Here is a dilemma for devoted dog lovers: How can you choose between the Top Two dogs in the Most Popular Dog Breeds list of the American Kennel Club (AKC)? If you are presently debating on whether a Labrador Retriever or a German Shepherd Dog (GSD) is the right dog for you, then you are certainly in a bind.
Both breeds have solid working and show roots. They can also make good pets because of their loyalty to their owners.
Let’s take a look at the similarities and differences between Labradors and GSDs so that it will be easier for you to make the right choice.
The Statistics
Both Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherd Dogs are large breed dogs. However, GSDs are larger than Labs, with a height of 22-26 inches and weight of 50-90 pounds. Labs are smaller at 21.5-24.5 inches in height and 55-80 pounds in weight.
Physical Appearance
It is very easy to distinguish a Lab from a GSD. Labs come in three standard coat colors, namely black, chocolate, and yellow. GSDs have 11 standard coat color variants, with the most common being the black and tan variant.
Both breeds have a double coat. A Lab has a short, dense outer coat with a soft and insulating undercoat. In contrast, a GSD’s outer coat consists of medium length hairs. The breed’s undercoat is also soft and provides insulation against the elements.
Labs look more solid and muscular than GSDs. However, the GSD has better muscle definition and it is greater in length than height, so that it appears leaner, stronger, and more powerful than a Lab. In addition, the GSD’s legs give it a longer gait, so that it has greater speed and agility than a Lab.
One distinguishing characteristic of GSDs is its large, floppy ears that seem to be bigger than its head.
Shedding
Both the Lab and GSD are year-round moderate shedders, thanks to their double coats. In regular days, it is sufficient to give these dogs’ coats a good brushing once a week.
However, during coat blow periods in the spring and fall, Labs would need to be brushed twice a week. With their medium length hairs, GSDs would require brushing two to three times a week or more depending upon the amount of shedding.
Personality and Temperament
Personality and temperament are arguably the main distinguishing features between the two breeds.
Let’s start with the Labrador Retriever. Labs are noted to be friendly, affectionate, intelligent, and loyal dogs. They are especially noted for their sociable behavior, especially if they have been socialized well. They get along very well with children as well as other pets in the home, even cats!
They are high energy level dogs, requiring longer periods for walks, exercise, and playtime twice a day. Not allowing them to release this pent-up energy can lead to undesirable behaviors, including incessant barking and chewing.
Because of their friendly nature, Labs will not make good guard dogs. It’s even been said that Labs would either retreat or lick an intruder who breaks into your home. However, with the proper training, Labs can become good watch dogs because of their deep, loud barks which serve as a danger alert to their owners.
Let’s now talk about German Shepherd Dogs. GSDs are not really noted for being friendly and affectionate dogs, although they can be quite loyal and loving toward their owners. They are highly intelligent, alert, and focused dogs. However, their protective instincts are quite strong. If they have not been socialized well, they will bond to a single person in the home and may not be ideal companions for small, energetic children. In fact, it is believed that 50 percent of dog bites in kids below 12 years of age are caused by GSDs. When it comes to bite fatalities, GSDs rank second to Pitbulls.
It is because of their alertness and potential for aggression that GSDs can make excellent guard dogs. It certainly is no wonder that GSDs are considered to be the best dogs for people in law enforcement.
Despite their strength, speed, and agility, GSDs are actually medium energy level dogs. They only need 30 minutes to one hour for exercise. After a round of physical activity, you can expect your GSD to be napping on the floor or in its doggy bed.
Potential Health Issues
Labs and GSDs are prone to a number of health conditions. Among the diseases that commonly afflict them are allergies, skin irritations, hip and elbow dysplasia (owing to their large sizes), and eye diseases, such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).
Because of their blockier build, there is a tendency for Labrador Retrievers to become obese. Obesity can aggravate or hasten the onset of elbow and hip dysplasia and other joint problems.
Of specific concern in GSDs is the breeding to create what is called a “banana back”. In this condition, there is a pronounced downward slope in the GSD’s back so that its hind legs are in a crouch. The idea behind the “banana back” is to enable the dog to have greater force in their gait. However, not only does this exaggerated slope cause pain and difficulty in walking; it may lead to degenerative myelopathy of the spine and pelvis resulting in hind leg paralysis and ultimately death. Thankfully, reputable breeders have recognized the health risk of the “banana back” and would not develop or breed GSDs with this potentially debilitating feature.
These are the main similarities and differences between Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherd Dogs. Again, Labs make the best family dogs, serving as friendly companions to you and your kids. However, their congenial nature does not make them ideal guard dogs.
In contrast, GSDs should be your choice if you want a canine that can serve as a guard dog in your home because of their alertness, instinctive protectiveness, and aggression potential. Again, if your GSD is also going to be your family pet, you should take the necessary steps at socialization, so that your dog will get along well with children and other animals in the home.
