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

"Find similarities and differences between Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd" Compare Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd. Which is better: Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Labrador Retriever German Shepherd Australian Shepherd
OriginsEngland flagEngland Canada flagCanada Germany flagGermany United States flagUnited States
Group Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank1217
Reviews9197
User Ratings

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

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

Size
Which is bigger, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd? Which is the smallest dog, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd?
Large Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or German Shepherd? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd weight comparison:
Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 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: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd height comparison:
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 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: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm)

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

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

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

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd intelligence:
Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Trainability
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd trainability comparison.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are 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: Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best 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 Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd 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.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: German Shepherd 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: Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd?
Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd social needs comparison:
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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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?
Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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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?
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 dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd playfulness comparison:
The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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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 German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd?
Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd indoors.
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 German Shepherd 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.
German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd 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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
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 German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd 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 Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd mouthiness comparison:
Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd 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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Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd?
The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
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 German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd 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
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
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?
Average
The Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least 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 Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd and Australian Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 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 German Shepherd 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.

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

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

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

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd?
Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 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. 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 German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:
High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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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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Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd coat comparison:
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Fuzzy Feathered
Colors
What are the original Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd and Australian Shepherd color?
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd grooming comparison:
Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd? Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd?
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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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Hypoallergenic
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd 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, Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd?

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average 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 Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd 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.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are 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 German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd?
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most 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: Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd?
Yes
Labrador Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Shepherd 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
German Shepherd 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.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd 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.
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Not really

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

Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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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.
See more.

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.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

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

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

Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd 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 1908 as a Herding 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. 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
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
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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