Quick Links: Table of Contents
- German Shepherd Dog Versus Labradoodle: Introduction
- German Shepherd Dog versus Labradoodle: Overview
- German Shepherd Dog versus Labradoodle: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Labradoodle
- The Similarities Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Labradoodle
- Size (Weight and Height) of German Shepherd Dog versus Labradoodle
- Lifespan of German Shepherd Dog versus Labradoodle
- Price of German Shepherd Dog versus Price of Labradoodle
- Adopting the German Shepherd Dog versus Adopting the Labradoodle
- Tolerates Being Alone: German Shepherd Dog versus Labradoodle
- Do German Shepherd Dogs shed more than Labradoodles?
- Which one drools more, the German Shepherd Dog or the Labradoodle
- Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shepherd Dog or the Labradoodle?
- Does the German Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Labradoodle?
- Do German Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Labradoodles?
- Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Labradoodles Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: German Shepherd Dog vs. Labradoodle
- Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Labradoodles Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shepherd Dog or the Labradoodle?
- Are German Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Labradoodles?
- How Kid-friendly are German Shepherd Dogs and Labradoodles?
- Is the German Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Labradoodle?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Shepherd Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labradoodle
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: German Shepherd Dog versus Labradoodle. Which One is a Better Pet?
German Shepherd Dog Versus Labradoodle: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Shepherd Dog and the Labradoodle? 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Labradoodle 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Labradoodle.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Shepherd Dog and the Labradoodle 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 German Shepherd Dog and for the Labradoodle. 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Labradoodle.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the German Shepherd Dog or the Labradoodle.
German Shepherd Dog versus Labradoodle: Overview
Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Labradoodle are similar in size. The German Shepherd Dog and the Labradoodle are both large-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the German Shepherd Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
On the other hand, the Labradoodle belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.
German Shepherd Dog versus Labradoodle: Comparison Table
The table below compares the German Shepherd Dog to the Labradoodle 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Labradoodle
| Factor | German Shepherd Dog | Labradoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall | 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 75 to 95 pounds | 50 to 65 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1280 | $1640 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1500 | $1000 – $2000 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German 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 Labradoodle. 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 German Shepherd Dog is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Labradoodle is 94 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Labradoodle is a better pet than the German Shepherd Dog. So, you should get the Labradoodle!
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 German Shepherd Dog and the Labradoodle so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Labradoodle
Below is a list of where the German Shepherd Dog and the Labradoodle are most different:
The Similarities Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Labradoodle
The German Shepherd Dog and the Labradoodle are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Shepherd Dog and the Labradoodle are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of German Shepherd Dog versus Labradoodle
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Shepherd Dog and the Labradoodle.
German Shepherd Dogs weigh 75 to 95 pounds when fully grown. German Shepherd Dogs are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall when fully grown.
On the other hand, Labradoodles weigh 50 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Labradoodles are 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of German Shepherd Dog versus Labradoodle
The lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is 12.0 years.
The lifespan of Labradoodles is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Labradoodles is 13.0 years.
Labradoodles live longer than German Shepherd Dogs.
Price of German Shepherd Dog versus Price of Labradoodle
The average price of the German Shepherd Dog puppy is $1280. The price of the German Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $800 – $1500. However, the price of a German Shepherd Dog can be as low as $195 and as high as $6500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1776 German Shepherd Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Labradoodle puppy is $1640. The price of the Labradoodle typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of the Labradoodle can be as low as $250 and as high as $5850. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 2360 Labradoodle puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Labradoodle is more expensive than the German Shepherd Dog.
| German Shepherd Dog | Labradoodle | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1280 | $1640 |
| Price Range | $800 to $1500 | $1000 to $2000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the German Shepherd Dog and Labradoodle. For different price points, the charts show how many German Shepherd Dog puppies or how many Labradoodle puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of German Shepherd Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Labradoodles?
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the German Shepherd Dog puppy or the Labradoodle 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.
Adopting the German Shepherd Dog versus Adopting the Labradoodle
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many German Shepherd Dogs and many Labradoodles are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male German Shepherd Dog named Brownie 2 that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable German Shepherd Dogs like Brownie 2 on pefinder.com.
Also, like German Shepherd Dogs, Labradoodles are also available for adoption. For example, Duke is a Male Labradoodle that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Labradoodles like Duke that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Valiant is the name of another German Shepherd Dog (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Johnny is an adorable Male Labradoodle on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more German Shepherd Dogs and Labradoodles that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: German Shepherd Dog versus Labradoodle
German Shepherd Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Labradoodles can be left alone for some time without problems.
Do German Shepherd Dogs shed more than Labradoodles?
German Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Labradoodles shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the German Shepherd Dog or the Labradoodle
German Shepherd Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Labradoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shepherd Dog or the Labradoodle?
German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.
Labradoodles are very easy to groom.
Does the German Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Labradoodle?
German Shepherd Dogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Labradoodles 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 German Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Labradoodles?
German Shepherd Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Labradoodles are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Labradoodles Tolerate Cold Weather?
German Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Labradoodles can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: German Shepherd Dog vs. Labradoodle
German Shepherd Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Labradoodles have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Labradoodles Tolerate Hot Weather?
German Shepherd Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Labradoodles can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shepherd Dog or the Labradoodle?
German Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Labradoodles get along very well with other dogs.
Are German Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Labradoodles?
German Shepherd Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Labradoodles are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are German Shepherd Dogs and Labradoodles?
German Shepherd Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Labradoodles get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the German Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Labradoodle?
German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to train.
Labradoodles are very easy to train.
Is the German Shepherd Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Labradoodle?
German Shepherd Dogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Labradoodles adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Shepherd Dog or the Labradoodle?
German Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Labradoodles are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Shepherd Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Shepherd Dog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the German Shepherd Dog:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labradoodle
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Labradoodle that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Labradoodle:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the German Shepherd Dog and how the Labradoodle compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the German Shepherd Dog and of the Labradoodle to other breeds:
German Shepherd Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
German Shepherd Dog versus Havanese German Shepherd Dog versus Braque du Bourbonnais German Shepherd Dog versus Norwegian Lundehund German Shepherd Dog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon German Shepherd Dog versus Australian Kelpie German Shepherd Dog versus Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd Dog versus German Wirehaired Pointer German Shepherd Dog versus Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Dog versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog German Shepherd Dog versus Neapolitan Mastiff German Shepherd Dog versus American Eskimo Dog German Shepherd Dog versus Pyrenean Mastiff German Shepherd Dog versus Tibetan Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel German Shepherd Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd Dog versus Kooikerhondje German Shepherd Dog versus Airedale Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus Sussex Spaniel German Shepherd Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd Dog versus Standard Schnauzer German Shepherd Dog versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever German Shepherd Dog versus Miniature Pinscher German Shepherd Dog versus Bichon Frise German Shepherd Dog versus Yorkshire Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus Korean Jindo Dog
Labradoodle Versus Other Dog Breeds
Labradoodle versus Saint Bernard Labradoodle versus Finnish Lapphund Labradoodle versus Australian Shepherd Labradoodle versus Boxerdoodle Labradoodle versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Labradoodle versus Maltese Labradoodle versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Labradoodle versus Karelian Bear Dog Labradoodle versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Labradoodle versus Whoodle Labradoodle versus Border Terrier Labradoodle versus Kai Ken Labradoodle versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Labradoodle versus French Spaniel Labradoodle versus Tibetan Spaniel Labradoodle versus Shiranian Labradoodle versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Labradoodle versus Aussiedoodle Labradoodle versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Labradoodle versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Labradoodle versus Standard Poodle Labradoodle versus Sloughi Labradoodle versus Shihpoo Labradoodle versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Conclusion: German Shepherd Dog versus Labradoodle. 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Labradoodle better suits you and your family.