German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever
Side-by-side comparison: lifespan, size, temperament, grooming and health.
The Labrador Retriever suits active families wanting a sociable, easygoing companion: males weigh 65-80 pounds, stand 22.5-24.5 inches, and typically live 10-12 years. The German Shepherd suits experienced owners who want a protective, highly trainable working dog: males weigh 75-95 pounds, stand 24-26 inches, and typically live 9-13 years. Choose the Lab if you prioritize an outgoing temperament and lighter upkeep, and the Shepherd if you need stronger guarding instinct and can commit to intensive training, exercise, and coat care.
| German Shepherd | Labrador Retriever | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium to large; males typically weigh 75-95 pounds | Medium to large; males typically weigh 65-80 pounds |
| Height | Males typically stand 24-26 inches tall at the shoulder | Males typically stand 22.5-24.5 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Lifespan | 9-13 years | 10-12 years |
| Temperament | Intelligent, loyal, courageous, protective, reserved with strangers | Outgoing, friendly, even-tempered, eager to please, intelligent |
| Grooming | Dense double coat sheds heavily year-round and more in season, so brush several times a week (daily during heavy sheds) and bathe as needed. | Short, dense, weather-resistant double coat sheds moderately, so weekly brushing plus a bit more during seasonal sheds keeps it tidy. |
| Common health issues | Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, bloat (GDV), allergies, and heart disease, so joint and nerve screening matters. | Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, obesity, eye problems, exercise-induced collapse, and heart issues, so weight control and joint monitoring are key. |
Key facts
- German Shepherd lifespan: 9-13 years.
- Labrador Retriever lifespan: 10-12 years.
- German Shepherd size: Medium to large; males typically weigh 75-95 pounds.
- Labrador Retriever size: Medium to large; males typically weigh 65-80 pounds.
Sources
Full breed profiles
Read the complete profiles: German Shepherd · Labrador Retriever