Australian Shepherd versus Labrador Retriever. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022

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Australian Shepherd Versus Labrador Retriever: Introduction

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

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

Australian Shepherd versus Labrador Retriever

Australian Shepherd versus Labrador Retriever: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Australian Shepherd 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.

Australian Shepherd versus Labrador Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever

FactorAustralian ShepherdLabrador Retriever
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/51/5
Does NOT Drool5/53/5
Easy To Groom1/55/5
Life Span12 to 15 years10 to 12 years
Height18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder21 to 24 inches at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners2/53/5
Tolerates Being Alone2/52/5
General Health2/53/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/55/5
Does NOT Shed3/51/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/53/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/53/5
Kid-Friendly4/55/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/51/5
Does NOT chew on things2/51/5
Low Prey Drive2/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor2/51/5
Weight40 to 65 pounds55 to 80 pounds
Easygoing1/51/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Dog Friendly5/55/5
Easy To Train5/55/5
Intelligence5/55/5
Tendency NOT to Wander1/53/5
NOT Rambunctious1/51/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/51/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Average Lifespan13.5 years11.0 years
Average Price$1180$1290
Price Range$800 – $1500$850 – $1500
Temperament Score82.2 percent92.2 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • 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 Breeds151
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Labrador Retriever is 74 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Labrador Retriever, we still believe that the Australian Shepherd is a better pet than the Labrador Retriever.

    This is because Australian Shepherds are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Australian Shepherd will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Australian Shepherd :-). We are for the Australian Shepherd. So get a Australian Shepherd!

    Australian Shepherd versus Labrador Retriever

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever

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

  • Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever

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

  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever are very easy to train.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Labrador Retriever

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

    The Australian Shepherd weighs 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. The Australian Shepherd is 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Labrador Retriever weighs 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. The Labrador Retriever is 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Size of Australian Shepherd versus Size of Labrador Retriever

    Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever

    Australian Shepherd Colors

    The Australian Shepherd comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Black
    • Merle (Red)
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Harlequin
    • Merle (Blue)
    • White / Cream
    • Apricot / Beige
    • Bicolor
    • Golden
    • Brindle

    The Australian Shepherd comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • White / Cream
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Black
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Sable
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Merle (Blue)

    Labrador Retriever Colors

    The Labrador Retriever comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Black
    • White / Cream
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Golden
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Brindle

    The Labrador Retriever comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Black
    • White / Cream

    Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Labrador Retriever

    The lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is 13.5 years.

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

    The Australian Shepherd live longer than the Labrador Retriever.

    Australian Shepherd versus Labrador Retriever

    Temperament of the Australian Shepherd Versus the Labrador Retriever

    The Labrador Retriever has a better temperament than the Australian Shepherd.

    This is because the temperament score for the Labrador Retriever is 92.2 percent while the temperament score for the Australian Shepherd is 82.2 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 82.2 percent, the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever by measuring the temperaments of 702 Australian Shepherds and 842 Labrador Retrievers.

    Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Labrador Retriever

    The average price of the Australian Shepherd puppy is $1180. The price of the Australian Shepherd typically ranges from $800 – $1500. However, the price of a Australian Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $12009. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2674 Australian Shepherd 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 $100 and as high as $5000. 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 Australian Shepherd.

    Australian Shepherd Labrador Retriever
    Average Price $1180 $1290
    Price Range $800 to $1500 $850 to $1500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Shepherds. 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 Australian Shepherd 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.

    Australian Shepherd versus Labrador Retriever

    The Popularity of Australian Shepherd versus Popularity of Labrador Retriever

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Labrador Retriever is more popular with dog owners than the Australian Shepherd. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Labrador Retriever is 1 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Australian Shepherd is 15 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Australian Shepherd

    Popularity of Australian Shepherd

    Popularity of Labrador Retriever

    Popularity of Labrador Retriever

    Year Australian Shepherd Popularity Rank Labrador Retriever Popularity Rank
    2013 20 1
    2014 18 1
    2015 17 1
    2016 16 1
    2017 17 1
    2018 15 1
    2019 13 1
    2020 12 1
    2021 12 1

    Health Problems of Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd.

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

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

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Australian Shepherds and in Labrador Retrievers.

    Australian Shepherd Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Australian Shepherds 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.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Australian Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Australian Shepherd Breed is Cataracts problems.

    This is because the Australian Shepherd ranks 1 out of 5 dog breeds for Cataracts problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 107 Australian Shepherds, 2 of them had Cataracts problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Australian Shepherds, and how common these diseases are in Australian Shepherds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Cataracts problems: Rank 1 out of 5 Dog Breeds
  • Multiple Drug Resistance (Mdr1) problems: Rank 2 out of 7 Dog Breeds
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems: Rank 7 out of 32 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 12 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Shoulder problems: Rank 19 out of 22 Dog Breeds
  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 28 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 60 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 66 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 77 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 103 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 133 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 150 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Labrador Retriever Breed is Achromatopsia Day Blindness problems.

    This is because the Labrador Retriever ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Achromatopsia Day Blindness problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 87 Labrador Retrievers, 0 of them had Achromatopsia Day Blindness problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Labrador Retrievers, and how common these diseases are in Labrador Retrievers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Achromatopsia Day Blindness problems: Rank 1 out of 1 Dog Breeds
  • D Locus problems: Rank 1 out of 3 Dog Breeds
  • Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis problems: Rank 1 out of 1 Dog Breeds
  • Copper Toxicosis problems: Rank 2 out of 2 Dog Breeds
  • Exercise Induced Collapse problems: Rank 3 out of 6 Dog Breeds
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes problems: Rank 8 out of 40 Dog Breeds
  • Shoulder problems: Rank 13 out of 22 Dog Breeds
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems: Rank 16 out of 32 Dog Breeds
  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 25 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 29 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 39 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 41 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 66 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 76 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 78 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 103 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 119 out of 182 Dog Breeds

  • The table below lists the common health problems in Australian Shepherd and in Labrador Retriever and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever:

    Disease Australian Shepherd Rank Labrador Retriever Rank
    Cataracts problems 1 out of 5 dog breeds Not Common
    Multiple Drug Resistance (Mdr1) problems 2 out of 7 dog breeds Not Common
    Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems 7 out of 32 dog breeds 16 out of 32 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 12 out of 70 dog breeds 39 out of 70 dog breeds
    Shoulder problems 19 out of 22 dog breeds 13 out of 22 dog breeds
    Dentition Database problems 28 out of 49 dog breeds 25 out of 49 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems 60 out of 159 dog breeds 66 out of 159 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems 66 out of 115 dog breeds 76 out of 115 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 77 out of 144 dog breeds 41 out of 144 dog breeds
    Patella problems 103 out of 145 dog breeds 78 out of 145 dog breeds
    Eyes problems 133 out of 182 dog breeds 119 out of 182 dog breeds
    Hips problems 150 out of 198 dog breeds 103 out of 198 dog breeds
    Achromatopsia Day Blindness problems Not Common 1 out of 1 dog breeds
    D Locus problems Not Common 1 out of 3 dog breeds
    Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis problems Not Common 1 out of 1 dog breeds
    Copper Toxicosis problems Not Common 2 out of 2 dog breeds
    Exercise Induced Collapse problems Not Common 3 out of 6 dog breeds
    Legg-Calve-Perthes problems Not Common 8 out of 40 dog breeds
    Advanced Cardiac problems Not Common 29 out of 71 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Labrador Retriever

    Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Labrador Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Labrador Retrievers?

    Australian Shepherds shed moderately.

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

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

    Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom.

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

    Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Labrador Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Labrador Retrievers?

    Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Labrador Retriever?

    Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Labrador Retriever

    Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Labrador Retrievers drool moderately.

    How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers?

    Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

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

    Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Labrador Retrievers?

    Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Labrador Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Labrador Retriever

    Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Labrador Retriever?

    Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Labrador Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.

    Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Australian Shepherd compares to other breeds aside from the Labrador Retriever. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Australian Shepherd to other breeds:

    Australian Shepherd versus Afghan Hound     Australian Shepherd versus Lancashire Heeler     Australian Shepherd versus Basset Hound     Australian Shepherd versus Bearded Collie     Australian Shepherd versus Boykin Spaniel     Australian Shepherd versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Australian Shepherd versus Toy Fox Terrier     Australian Shepherd versus Sussex Spaniel     Australian Shepherd versus Great Pyrenees     Australian Shepherd versus Cane Corso     Australian Shepherd versus Italian Greyhound     Australian Shepherd versus Shiba Inu     Australian Shepherd versus Morkie     Australian Shepherd versus Pyredoodle     Australian Shepherd versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Australian Shepherd versus Japanese Chin     Australian Shepherd versus Tibetan Terrier     Australian Shepherd versus Plott     Australian Shepherd versus Finnish Lapphund     

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

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