Labrador Retriever vs Australian Shepherd
Compare Labrador Retriever and Australian Shepherd side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Labrador Retriever
Australian Shepherd
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
55 – 57 cm
46 – 58 cm
Weight
25 – 36 kg
14 – 29 kg
Life expectancy
10 – 12 years
13 – 16 years
Child friendly
4/5
3/5
Energy level
5/5
3/5
Intelligence
5/5
3/5
Trainability
5/5
4/5
Health
3/5
4/5
Grooming needs
4/5
4/5
Shedding
4/5
3/5
Barking level
2/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
3/5
Characteristics
Labrador Retriever
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Quiet
Easy to train
Large
Australian Shepherd
Easy to train
Medium
Summary
About Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are medium‑large, athletic, friendly dogs with a strong swimming ability and short, dense, water‑repellent coats in yellow, black, or chocolate. Intelligent and food‑motivated, they train easily, need daily exercise and mental work, and are widely used as family and working dogs.
About Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a medium, athletic herding dog, highly intelligent and energetic. Loyal and people oriented, it bonds closely and needs substantial daily exercise, training, and mental work. Its striking, weather resistant coat and varied eye colors add to its appeal.
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