Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison – Which dog is better Lab or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd?

"Find similarities and differences between Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog" Compare Labrador Retriever and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is better: Labrador Retriever or Shetland Sheepdog?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Labrador Retriever	Shetland Sheepdog
Origins	England Canada	Scotland
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Gun Dog	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	1	24
Reviews	11	6
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare different names used for Labrador Retriever and Shetland Sheepdog. What other names are these breeds known by?	Lab Labrador	Dwarf Scotch Shepherd Sheltie Shetland Collie Toonie Dog Miniature Collie
Breed Classification Compare breed classifications between a Labrador Retriever and a Shetland Sheepdog. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.	Purebred	Purebred

Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Large	Medium
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between a Labrador Retriever and a Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is heavier?	Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)	14-27 pounds (6-12 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)	20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height Which is taller, Labrador Retriever or Shetland Sheepdog? Is a Labrador Retriever taller than a Shetland Sheepdog?	Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)	13-16 inches (33-41 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm)	14.5 inches (37 cm)

Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy prices between a Labrador Retriever and a Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed costs more?	$1000-$2000	$800-$1000
Availability Which is easier to get, Labrador Retriever or Shetland Sheepdog?	Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.

Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.	Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare training requirements.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Which makes a better watchdog: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare alertness levels.	Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare territorial behaviors.	Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of a Labrador Retriever and a Shetland Sheepdog. How do their temperaments differ?	Playful Loving Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Social Cheerful	Playful Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog?	Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog?	Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. See more.	High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog social needs comparison:	Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog?	Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog? Which can be better for hunting?	Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare vocalization tendencies.	Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally. See more.	A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Which breed is more playful: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare play drive and energy.	The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare living space needs.	It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.	It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Which adapts better to changes: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare adaptability levels.	Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Labrador Retriever or Shetland Sheepdog?	Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Which has lower bite risk: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare biting tendencies.	Moderate ⏺ The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Which is more mouthy: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare mouthing behaviors.	Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Which has a stronger bite: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare bite force PSI.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare average lifespans.	10-12 years The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare climate tolerances.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.
Health Concerns Compare common health issues between a Labrador Retriever and a Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is healthier?	The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog?	Average The Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog health problems comparison:	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Epilepsy Ear Infections Elbow Dysplasia Osteochondrosis Dissecans Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia Acute Moist Dermatitis Cold Tail Myopathy	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Epilepsy Heart Problems Drug Sensitivity Elbow Dysplasia Collie Eye Anomaly Haemophilia Trichiasis

Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Which breed is more energetic: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare activity levels.	Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Labrador Retriever or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Labrador Retriever or Shetland Sheepdog?	Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare obesity risks.	High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.	Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Which eats more: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare daily food needs.	Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare allergy friendliness.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for Labrador Retriever and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare breed colors.	Black Yellow Chocolate	Black Tan Blue White Sable Merle
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare maintenance needs.	Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare drooling amounts.	The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler. See more.	The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Which has less odor: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare natural smell levels.	High 🔼 The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics How do coats differ between a Labrador Retriever and a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare fur types.	Dense Waterproof Hard Short	Dense
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare bathing frequencies.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Labrador Retriever or Shetland Sheepdog? Do Labrador Retriever dogs shed more than Shetland Sheepdog dogs?	Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Which is better with children: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare kid-friendliness.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Labrador Retriever or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly?	Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Labrador Retriever or Shetland Sheepdog?	Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Labrador Retriever or Shetland Sheepdog? Can a Labrador Retriever and a Shetland Sheepdog be friends? Do Labrador Retriever dogs get along with Shetland Sheepdog dogs?	Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog?	Yes Labrador Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Labrador Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Shetland Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Which makes a better service dog: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare service capabilities.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Which is better for therapy work: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare therapy capabilities.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Which is better at detection work: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare scenting abilities.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential Which is better for search and rescue: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare SAR abilities.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Which is better on boats: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare maritime abilities.	Yes Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Not really Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Which is better at pulling: a Labrador Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare draft work capabilities.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military history between Labrador Retriever and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has stronger military background?	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between Labrador Retriever and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has larger litters?	5-10 puppies	4-6 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between Labrador Retriever and Shetland Sheepdog breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between Labrador Retriever and Shetland Sheepdog. Which needs longer recovery?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of Labrador Retriever and Shetland Sheepdog. Which groups do they belong to?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI classifications of Labrador Retriever and Shetland Sheepdog. Which groups are they in?	Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare kennel club recognition between Labrador Retriever and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is more widely recognized?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Canadian Canine Registry	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Canadian Canine Registry

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Reviews

Ishan.
Jun 8, 2020, 1:29:43 AM:
Very useful as we are deciding which one to take-a labrador or a shetland sheepdog.