Differences and Similarities between the German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever.

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German Shepherd Dog Versus Labrador Retriever: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German 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 German 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German 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 German 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 German 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 German Shepherd Dog or the Labrador Retriever.

German Shepherd Dog versus Labrador Retriever

German Shepherd Dog versus Labrador Retriever: Overview

Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever are similar in size. The German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever 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 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.

German Shepherd Dog versus Labrador Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever

FactorGerman Shepherd DogLabrador Retriever
Does NOT Drool5/53/5
Height1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder
Life Span10 to 14 years10 to 12 years
Good For Novice Owners2/53/5
Tolerates Being Alone2/52/5
Dog Friendly2/55/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight4/51/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/53/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living3/51/5
Tolerates Hot Weather3/53/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/53/5
Friendly Toward Strangers4/55/5
General Health4/53/5
Low Prey Drive2/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/52/5
Easygoing1/51/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/55/5
Does NOT Shed1/51/5
Easy To Groom5/55/5
Easy To Train5/55/5
Intelligence5/55/5
Does NOT chew on things1/51/5
NOT Rambunctious1/51/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor1/51/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/51/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Weight75 to 95 pounds55 to 80 pounds
Average Lifespan12.0 years11.0 years
Average Price$1280$1290
Price Range$800 – $1500$850 – $1500
Temperament Score85.3 percent92.2 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend annually until age 6, every 2 years thereafter
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Temperament Test
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Centronuclear Myopathy
  • D Locus (Dilute) DNA Test
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • prcd-PRA DNA Test
    • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds
    Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds)37

    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 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 German Shepherd Dog is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Labrador Retriever is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the German Shepherd Dog is a better pet than the Labrador Retriever. So, you should get the German 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    German Shepherd Dog versus Labrador Retriever

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

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

  • German Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs. However, Labrador Retrievers get along well with other dogs.
  • German Shepherd Dogs are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Labrador Retrievers gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.

    • The Similarities Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever

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

  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the German 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever are very easy to groom.
  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever are very easy to train.
  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever are highly intelligent.
  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of German Shepherd Dog versus Labrador Retriever

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

    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, 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 German Shepherd Dog versus Labrador Retriever

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

    German Shepherd Dogs live longer than Labrador Retrievers.

    German Shepherd Dog versus Labrador Retriever

    Temperament of the Labrador Retriever Versus the German Shepherd Dog

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

    This is because the temperament score for the Labrador Retriever is 92.2 percent while the temperament score for the German Shepherd Dog is 85.3 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 85.3 percent, the German Shepherd Dog has an above-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 German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever by measuring the temperaments of 3383 German Shepherd Dogs and 842 Labrador Retrievers.

    Price of German Shepherd Dog versus Price of Labrador Retriever

    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 $800 and as high as $1500. 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 Labrador Retriever puppy is $1290. The price of the Labrador Retriever typically ranges from $850 – $1500. However, the price of the Labrador Retriever can be as low as $850 and as high as $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 German Shepherd Dog.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the German Shepherd Dog and Labrador Retriever. For different price points, the charts show how many German Shepherd Dog puppies or how many Labrador Retriever 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 German 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 German 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.

    German Shepherd Dog versus Labrador Retriever

    The Intelligence of the German Shepherd Dog versus the Intelligence of the Labrador Retriever

    `
    German Shepherd Dog Labrador Retriever
    Intelligence Rank 3 out of 130 dog breeds 7 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After Fewer Than 5 Repetitions Tend To Learn New Commands After Fewer Than 5 Repetitions

    Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.

    According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
  • Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
  • Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
  • Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.

    • Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.

    This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.

    To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.

    Prof. Coren found that the German Shepherd Dog has an obedience intelligence rank of 3 out of 130 dog breeds. The German Shepherd Dog belongs to the `Brightest Dogs` category. This means that German Shepherd Dogs tend to learn new commands after fewer than 5 repetitions.

    The Labrador Retriever has an obedience intelligence rank of 7 out of 130 dog breeds. The Labrador Retriever belongs to the `Brightest Dogs` category. This means that Labrador Retrievers tend to learn new commands after fewer than 5 repetitions.

    The German Shepherd Dog is more intelligent than the Labrador Retriever.

    However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.

    Health Problems of German 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 German 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 German Shepherd Dog.

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

    7 health tests are recommended for German Shepherd Dog while 8 tests are recommended for the Labrador Retriever.

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

    German Shepherd Dog Health Problems

    German Shepherd Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing German 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 German Shepherd Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your German 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 German Shepherd Dogs for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend annually until age 6, every 2 years thereafter
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Temperament Test

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for German 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: German Shepherd Dog versus Labrador Retriever

    German Shepherd Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Labrador Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do German Shepherd Dogs shed more than Labrador Retrievers?

    German Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

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

    German Shepherd Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Labrador Retrievers drool moderately.

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

    German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    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 German Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Labrador Retrievers?

    German Shepherd Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

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

    German Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Labrador Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: German Shepherd Dog vs. Labrador Retriever

    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.

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    German 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 German Shepherd Dog or the Labrador Retriever?

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

    Labrador Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

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

    German Shepherd Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

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

    German Shepherd Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

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

    German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to train.

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train.

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

    German Shepherd Dogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Labrador Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: German 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Labrador Retriever better suits you and your family.