8 Difference Between German Shepherd And Labrador Retriever (With Pictures)

German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs. It is one of the popular breed in Canada and United States. The breed’s standard height is at 24 to 26 inches for males and 22 to 24 inches for females. They have a domed forehead, a long square-cut muzzle with strong jaws and a black nose. Germany shepherd have a double coat which is close and dense with a thick undercoat. Most commonly, they are either tan/black or red/black.

The Labrador retriever also referred to as Labrador, is a large breed of retriever-gun dog. The Labrador is one of the most popular breeds of a dog in United Kingdom and the United States. The breed is best known for their obedience, loyalty and playful composure. They are usually prized as sporting and hunting dogs. Labrador comes in three colors, brown colors, black or yellow.

A purebred dog of Labrador retriever and German shepherd may be at an enhanced risk of developing common dog ailments such as hip dysplasia, eye diseases, allergies and skin irritation. Both Germany shepherds and Labrador are highly intelligent and easily trainable dogs.

Below is a detailed explanation of the characteristic differences between Labrador retriever and Germany Shepherd. The basis of comparison Include: classification, weight, height, appearance, shedding and grooming, temperament health problems among others.

The Difference

The German shepherd is classified as a large breed dog. On the other hand, Labrador retriever is classified as a medium breed dog.

German shepherd has a height of between 22 to 26 inches (adult Males average 2 inches taller than adult females). On the other hand, Labrador retriever has a height of between 21.5 to 24.5 inches (adult male’s average 1 inch taller than adult females).

The average weight of a German shepherd is between 65 to 90 pounds for adult males and between 50 to 70 pounds for adult female whereas the average weight for Labrador retriever is between 65 and 80 pounds for adult males and between 55 to 70 pounds for females.

German Shepherds can have many different coat colors, from light tan and grey to deep, rich brown with black accents. On the other hand, Labrador retriever can be yellow, black or chocolate.

German Shepherds are heavy shedders whereas Labrador retrievers shed moderately.

German shepherd’s longer and shaggier coat will require grooming several times each week during peak shedding times. Labrador retriever on the contrary, requires nearly daily brushing and weekly grooming to keep the shedding hair under control.

The German shepherd can be described as courageous, intelligent, obedient, confident, curious, loyal and watchful. Labrador retriever can be described as affectionate, cheerful, friendly, intelligent, loyal, playful, responsive and out-going.

German shepherds are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. Labrador Retrievers may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.

German shepherds can be affected by hip dysplasia, eye diseases, allergies, skin irritation etc. Labrador retriever are prone to hip dysplasia, obesity, gradual vision loss.

Also Read: Difference Between BullMastif And English Mastiff

German Shepherd Vs Labrador Retriever In Tabular Form

BASIS OF COMPARISON	GERMAN SHEPHERD	LABRADOR RETRIEVER
Classification	The German Shepherd is classified as a large breed dog.	Labrador Retriever is classified as a medium breed dog.
Height	22 to 26 inches (adult Males average 2 inches taller than adult females).	21.5 to 24.5 inches (adult male’s average 1 inch taller than adult females).
Weight	The average weight of German Shepherd is between 65 to 90 pounds for adult males and between 50 to 70 pounds for adult female.	The average weight for Labrador retriever is between 65 and 80 pounds for adult males and between 55 to 70 pounds for females.
Appearance	German Shepherds can have many different coat colors, from light tan and grey to deep, rich brown with black accents.	Labrador retriever can be yellow, black or chocolate.
Shedding	German Shepherds are heavy shedders.	Labrador retrievers shed moderately.
Grooming	German Shepherd’s longer and shaggier coat will require grooming several times each week during peak shedding times.	Labrador retriever requires nearly daily brushing and weekly grooming to keep the shedding hair under control.
Temperament	Alert courageous Intelligent Obedient Confident Curious Loyal Watchful	Affectionate Cheerful Friendly Intelligent Loyal Playful Responsive Out going
Affectionate Level	German shepherds are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.	Labrador Retrievers may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
Health Problems	German shepherds can be affected by hip dysplasia, eye diseases, allergies, skin irritation etc.	Labrador retriever are prone to hip dysplasia, obesity, gradual vision loss.

Similarities

Both the German shepherd and Labrador retriever are very vocal and will bark/howl frequently.

Both are purebred

Both German shepherd and Labrador retriever are very intelligent dogs.

Both are easy to train

Both do not like an irregular daily routine, noisy household and frequent guest visits.

Both can adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.

Both can be used to detect substances such as illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood and contraband electronics.

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