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Labrador Retriever vs German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Lab or Deutscher Spitz or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Labrador Retriever vs German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog" Compare Labrador Retriever and German Spitz. Which is better: Labrador Retriever or German Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?
 
 
 
Name Labrador Retriever German Spitz Shetland Sheepdog
OriginsEngland flagEngland Canada flagCanada Germany flagGermany Scotland flagScotland
Group Gun Dog Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank134424
Reviews1126
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog breeds.
Lab
Labrador
Deutscher Spitz Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Labrador Retriever vs German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is the largest?
Large Small
Medium
Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Male: 24-33 pounds (11-15 kg), Female: 18-27 pounds (8-12 kg) 14-27 pounds (6-12 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: 28.5 pounds (13 kg), Female: 22.5 pounds (10 kg) 20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Labrador Retriever or German Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Labrador Retriever vs German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog height comparison:
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm) Male: 19-23 inches (48-58 cm), Female: 15-19 inches (38-48 cm) 13-16 inches (33-41 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 inches (53 cm), Female: 17 inches (43 cm) 14.5 inches (37 cm)

Labrador Retriever vs German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1000-$2000 $800-$1000 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Labrador Retriever or German Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.
Average: The German Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.

Labrador Retriever vs German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Very smart: German Spitz is an excellent dog breed.
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Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is easiest to train?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
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German Spitz dogs are easy to train.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most alert?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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German Spitz dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most protective?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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German Spitz dogs are average defenders.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Labrador Retriever vs German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Independent
Devoted
Lively
Attentive
Trainable
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
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 Spitz dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog 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 Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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Average: German Spitz dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Labrador Retriever vs German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog social needs comparison:
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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German Spitz dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Shetland Sheepdog 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 Spitz dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Shetland Sheepdog 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 Spitz dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Shetland Sheepdog 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 Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
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Average to High: The German Spitz is a vocal breed.
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A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most playful?
The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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The German Spitz is a playful breed.
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Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which adapts best to small spaces?
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 Spitz indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.

Labrador Retriever vs German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most flexible?
Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: German Spitz dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Labrador Retriever or German Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?
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.
Shetland Sheepdog 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 Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The German Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which uses mouth most during play?
Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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German Spitz dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

German Spitz bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Labrador Retriever vs German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of German Spitz: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which handles climate changes best?
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 Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has fewer health issues?
The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Spitzs are commonly healthy dogs.
The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
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 Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Labrador Retriever vs German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog 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
Luxating Patella
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Dental Problems
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Epilepsy
Heart Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly
Haemophilia
Trichiasis

Labrador Retriever vs German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most active?
Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Spitz dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Labrador Retriever vs German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Labrador Retriever or German Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
German Spitz dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Labrador Retriever or German Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?
Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Labrador Retriever vs German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Low to Average: The German Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Labrador Retriever vs German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. What colors are available?
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Black
White
Orange
Tricolor
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
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Advanced: The German Spitz requires a lot of grooming.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which drools least?
The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
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The German Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has least natural smell?

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Dense
Straight
Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which requires most frequent baths?
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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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Labrador Retriever or German Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Labrador Retriever or German Spitz or {name3 shedding:
Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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German Spitz dogs shed above average.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Labrador Retriever vs German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best with kids?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Spitz dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
German Spitz dogs are generally with other pets.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Labrador Retriever or German Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Labrador Retriever or German Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Labrador Retriever or German Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Labrador Retriever vs German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Yes
Labrador Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Spitz dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shetland Sheepdog 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 Spitz is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shetland Sheepdog 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 Spitzs are usually recommended for elderly people.
Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Labrador Retriever vs German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best suited for service work?

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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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which excels in therapy work?

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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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has best nose work ability?

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.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best for SAR work?

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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best suited for water work?

Yes

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

German Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has most military use?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

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

Labrador Retriever vs German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has most puppies?
5-10 puppies 2-4 puppies 4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. What's recommended?

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.

Labrador Retriever vs German Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the European Spitz section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Labrador Retriever, German Spitz, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has most recognition?
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
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service
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

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