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

"Find similarities and differences between Labrador Retriever vs Samoyed vs German Shepherd" Compare Labrador Retriever and Samoyed. Which is better: Labrador Retriever or Samoyed or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Labrador Retriever Samoyed German Shepherd
OriginsEngland flagEngland Canada flagCanada Russia flagRussia Germany flagGermany
Group Gun Dog Sled Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank1572
Reviews111621
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd breeds.
Lab
Labrador
Bjelkier
Nenetskaya Laika
Sammy
Samoiedskaya Sobaka
Smiley
Samoyedskaya
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Labrador Retriever vs Samoyed vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?
Large Medium Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Male: 45-65 pounds (20.5-30 kg), Female: 35-50 pounds (16-20.5 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 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: 55 pounds (25 kg), Female: 42.5 pounds (19 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Labrador Retriever or Samoyed or German Shepherd? Labrador Retriever vs Samoyed vs German Shepherd height comparison:
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm) Male: 21-23.5 inches (53-60 cm), Female: 19-21 inches (48-53 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm) Male: 21-23.5 inches (56.5 cm), Female: 20 inches (50.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Labrador Retriever vs Samoyed vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1000-$2000 $1200-$1500 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Labrador Retriever or Samoyed or German Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Samoyed is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Labrador Retriever vs Samoyed vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Playful
Stubborn
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Lively
Sociable
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
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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Samoyed dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Labrador Retriever vs Samoyed vs German Shepherd?
Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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High: Samoyed dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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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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Social Needs
Labrador Retriever vs Samoyed vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Samoyed dogs are a social breed.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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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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The wanderlust potential of the Samoyed is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Samoyed dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Labrador Retriever vs Samoyed vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
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Average: The Samoyed barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most playful?
The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Samoyeds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. 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 Samoyed indoors.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.

Labrador Retriever vs Samoyed vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible?
Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Samoyed dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Labrador Retriever or Samoyed or German Shepherd?
Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Samoyed 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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Labrador Retriever vs Samoyed vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Samoyed has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. 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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Samoyed dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, 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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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Samoyed bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Labrador Retriever vs Samoyed vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Samoyed: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. 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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Prefers cold weather
The Samoyed can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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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.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. 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.
The Samoyed is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
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.
Average
The Samoyed 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).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Labrador Retriever vs Samoyed vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs Samoyed vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Diabetes
Pulmonic Stenosis
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

Labrador Retriever vs Samoyed vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most active?
Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Samoyed dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Labrador Retriever vs Samoyed vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Labrador Retriever or Samoyed or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Samoyed dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Labrador Retriever or Samoyed or German Shepherd?
Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Samoyed dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

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

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Samoyed's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 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. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Labrador Retriever vs Samoyed vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Samoyed has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Dense Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. 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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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Labrador Retriever or Samoyed or German Shepherd? Labrador Retriever or Samoyed or {name3 shedding:
Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Samoyed dogs are heavy shedders.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Labrador Retriever vs Samoyed vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. Which is best with kids?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Samoyed dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd 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.
Samoyed dogs are generally with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Labrador Retriever or Samoyed or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Samoyed dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Labrador Retriever or Samoyed or German Shepherd?
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Samoyed dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Labrador Retriever or Samoyed or German Shepherd?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Samoyed dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Labrador Retriever vs Samoyed vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Labrador Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Samoyed 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.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Labrador Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Samoyed is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Samoyeds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Labrador Retriever vs Samoyed vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. 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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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. 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, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. 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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. 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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for water work?

Yes

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

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

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. 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, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. 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.

Yes

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

Labrador Retriever vs Samoyed vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies?
5-10 puppies 4-6 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. 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, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. 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 Samoyed vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1906 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. 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 Nordic Sledge Dogs 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, Samoyed, and German Shepherd. 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
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

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