German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Lab or Alpine Mastiff? Find the right dog for you
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Compare German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. Which is better: German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or St. Bernard?
Name | German Shepherd | Labrador Retriever | St. Bernard |
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Origins | Germany | England Canada | Switzerland Italy |
Group | Pastoral / Herding Dogs | Gun Dog | Working Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 2 | 1 | 48 |
Reviews | 19 | 9 | 9 |
User Ratings |
Other Names
What other names do they have? |
Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian |
Lab Labrador |
Alpine Mastiff Bernhardiner St. Barnhardshund St. Bernard Saint |
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Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard Size and Weight Comparison
Size
Which is bigger, German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or St. Bernard? Which is the smallest dog, German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or St. Bernard? | Large | Large | Giant |
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Weight
Which is heavier, German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or Labrador Retriever? German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard 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) | 110-200 pounds (50-91 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) | 155 pounds (70.5 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or St. Bernard? German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard height comparison: | 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) | 25.5-27.5 inches (61-70 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) | 25.5-27.5 inches (65.5 cm) |
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard Price and Availability Comparison
Price
Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or St. Bernard? Which is more expensive? | $800-$2000 | $1000-$2000 | $1500-$1800 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or St. Bernard? | Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The St. |
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard intelligence: | Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. |
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Trainability
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard trainability comparison. | German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. | Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train. | A slightly harder to train than average. |
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or St. Bernard? | German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. | St. |
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or St. Bernard?
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. | Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders. | St. |
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard Personality and Temperament Comparison
Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or St. Bernard? German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard behavior/temperament comparison: |
Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful |
Playful Loving Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Social Cheerful |
Independent Happy Friendly Gentle Going Social Quiet |
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Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference? | Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | Sensitive: St. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard? | High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. | High: St. |
Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard social needs comparison: | German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. | Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. | St. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. | Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential. | St. |
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting? | German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. | Their prey drive is low. |
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Playfulness
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard playfulness comparison: | Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. | The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed. | St. |
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard? | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. | Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally. | Low: The St. |
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or St. Bernard? | 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. | 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 St. |
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard 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. | St. |
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Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or St. Bernard? | 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. | St. |
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or St. Bernard? | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary. | Above 400 PSI 🔼 St. |
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Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison: | High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody. | Moderate ⏺ The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody. | Moderate ⏺ The St. |
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard mouthiness comparison: | German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | St. |
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard Health and Lifespan Comparison
Health Issues
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard? | 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. | Very healthy dog breed. |
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Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard 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 |
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Bloat Epilepsy Entropion Elbow Dysplasia Dilated Cardiomyopathy |
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits? |
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. |
Rare The St. |
Life Expectancy
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever and St. Bernard breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? |
9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years |
10-12 years The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years |
8-10 years The average lifespan of St. |
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard? | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. |
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Level
Who has more energy a German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or St. Bernard?
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard energy level comparison: | German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. | Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs. | St. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or St. Bernard? 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. | St. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or St. Bernard? | German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. | Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep. | St. |
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or St. Bernard? | 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. | 6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
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Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard weight gain potential comparison: | Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. | High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the St. |
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard coat comparison: | Fuzzy |
Dense Waterproof Hard Short |
Dense Rough Smooth |
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Colors
What are the original German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever and St. Bernard color? |
Black Tan Red Silver |
Black Yellow Chocolate |
Black Red White Brown Brindle Tricolor |
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or St. Bernard? German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard grooming comparison: | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. | Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming. | Average: The St. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or St. Bernard? German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or {name3 shedding: | German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. | Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately. | St. |
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or St. Bernard? | 8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. |
Hypoallergenic
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard 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, German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard? | Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. | High 🔼 The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell. | High 🔼 The St. |
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? | The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler. | The St. |
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard 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. | St. |
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Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or St. Bernard? Which dog is more friendly? | German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. | Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. | St. |
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or St. Bernard? | German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | St. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or St. Bernard? | German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats. | Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs. | St. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or St. Bernard? | German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. | Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | St. |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard? |
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. |
No St. |
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. |
No St. |
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. | St. |
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard As a Working Dog Comparison
Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog? | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or St. Bernard? Which is better for autism? | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
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. | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. |
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. | 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 vs St. Bernard? | Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Yes Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. | Not really St. |
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. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Yes A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
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. | Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. |
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard Reproducibility Comparison
Gestation Length | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
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Litter Frequency | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Litter Size
How many puppies can German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever and St. Bernard have? | 6-10 puppies | 5-10 puppies | 6-8 puppies |
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs St. Bernard 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. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed. |
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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. | Not recognized by FCI. |
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 |
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 |
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