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Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Lab or Little Blue Dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd" Compare Labrador Retriever and Australian Shepherd. Which is better: Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Labrador Retriever Australian Shepherd
OriginsEngland flagEngland Canada flagCanada United States flagUnited States
Group Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank117
Reviews117
User Ratings

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

Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Is the Labrador Retriever bigger than the Australian Shepherd breed? Is a Labrador Retriever smaller than an Australian Shepherd?
Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd weight comparison:
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: 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, Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Is a Labrador Retriever taller than an Australian Shepherd?
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: 22 inches (55.5 cm) Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm)

Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Labrador Retriever and Australian Shepherd?
$1000-$2000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd smarter? Which is best? Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd intelligence:
Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Trainability
Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd trainability comparison. What's the difference between Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:
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 between Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?
Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Sensitive: Australian Shepherd 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: Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?
Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Social Needs
Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd social needs comparison:
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? What's the difference between Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?
Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?
Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd playfulness comparison:
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: Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?
Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
See more.
Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
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.

Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
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: Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
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.

Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

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

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? Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd mouthiness comparison:
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.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?
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: Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd health problems comparison:
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: Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?
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
Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Labrador Retriever and Australian Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Labrador Retriever and Australian Shepherd?
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: 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.
See more.
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.

Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd coat comparison:
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Feathered
Colors
What are the original Labrador Retriever and Australian Shepherd color? Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd color comparison:
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd grooming comparison:
Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Do Labrador Retriever dogs shed more than Australian Shepherd dogs?
Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd 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, Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd?

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? What's the difference between Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?
The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
See more.
The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/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 Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
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 Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Can a Labrador Retriever and an Australian Shepherd be friends? Do Labrador Retriever dogs get along with Australian Shepherd 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 best for first time owners: Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?
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?
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?
Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

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.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
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.

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.

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: Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?

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.
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.
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.

Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd 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 Labrador Retriever and Australian Shepherd have? Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd litter size comparison:
5-10 puppies 6-9 puppies, average 7

Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
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 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
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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    Jan 12, 2023, 11:47:22 AM:

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