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Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Golden Flat Coat or Lab or Little Blue Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd" Compare Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever. Which is better: Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Golden Retriever Labrador Retriever Australian Shepherd
OriginsScotland flagScotland England flagEngland Canada flagCanada United States flagUnited States
Group Gun Dog Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank3117
Reviews1497
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Lab
Labrador
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Which is the smallest dog, Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
Large Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd weight comparison:
Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd height comparison:
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm) Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm) Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm)

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Which is more expensive?
$1000-$2000 $1000-$2000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd intelligence:
Outstanding: Golden Retriever 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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Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Trainability
Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd trainability comparison.
Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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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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Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?
High: Golden Retriever 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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Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd social needs comparison:
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Golden Retriever dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Golden Retriever 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.
Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Australian Shepherd 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.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

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

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd mouthiness comparison:
Golden Retriever 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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Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?
Golden Retrievers 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.
The Australian Shepherd 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: Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
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
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Deafness
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Distichiasis
Collie Eye Anomaly
Detached Retina
Nasal Solar Dermatitis
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Persistent Pupillary Membranes
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The Golden Retriever 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.
Average
The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever and Australian Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?
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 cold weather conditions
The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
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. 1.5 to 2.5 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? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:
High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd coat comparison:
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Feathered
Colors
What are the original Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever and Australian Shepherd color?
Golden
Light
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd grooming comparison:
Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or {name3 shedding:
Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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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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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Hypoallergenic
Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd 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, Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
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The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Good With Comparison

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

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd 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.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd? 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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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a 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.

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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Yes

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

Not really

Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like 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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Not really

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

Not really

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

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.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd 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 Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever and Australian Shepherd have?
5-10 puppies 5-10 puppies 6-9 puppies, average 7

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs 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
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
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Australian Shepherd Club Of America

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