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Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Comparison - Dog breed selector: Lab or Alsatian wolf dog or Golden Flat Coat? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever" Compare Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd. Which is better: Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Labrador Retriever German Shepherd Golden Retriever
OriginsEngland flagEngland Canada flagCanada Germany flagGermany Scotland flagScotland
Group Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank123
Reviews91914
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Lab
Labrador
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

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

Size
Which is bigger, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Which is the smallest dog, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
Large Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or German Shepherd? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever 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: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 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: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever 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: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 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: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

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

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

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

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever 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: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever 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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Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? 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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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
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.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?
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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High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever 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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Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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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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Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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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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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 vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?
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 Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
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 Golden Retriever breed in the home.

Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever 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.
Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever?
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.
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 vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

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

Golden Retriever 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.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever 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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Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever health comparison. Which is the healthier: Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?
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.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever 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
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
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).
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever lifespan comparison. How long do Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd and Golden Retriever 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
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?
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.
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.

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

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

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

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
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. 3 to 4 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 Golden Retriever 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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High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever coat comparison:
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Fuzzy Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Colors
What are the original Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd and Golden Retriever color?
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Golden
Light
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? 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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Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
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.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever?

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever 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 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.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever 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.
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?
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
Golden Retriever 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.
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds 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.
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever 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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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? 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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Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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.

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 Golden Retriever?

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.

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes 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.
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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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever have?
5-10 puppies 6-10 puppies 5-10 puppies

Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever 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 1925 as a Sporting 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 Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers 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
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

Rate This Comparsion - Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever

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