Which is Better between the Labrador Retriever and the Sheepadoodle? A Very Detailed Review.

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Labrador Retriever Versus Sheepadoodle: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Labrador Retriever and the Sheepadoodle 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 Labrador Retriever and for the Sheepadoodle. 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 Labrador Retriever and the Sheepadoodle.

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

Labrador Retriever versus Sheepadoodle

Labrador Retriever versus Sheepadoodle: Overview

Both the Labrador Retriever and the Sheepadoodle are similar in size. The Labrador Retriever and the Sheepadoodle are both large-sized dogs.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Sheepadoodle belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Labrador Retriever versus Sheepadoodle: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Labrador Retriever to the Sheepadoodle 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 Labrador Retriever and the Sheepadoodle

Factor Labrador Retriever Sheepadoodle
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
Height 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder 16 to 22 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 55 to 80 pounds 60 to 80 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1290 $1910
Price Range $850 – $1500 $1471 – $2300
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Centronuclear Myopathy
  • D Locus (Dilute) DNA Test
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • prcd-PRA DNA Test
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Labrador Retriever 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 Sheepadoodle. 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 Labrador Retriever is 74 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Sheepadoodle is 91 out of 125.

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

    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 Labrador Retriever and the Sheepadoodle so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Labrador Retriever versus Sheepadoodle

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Labrador Retriever and the Sheepadoodle

    Below is a list of where the Labrador Retriever and the Sheepadoodle are most different:

  • Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Sheepadoodles adapt well to apartment living.
  • Labrador Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Sheepadoodles do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Labrador Retriever and the Sheepadoodle

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

  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Sheepadoodle do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Sheepadoodle have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Sheepadoodle 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 Labrador Retriever and the Sheepadoodle are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Sheepadoodle get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Sheepadoodle get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Sheepadoodle are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Sheepadoodle gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Sheepadoodle are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Sheepadoodle have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Sheepadoodle require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Sheepadoodle are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Labrador Retriever versus Sheepadoodle

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Labrador Retriever and the Sheepadoodle.

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

    On the other hand, Sheepadoodles weigh 60 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Sheepadoodles are 16 to 22 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Labrador Retriever versus Sheepadoodle

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

    The lifespan of Sheepadoodles is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Sheepadoodles is 13.5 years.

    Sheepadoodles live longer than Labrador Retrievers.

    Labrador Retriever versus Sheepadoodle

    Price of Labrador Retriever versus Price of Sheepadoodle

    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 a Labrador Retriever can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1413 Labrador Retriever puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Sheepadoodle puppy is $1910. The price of the Sheepadoodle typically ranges from $1471 – $2300. However, the price of the Sheepadoodle can be as low as $600 and as high as $5500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 356 Sheepadoodle puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Sheepadoodle is more expensive than the Labrador Retriever.

    Labrador Retriever Sheepadoodle
    Average Price $1290 $1910
    Price Range $850 to $1500 $1471 to $2300

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Labrador Retrievers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Labrador Retrievers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Sheepadoodles

    A breakdown of the prices of Sheepadoodles

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Labrador Retriever puppy or the Sheepadoodle 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.

    Labrador Retriever versus Sheepadoodle

    Adopting the Labrador Retriever versus Adopting the Sheepadoodle

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Labrador Retrievers and many Sheepadoodles 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 Labrador Retriever named Bourbon that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Labrador Retrievers like Bourbon on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Labrador Retrievers, Sheepadoodles are also available for adoption. For example, Mcdougal is a Male Sheepadoodle that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Sheepadoodles like Mcdougal that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Labrador Retriever and the Sheepadoodle can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Lincoln is the name of another Labrador Retriever (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    You can find more Labrador Retrievers and Sheepadoodles that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Labrador Retriever versus Sheepadoodle

    Labrador Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Sheepadoodles do not like to be left alone.

    Do Labrador Retrievers shed more than Sheepadoodles?

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

    Sheepadoodles do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Labrador Retriever or the Sheepadoodle

    Labrador Retrievers drool moderately.

    Sheepadoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Labrador Retriever or the Sheepadoodle?

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Sheepadoodles are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Labrador Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sheepadoodle?

    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.

    Sheepadoodles 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 Labrador Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Sheepadoodles?

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

    Sheepadoodles are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sheepadoodles Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Labrador Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Sheepadoodles can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Labrador Retriever vs. Sheepadoodle

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

    Sheepadoodles do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sheepadoodles Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Sheepadoodles can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Labrador Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Sheepadoodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Labrador Retrievers good family dogs? What about Sheepadoodles?

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

    Sheepadoodles are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Labrador Retrievers and Sheepadoodles?

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

    Sheepadoodles get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Labrador Retriever Easier to Train than the Sheepadoodle?

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Sheepadoodles are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Labrador Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Sheepadoodle?

    Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sheepadoodles adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Labrador Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.

    Sheepadoodles are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labrador Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever:

  • Golden Retriever (75 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Sheepadoodle vs Golden Retriever.
  • Aussiedoodle (73 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Sheepadoodle vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Flat-Coated Retriever (77 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Sheepadoodle vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Shiloh Shepherd (79 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Sheepadoodle vs Shiloh Shepherd.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sheepadoodle

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Sheepadoodle 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 Sheepadoodle:

  • Standard Poodle (77 percent match with Sheepadoodle). Here is our comparison of the Labrador Retriever vs Standard Poodle.
  • Portuguese Water Dog (78 percent match with Sheepadoodle). Here is our comparison of the Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog.
  • Schnoodle (77 percent match with Sheepadoodle). Here is our comparison of the Labrador Retriever vs Schnoodle.
  • Bernedoodle (79 percent match with Sheepadoodle). Here is our comparison of the Labrador Retriever vs Bernedoodle.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Labrador Retriever and how the Sheepadoodle compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Labrador Retriever and of the Sheepadoodle to other breeds:

    Labrador Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Labrador Retriever versus Bulldog     Labrador Retriever versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Labrador Retriever versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Puli     Labrador Retriever versus Canaan Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Labrador Retriever versus Boxer     Labrador Retriever versus Maremma Sheepdog     Labrador Retriever versus Silky Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Maltipoo     Labrador Retriever versus Dutch Shepherd     Labrador Retriever versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Labrador Retriever versus Samoyed     Labrador Retriever versus Belgian Sheepdog     Labrador Retriever versus Bullmastiff     Labrador Retriever versus Australian Cattle Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Irish Water Spaniel     Labrador Retriever versus Yorkipoo     Labrador Retriever versus Mudi     Labrador Retriever versus German Longhaired Pointer     Labrador Retriever versus Newfoundland     Labrador Retriever versus American Water Spaniel     Labrador Retriever versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Pyredoodle     Labrador Retriever versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     

    Sheepadoodle Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sheepadoodle versus Belgian Tervuren     Sheepadoodle versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Sheepadoodle versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Sheepadoodle versus Puggle     Sheepadoodle versus Spanish Mastiff     Sheepadoodle versus Welsh Terrier     Sheepadoodle versus Cockalier     Sheepadoodle versus Yorkipoo     Sheepadoodle versus English Setter     Sheepadoodle versus Briard     Sheepadoodle versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Sheepadoodle versus Bracco Italiano     Sheepadoodle versus Sloughi     Sheepadoodle versus Finnish Spitz     Sheepadoodle versus Pyredoodle     Sheepadoodle versus Irish Setter     Sheepadoodle versus Catahoula Bulldog     Sheepadoodle versus Lhasapoo     Sheepadoodle versus Harrier     Sheepadoodle versus Japanese Spitz     Sheepadoodle versus Manchester Terrier     Sheepadoodle versus Cockapoo     Sheepadoodle versus Westiepoo     Sheepadoodle versus Goldador     Sheepadoodle versus Bulldog     

    Conclusion: Labrador Retriever versus Sheepadoodle. 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 Labrador Retriever and the Sheepadoodle better suits you and your family.