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 German Shepherd Dog Club Of America	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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