Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever
Compare Shetland Sheepdog and Labrador Retriever 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
Shetland Sheepdog
Labrador Retriever
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
35 – 37 cm
55 – 57 cm
Weight
6 – 12 kg
25 – 36 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 13 years
10 – 12 years
Child friendly
3/5
4/5
Energy level
4/5
5/5
Intelligence
5/5
5/5
Trainability
3/5
5/5
Health
4/5
3/5
Grooming needs
4/5
4/5
Shedding
5/5
4/5
Barking level
5/5
2/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
2/5
Characteristics
Shetland Sheepdog
High energy
Super smart
Small
Labrador Retriever
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Quiet
Easy to train
Large
Summary
About Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog is a small to medium, agile herding breed with a dense double coat and striking colors. Bright, sensitive, and very people focused, it bonds closely with family, is reserved with strangers, excels in dog sports, and needs regular grooming, daily walks, and mental exercise.
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.
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