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Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Spitz Comparison - Dog breed selector: Lab or Golden Flat Coat or Nihon Supittsu? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Spitz" Compare Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever. Which is better: Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Japanese Spitz?
 
 
 
Name Labrador Retriever Golden Retriever Japanese Spitz
OriginsEngland flagEngland Canada flagCanada Scotland flagScotland Japan flagJapan
Group Gun Dog Gun Dog Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank13229
Reviews11169
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz breeds.
Lab
Labrador
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Nihon Supittsu
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Spitz Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) 11-20 pounds (5-10 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: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) 15.5 pounds (7.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Japanese Spitz? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Spitz height comparison:
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) 12-15 inches (30-38 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) 13.5 inches (34 cm)

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Spitz Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1000-$2000 $1000-$2000 $500-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Japanese Spitz?
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Average: The Japanese Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Spitz Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Labrador Retriever 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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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. Which is easiest to train?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
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Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most alert?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most protective?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Spitz Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Playful
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Proud
Companionable
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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Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Japanese Spitz 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 Golden Retriever vs Japanese Spitz?
Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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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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High: Japanese Spitz dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Spitz social needs comparison:
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Japanese Spitz 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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Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Japanese Spitz 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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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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Japanese Spitz dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Spitz Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most playful?
The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Spitz breed.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Spitz Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most flexible?
Labrador Retriever 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.
Japanese Spitz dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Japanese Spitz?
Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Japanese Spitz dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Spitz Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Japanese Spitz bite force: Weak.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Spitz Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. 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 Japanese Spitz can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. 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.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Japanese Spitz 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 Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Japanese Spitz 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 Golden Retriever vs Japanese Spitz? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Spitz 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
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Patellar Luxation
Runny Eyes

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Spitz Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most active?
Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Spitz exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Japanese Spitz? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Japanese Spitz?
Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Japanese Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Spitz Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Low to Average: The Japanese Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. Which needs most food?
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. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Spitz Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. What colors are available?
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Golden
Light
White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Advanced: The Japanese Spitz requires a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. Which drools least?
The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
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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.
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The Japanese Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. Which has least natural smell?

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Thick
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. 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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2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Japanese Spitz? Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or {name3 shedding:
Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately.
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Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Spitz Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. Which is best with kids?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Japanese Spitz dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Japanese Spitz? Which dog is more friendly?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Japanese Spitz?
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Japanese Spitz?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Spitz?
Yes
Labrador Retriever 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.
Yes
Japanese Spitz 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.
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Japanese Spitz 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.
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Japanese Spitzs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Spitz As a Working Dog Comparison

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

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 Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. Which excels in therapy work?

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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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. Which has best nose work ability?

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 & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. Which is best for SAR work?

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. Which is best suited for water work?

Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Yes

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

Japanese Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. 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, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. 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 Golden Retriever vs Japanese Spitz Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. Which has most puppies?
5-10 puppies 5-10 puppies 1-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. 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, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Spitz Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. 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 Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Spitz. 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
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
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club

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