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German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Comparison – Which dog is better Alsatian wolf dog or Lab?

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever" Compare German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. Which is better: German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Labrador Retriever
OriginsGermany flagGermany England flagEngland Canada flagCanada
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank21
Reviews199
User Ratings

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

German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? Is the German Shepherd bigger than the Labrador Retriever breed? Is a German Shepherd smaller than a Labrador Retriever?
Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever weight comparison:
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: 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, German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? Is a German Shepherd taller than a Labrador Retriever?
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: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever?
$800-$2000 $1000-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever smarter? Which is best? German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever intelligence:
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever trainability comparison. What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever?
German Shepherd 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: German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever behavior/temperament comparison:
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever?
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever?
High: German Shepherd 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
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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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? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd 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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German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever playfulness comparison:
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.

German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Is a German Shepherd more dangerous than a Labrador Retriever?

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever mouthiness comparison:
German Shepherd 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.

German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever?
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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
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: German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever?
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.
Life Expectancy
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever?
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.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever energy level comparison:
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.

German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? Does the German Shepherd breed eat more than the Labrador Retriever breed?
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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever coat comparison:
Fuzzy Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Colors
What are the original German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever color? German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever color comparison:
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever grooming comparison:
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than Labrador Retriever dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?
8-12 weeks
Very 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.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?

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? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever?
The German Shepherd 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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German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? Can a German Shepherd and a Labrador Retriever be friends? Do German Shepherd dogs get along with Labrador Retriever dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever?
Yes
German Shepherd 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
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?
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Yes

This breed makes good 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: German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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?

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?

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: German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever?

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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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.
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Fighting Dog / Military 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.

German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever have? German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever litter size comparison:
6-10 puppies 5-10 puppies

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 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 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
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

Rate This Comparsion - German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever

Reviews

  • Rohan Patel

    Apr 26, 2020, 8:05:29 PM:

    I love the gss but can you make a St. Bernard comparison

  • Noah

    Feb 10, 2021, 5:06:06 PM:

    Everything is great except that labs arent affectionate.

  • Giovanni

    Dec 28, 2021, 1:48:11 PM:

    Re. GS health issues.... it all depends on the breeding.... in the US breeding is terrible.... I should know, I am a breeder.