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

"Find similarities and differences between Whippet vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd" Compare Whippet and Labrador Retriever. Which is better: Whippet or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Whippet Labrador Retriever German Shepherd
OriginsEngland flagEngland England flagEngland Canada flagCanada Germany flagGermany
Group Hunting Dogs Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank6112
Reviews21121
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd breeds.
Snap Dog
English Whippet
Lab
Labrador
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Whippet vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.
25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg) 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)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg) Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Whippet or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? Whippet vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd height comparison:
Male: 18.5-20 inches (46-51 cm), Female: 17.5-19 inches (44-48 cm) 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)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 19 inches (48.5 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Whippet vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

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

Whippet vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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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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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which is easiest to train?
Whippet dogs are easy to train.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most alert?
Whippet dogs are average watchdogs.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most protective?
Whippet dogs can't provide protection for their territory.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Whippet vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd? Compare temperaments.
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Outright
Companionable
Adaptable
Quiet
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Whippet dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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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.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Whippet vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd?
Average: Whippet dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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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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Social Needs
Whippet vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Whippet dogs need for social interaction is average.
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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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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Whippet is strong enough to escape from home.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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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?
Whippet dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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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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Whippet vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal?
Low: The Whippet barks none to minimal.
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Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Whippets, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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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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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Whippet breed.
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.

Whippet vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible?
Whippet dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Whippet or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
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.

Whippet vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Whippet has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Whippet bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Whippet vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Whippet: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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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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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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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues?
The Whippet is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
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.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Whippet should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
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).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Whippet vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Whippet vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Heart Murmurs
Hypothyroidism
Von Willebrand's Disease
Heart Problems
Deafness
Vaccination Sensitivity
Drug Sensitivity
Arthritis
Kidney Issues
Addison's Disease
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

Whippet vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

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

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low: The Whippet has good luck with genetics.
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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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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which needs most food?
1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 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.

Whippet vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Whippet has a low chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fine
Short
Close in texture
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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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.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Whippet or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? Whippet or Labrador Retriever or {name3 shedding:
Whippet dogs are low shedders.
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Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Whippet vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which is best with kids?
Whippet dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever 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?
Whippet dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Whippet or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Whippet dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Whippet or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd?
Whippet dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Whippet or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd?
Whippet dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very 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: Whippet vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Whippet dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
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.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Whippet is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Labrador Retriever 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?
Whippets are usually recommended 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.

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

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

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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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which excels in therapy work?

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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Yes

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

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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which is best for SAR work?

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.

Yes

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

Not really

Whippet breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes 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 Whippet, Labrador Retriever, 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 Whippet, Labrador Retriever, 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.

Whippet vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies?
4-8 puppies 5-10 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Whippet, Labrador Retriever, 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 Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. 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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Whippet vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Hound breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group, in the Short-haired Sighthounds section. 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.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Whippet, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
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
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

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