Which is Better Between the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever?

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Anatolian Shepherd Dog Versus Labrador Retriever: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and for the Labrador Retriever. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Anatolian Shepherd Dog or the Labrador Retriever.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog versus Labrador Retriever: Overview

A very important difference between the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a giant-sized dog while the Labrador Retriever is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the Labrador Retriever belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog versus Labrador Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Anatolian Shepherd Dog to the Labrador Retriever based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever

Factor Anatolian Shepherd Dog Labrador Retriever
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 5/5
Life Span 11 to 13 years 10 to 12 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Height 2 feet, 3 inches to 2 feet, 5 inches tall at the s 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Weight 80 to 150 pounds 55 to 80 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $990 $1290
Price Range $750 – $1150 $850 – $1500
Temperament Score 83.3 percent 92.2 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Centronuclear Myopathy
  • D Locus (Dilute) DNA Test
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • prcd-PRA DNA Test
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Anatolian Shepherd Dog in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Labrador Retriever. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Labrador Retriever is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a better pet than the Labrador Retriever. So, you should get the Anatolian Shepherd Dog!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever

    Below is a list of where the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever are most different:

    • Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Labrador Retrievers are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Anatolian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Labrador Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Anatolian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs. However, Labrador Retrievers get along well with other dogs.
    • Anatolian Shepherd Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Labrador Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Labrador Retrievers are prone to nip and chew at things.

    The Similarities Between the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever are most similar:

    • Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever are very easy to train.
    • Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Size Comparison of Anatolian Shepherd Dog versus Labrador Retriever

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever.

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs weigh 80 to 150 pounds when fully grown. Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are 2 feet, 3 inches to 2 feet, 5 inches tall at the s when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Labrador Retrievers weigh 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Labrador Retrievers are 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Anatolian Shepherd Dog versus Labrador Retriever

    The lifespan of Anatolian Shepherd Dogs is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Anatolian Shepherd Dogs is 12.0 years.

    The lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is 11.0 years.

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs live longer than Labrador Retrievers.

    Temperament of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Versus the Labrador Retriever

    The Labrador Retriever has a better temperament than the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Labrador Retriever is 92.2 percent while the temperament score for the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is 83.3 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 83.3 percent, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 92.2 percent, the Labrador Retriever has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever by measuring the temperaments of 36 Anatolian Shepherd Dogs and 842 Labrador Retrievers.

    Price of Anatolian Shepherd Dog versus Price of Labrador Retriever

    The average price of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog puppy is $990. The price of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $750 – $1150. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 119 Anatolian Shepherd Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Labrador Retriever puppy is $1290. The price of the Labrador Retriever typically ranges from $850 – $1500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1413 Labrador Retriever puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Labrador Retriever is more expensive than the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and Labrador Retriever. For different price points, the charts show how many Anatolian Shepherd Dog puppies or how many Labrador Retriever puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Anatolian Shepherd Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Anatolian Shepherd Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Labrador Retrievers

    A breakdown of the prices of Labrador Retrievers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Anatolian Shepherd Dog puppy or the Labrador Retriever puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of Anatolian Shepherd Dog versus Health Problems of Labrador Retriever

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Labrador Retriever is prone to more genetic health problems than the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Labrador Retriever than for the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.

    2 health tests are recommended for Anatolian Shepherd Dog while 8 tests are recommended for the Labrador Retriever.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Anatolian Shepherd Dogs and in Labrador Retrievers.

    Anatolian Shepherd Dog Health Problems

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Anatolian Shepherd Dog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Anatolian Shepherd Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Anatolian Shepherd Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Anatolian Shepherd Dogs for:

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Anatolian Shepherd Dogs here.

    Labrador Retriever Health Problems

    Labrador Retrievers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Labrador Retriever puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Labrador Retriever puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Labrador Retriever breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Labrador Retrievers for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Centronuclear Myopathy
  • D Locus (Dilute) DNA Test
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • prcd-PRA DNA Test

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Labrador Retrievers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Anatolian Shepherd Dog versus Labrador Retriever

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Labrador Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Anatolian Shepherd Dogs shed more than Labrador Retrievers?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Labrador Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog or the Labrador Retriever

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs drool moderately.

    Labrador Retrievers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog or the Labrador Retriever?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Labrador Retriever?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Labrador Retrievers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Labrador Retrievers?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Labrador Retrievers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Labrador Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Anatolian Shepherd Dog vs. Labrador Retriever

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Labrador Retrievers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Labrador Retrievers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog or the Labrador Retriever?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Labrador Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Anatolian Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Labrador Retrievers?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    Labrador Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Anatolian Shepherd Dogs and Labrador Retrievers?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Labrador Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Labrador Retriever?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are very easy to train.

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Is the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Labrador Retriever?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog or the Labrador Retriever?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Labrador Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Anatolian Shepherd Dog versus Labrador Retriever. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever better suits you and your family.