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Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Comparison - Dog breed selector: Lab or Alsatian wolf dog or Sheepdog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie" Compare Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd. Which is better: Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
 
 
 
Name Labrador Retriever German Shepherd Border Collie
OriginsEngland flagEngland Canada flagCanada Germany flagGermany England flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales
Group Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank1238
Reviews91913
User Ratings

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

Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Which is the smallest dog, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
Large Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or German Shepherd? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie 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: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 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: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie 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: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), 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: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)

Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Price and Availability Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie 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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Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie trainability comparison.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? 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.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Personality and Temperament Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie playfulness comparison:
The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie?
Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
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 recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.

Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie 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.
Border Collie 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 Border Collie?
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.
Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

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

Border Collie 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 Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie mouthiness comparison:
Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie health comparison. Which is the healthier: Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie?
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 Border Collie 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 Border Collie? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie 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
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
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 Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie lifespan comparison. How long do Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd and Border Collie 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 Border Collie: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
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 Border Collie 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 Border Collie Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
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 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie 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.
See more.
Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie coat comparison:
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Fuzzy Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Colors
What are the original Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd and Border Collie color?
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Tan
Red
Sable
Brindle
Lilac
Gold
Seal
White & Red
Slate
Sable Merle
Black & White
Tricolor
Blue merle
Blue merle-tricolor
Slate merle
Red merle
Saddleback Sable
White & Blue
White & Blue Merle
White & Red Merle
White Ticked
White & Gold
White & Sable
White & Seal
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie grooming comparison:
Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
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.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie 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 Border Collie?

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Border Collie 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.
See more.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie 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.
Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Which dog is more friendly?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Border Collie 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 Border Collie?
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
Border Collie 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
Border Collie 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.
Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie 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.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie?

Yes

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

Not really

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

Not really

Border Collie 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.

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.

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 Border Collie 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 Border Collie have?
5-10 puppies 6-10 puppies 4-8 puppies

Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie 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 1995 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.
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
The American Int. Border Collie Registry
The American Border Collie Association

Rate This Comparsion - Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie

Reviews

  • M. Petlvr

    Sep 15, 2021, 9:14:37 PM:

    Love this site! Great informational guide!